Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1915-04-21
Colonel Is Permitted 10 Tell
History of Life by Way Of
Identifying Himself TO the
Jury,
PLAINTIFF RESTS
WITH ONE WITNESS
Story Of Political Views Of
William Barnes and Late
Senator Plat Is Aired in
Court
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-
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Syracuse, n. Y. April 90 Theodore
Roosevelt, former president OF the
United statca. went on the witness
stand In the supreme court here to-
day and testified in an effort 60 prove
his contention that he was justified in
causing the publication OF the state
ment upon which william Barnes
sued him to recover $4,000 for al
legged libel Under oath. he said that
the former chairman Of the republi-
can state committee had urged him
not to antagoniZe men OF large bust
ness who contributed 10 both the
democratic and republican parties so
that they would be protected.
Mr.. Barnes told him, Colonel
Roosevelt said, that Il was essential
to protect big business in this because
unless they were protected they
would not make contributions 10 the
party falling 20 protect them and that
without such contributions It was Inn
/ possible To carry on the organization.
| without the organization lenders and
/ hosses. the former president quoted
/ MIR. Barnes as saying, party govern
/ nent would be impossible.
/ Tells of Barnes Views.
| Colonel Roosevelt talked TO the
counsel for both sides, offered sug
gestions and entered into a discussion
OF more than one point with Justice
William s. Andrews, presiding, whom
he addressed as "Judge.F He was en-
Itirely al his ease in the witness chair.
He stretched his arms over the back
i of His chair crossed frat one leg and
then the other aud adjusted and re-
adjusted his glasses from time 20
time.
He cut ali his wefds of shortly ex-
cept when he mentioned the name OF
Mr. Barnes. He drew out the name OF
HIS opponent and put d peculiar. pro
nuncatlon upon the last syllable
spectators said TINT every time he
mentioned the maine OF MIR. Barnes
they were reminded of tho noise
made by a pebble dropping into a
pool Of still water.
Mr.. Barnes himself appeared TO be
very much interested IN the first part
of Colonel Roosevelt's testimony AS
it progressed, however, the plaintiff
In the action seemed to lose Interest
land he first retired from the seat close
to the witness stand to one farther
Iaway and then left the room.
Plaintiffs Evidence III.
Barnes attorneys had rested be-
fore Colonel Roosevelt was called 70
the stand. They completed presenta-
tion Of their case In twenty minutes
land called as their single witness the
ldefendant's own private secretary.
colonel Roosevelt" said Mr. Bow
Iers an attorney, "dld you tell Mr..
Barnes you intended to send a mes
sage to the legislature advocating the
passage of the franchise tax bill?"
AFTER the bill was passed." he
lcontlnued. "Mr. Barnes urged me 10
follow Senator platt's advice and re-
fuse to sign the franchise bill. Mr..
Barnes said he made the request In
the interest OF the general public. He
also asked me not to back the bill"
"Did Mr. Barnes ever talk to you
lahout re-appointing Louis II Payn,
as superintendent OF lnsurance?" ask
ed Mr.. Bowers
"Yes," replied the witness. He
talked To me several times about
pawn In the executive mansion and
lother places. | was contemplating the
lremoynl OF Mr.. payn and Mr.. Barnes
was opposed to that So was Mr..
piatt MIR. Barnes told me he was
against Mr.. payn aud said he hnd
ndyised Mr.. platt not TO insist upon
Mr.. Payne. Mr., Barnes said that Mr..
Platts reasons for wanting Mr..
Pawn retained was that Mr.. Payn
stood I'm the good gfaces of men who
were high up In business affairs.
81 had talk With Senator Platt
land he told me / would he beaten on
confirmation of any man ] might de-
lclde upon 10 take Mr.. Payu's place. l
told that to Mr. Barnes and he said
Senator Platt was right and that Mr.
payn must be reappointed Then |
made an investigation and found that
what MIR. Barnes and Senator Platt
had said apparently was true
! At that point Mr.. Roosevelt asked
the court whether lie might tell of TIE
conversations he had with Mr..
lBarnes on the ethics OF boss rule.
Justice Andrews said that was imma-
lterial witness and Justice then en-
TERED a discussion which resemoled
largument between counsel, but the
court held Ia fits original decision.