The weekly tribune and the Cape County herald. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1914-1918, 1915-04-23
Tells of Relations Between
Barnes and 'Big Business
i'm Politics.
HE DEFENDS HIMSELF
IN BIG LIBEL SUIT
Bitterness Shown in Trial After
Friends Fail to Squelch
Suit.

vigorous manner, testified in his own
defense this afternoon at the trial of
the $4,000 suit for alleged libel
brought against him by William
Barnes. The former President told in
detail of his experiences with "Boss"
Barnes when Roosevelt was Governor
of New York. Once, he said, when he
expressed establishment to Barnes that
special message he had sent to the
Legislature had been torn up, Barnes
told him he was foolish to believe the
the Legislature would do anything on
so important a matter until orders had
been received from the organization.
Roosevelt's recital dealt largely with
Barnes solicitude for "big business"
When the Colonel's name was called
he arose from his seat at the table &C.
cupied by his counsel and smilingly
walked around to the witness chair.
In reply to question he said he
was the man who made the statement
complained of. He added:
81 am So years old and have wife
and six children"
In reply to questions by Attorney
Bowers, he told in a firm, clear voice
the story of his early life. Then he
sketched his political career. He told
of his appointment on the Civil Serv-
ice Commission, to the office of Po-
lice Commissioner of New York and
Assistant Secretary of the Navy. He
then told of organizing with Gen.
Wood the Rough Rider regiment to
participate in the war with Spain.
Barnes changed his seat so he could
watch his opponent while he was tell
ing of the work of the Rough Riders
in Cuba.
Barnes attorney objected to his line
of testimony and Bowers said he was
trying to show just who the witness
was.
Roosevelt's counsel renewed their
motion to dismiss Barnes suit, alleg-
ing Roosevelt's remarks were "priv-
LEGGED" and Barnes had failed to prove
Roosevelt's charges were actuated by
deliberate malice.
Justice Andrews denied the motion,
but allowed Barnes counsel to offer
proof of malice.
After preliminary questions Roose-
welt told of forming the Rough Riders
Of the mobilization at San Antonio and
the trip to Cuba. Then he followed
up his career from that point. Barn
IS counsel continually directing to the
minute details as immaterial.
Col. Roosevelt recounted his early |
with Barnes during the
lime Of his term as Governor of New |
York and told of seeing him at the
Executive Mansion and communicate
ng with him by letter
Justice Andrews late this afternoon
signed an order compelling State
Comptroller Travis to turn over State
'ecords demanded under subpoena by
he Roosevelt attorneys, which he
has refused to surrender.
"Prove your charges" was the gage
# battle thrown down today by
Barnes, accepting Roosevelt's defense
# justification" Barnes evidence
vas submitted and the plaintiffs case
'ested before the luncheon recess was
aiken. Roosevelt's side admitted all J
acts of publication of the alleged
ibel.
Hot shot was poured into both sides
is the trial got under actual Roadway
With opening statements to the jury
rom both sides. The attorneys in
heir alternate criticism of Barnes and
Roosevelt gave taste of the excoria-
ion and political expose promised.
t1ost of the morning was occupied by
he counsels' opening statements.
Barnes lawyer told the jury it is
Up to Roosevelt to prove the charges
f Barnes being in "an alliance of
rocked business and crooked poll
ics."
eve now call upon this man of pow
r, this arbiter Of the nations morals,
o prove this statement" was the
hallenge of Barnes counsel.
Roosevelt accepted the issue.
"This is a fight for decent govern
nent," retorted the Colonel's lawyer.
the attack was not made against an
but against the SYSTEM" he
aid.
Roosevelt listened intently to his !
rite. When his alleged libelous {
tatement was read, Roosevelt bobbed !
is head continuously in emphatic re- {
pproval. {
"a money verdict on one side or the {