New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-11-03
TRIAL STOPS FOR REVIEW
CumminS Case Halted While
Fleet SteamS to Sea.
CHARACTER WITNESS CALLED
Elk. Governor Porter of Tennes-
see Says He Always Considered
Defendants Reputation Good.

Just after court had reconvened yester-
day morning for the trial Of William j.
Cummins Justice Davis remarked:
Gentlemen, there is a very patriotic
reason why we should not sit in this case
after O'Clock to-day Therefore we will
adjourn at that hour hope this is agree
able 10 counsel"
Frank Moss, Assistant District Attorney,
and Max d. Steuer counsel for Cummins,
Joined the jurors in nodding approval and
Mr.. Moss then plunged into the cross-ex-
animation of Joseph 3. Reichmann, for
mer president Of the Carnegie Trust Com
pany Before the examination was
completed. however. Reichmann was ex-
cused to make way for a character witness
MI Steuer seemed eager TO call.
At a word from the attorney for the de-
fence spare old nan. with a rudy face
/ like a winter apple, set off by a pure
white beard and hair resembling tufts OF
cotton, climbed nimby into the witness
chair His movements seemed particularly
spry in contrast to the painful steps OF Mr.
Reichmann, who looks like boy, but has
suffered two strokes Of paralysis. James
-. Porter was the name the old man gave.
He said he lived in Nashville.
How long have you lived in Tennes-
see?" asked Mr.. Steuer.
Something over eighty years" answered
the witness in firm. quiet voice, which
carried. Practically every one in the well
filled courtroom Strengthened up and leaned
forward in his char with smile Of in
credulity
please tell the jury" said Mr.. Steuer,
what public offices you have occupied"
He had been a member of the Tennes-
see Legislature in 1859 and 1860. and had
se~ved through the war, though he seemed
anxious to avoid this point, afraid, APP
parenty, that a Northern Jury might be
prejudiced against a Confederate veteran
In 1870 he had attended as delegate the
Tennessee Constitutional Convention. Cir
cult Judge. Governor of the state. presi-
dent Of the Nashville. Chattanooga g. St
Louis Railroad, assistant Secretary OF State,
minister to Chill. chancellor Of the Uni
versity Of Nashville and president of Pea
body College were other offices.
Il have known William J. Cummins all
his life" said he His father was a par
tcular friend of mine, and | knew his
mother. His reputation have always con-
sidered good"
You're sure about that point aren't
you?" Mr.. Moss asked.
yes. sir" said the former Governor. and
he blushed a little.
Reichmann, who was convicted last sum-
mer Of signing a false statement of the
Carnegie Trust Company's condition to the
State Banking Department, later obtain
ing a certificate Of reasonable doubt, re-
fused to answer certain questions on the
ground that he did not intend to furnish
the District Attorney with any more evil
dence he might want to use.
"You are not very willing to answer my
questions. are you, because you are under
indictment for identcaly the same crime as
the defendant in this case?' asked Mr..
Moss.
THAT is not my understanding"
What is your understanding"
81 understand that l am charged with
being the man who caused that man to do
his alleged stealing!" shouted the witness,
waving mis- hand toward Cummins and half
rising from his seat.
Reichmann persisted i'm his statement
that the money lent by the Van Norsen
Trust Company and the Nineteenth Ward
Bank, the money Cummins is accused of
stealing. was meant to be used to take
loans out OF the Carnegie Trust Company
10 which the State Banking Department
had objected and that the borrowers Of the
money had turned it over to Cummins for
this purpose, reposing full confidence in
him