The Washington times., 1916-05-15
TAFT MAKESFUNA At
RIGGS BANK TRIAL
Defense Springs Surprise by
Calling Former President as
Character Witness.
CONTINUED from First pass)

erage Arm OF Lewis, johnson n Co. and
the ktgRs National Bank.
The exhibits are contained In an ami
S S,y . Hd curing M Mor nssrns Dr sne
former bookkeeper for Lewis. johnson
Tiiese exhibits included bills OF pur-
chase and Of sale OF certain stocks made
through the defunct brokerage f1rm. :.
Immediately after the reading OF these
exhibits. to which MIR. Hogan OF counsel
for the defense objected on the ground
that District Attorney, Laskey had mot
only read them to the jury, but had
s before Ssle5 Justice tns cos sn wa. rs called n'
Tilt Over Questions.
Attorney Hogan had put but few
questions to Justice Mccoy when coun-
sci for the Government vigorously OBJ
jected TO the line of questioning adopted
by the attorney for the defense.
A sharp verbal battle, lasting for
nearly an hour ensued over the question
of whether or not the defense should be
corning the circumstances which led up
to the Ming Of the affidavit on which
the perjury charge In based.
Counsel for the Government argued
that Justice Mccoy had been called by
affidavit as one filed in the equity pro.
ceedings. The prosecution contendet
that since the witness had answers these
questions II was improper at the time
to cross-examine him on all the Incl
dents surrounding the Ming of tho
WhenIt became apparent that Justic,
Siddons would uphold the Government
objection TO the line of MT. Hogan'i
inquiry. the court excused the jury. ~
that counsel for the defense could pu
his questions to the witness without
the hearing of the jurors.
Attorney Hogan then continued hi
questions along similar lines, and as tn
court sustained objections raised by tn
prosecution, counsel for the defens'
noted exceptions to each ruling.
Could Not Remember.
When first examined Justice Mcco,
said he could not remember the circum
stances surrounding the filing OF thu
affidavit.
Several times during cross-examina
ton OF the witness Mr.. Hogan tried u
draw out statements that the latter ha,
heard arguments during the trial 0
the civil suit bearing on the jurisdic
ton OF the equity court.
Attorneys for the defense. In the opin
lon of lawyers In the court room. ar
! anxious to get before the jury testimon,
to the effect that during the trial o
ment contended that the equity cour
did not have jurisdiction.
II Is essential to prove perjury tina
| the false affidavit or testimony be en-
tered on the re cords OF court o
4 competent Jurisdiction. To prove tina
| the Riggs officials committed perjury.
II necessary. In the opinion OF lawyer
for the Government during the crimi
nal trial. 70 reverse its contention an
prove. af possible. that she eauit
Il t. AaAL az aA..xr I.s<
had ample Jurisdiction.
l., Arrives With Mr.. Glover.
N Accompanies by Mr.. Glover. III
former President arrived at the court
house shortly before 10 o'clock an
took his place in the court room nea
the defense counsel table.
Justice Siddons was five minutes lat
arriving at the courtroom. Immediatel
on the converting OF court, John T
stanchfeid. OF counsel for the d.
tense, explained that he had an agree
ment with District Attorney Laske
whereby Mr.. Taft would be permitted I
take the stand at this juncture OF tn
trial as a character witness for Mi
Glover.
Mr.. Taft was sworn by Clerk Mckee
| As the former President was takin
his seat on the witness stand, he turn
ed and bowed to Justice Siddons. whit
in turn, arose and returned the bow.
| In answer to questions from Mr
stanchfield, Mr.. Taft gave his residenc
as New Haven. and said that his OF
\ cupation was Kent professor OF la
at Yale University.
Are you acquainted with the d,
PENDANT. Charles C. Clover" asked NJ
lStanchfield.
eyes. 1 have known him for twent,
SIX years"
Where did you first make his a.
quaintance?"
well. / will have to go back fu
ther than that" replied Mr.. Taft.
George W. Riggs and my father we
classmates at Yale. When my faith
came here in the Grant Cabinet. he r
newed the Acquaintance with Mr.. Pig
and his associates In the banking bus
} ness When came here. I renew,
the ACQUAINTANCE made by my fathe
met Mr.. Glover at the bank and in
social way when I was Solicitor Ge
eral."
Her, the witness caused considerat
mirth in the court room by stating tn
social activities OF a solicitor general a
limited because he doesn't have mu'
money"
| M Taft axplained the proximity