The Washington times., 1916-04-05

ting forth which OF the approximately
C,ND transactions listed the Government
charged were for the account of the
bank. and seekiiig an early trial under
Then. followed repeated and .naistent
efforts by counsel for MeEsrs. Glover.
F'lather md Father to obtain the carli-
est est possible trial: but these efforts hay-
their formal appeal to the court today.
Bill Promised.
THE affidavits fled today further
show that rs long ago as February II.
ana after repeated efforts on the part
of counsel for the officers. the District
Attorney promised the defendants such
bill of particulars as they had out
lined, but that he has thus far failed
to furnish II. They also show that
since January 3. last. the District At
torney In numerous conversations and
letters has heen urged to grant the
defendants an opportunity to meet In
court the charge against them: that on
March 20 the District Attorney was
advised, in writing. that the Postmaster
General. Mr.. Burleson, had informed
counsel for the defendants that the At
torney General had stated that the de-
fendants could have a trial as soon as
they desired It.
"On March q, the District Attorney
advised counsel for the defendants that
he had applied to the Attorney General
Tor the al! OF additional counsel in the
answer until after further conference
with the Attorney General, and that he
hnally. on March %. set May 8 as the
date for the trial saying that the desis-
DEFENDANTS wish for the earliest pos
slblc trial. ~. p. ~. 49,.
Counsel for the defendants then
wrote the District Attorney that not
only would a delly until May prove
severe disappointment to them, but
that would prove a serious menace to
business and financial interests OF tho
highest Importance In. Washington that
they had what must be regarded as
authentic information that the existence
of the untried indictments 10 liable to
be assigned by the Comptroller of the
currency as a reason for refusing to
renew the charter Of the Riggs National
bank. In this letter counsel for the
defendants continue:
Unfortunate Situation"
This matter OF the approaching ex-
piration of the charter, you will recall
was mentioned at our interview with
you on January 6. as one OF the reasons
why an early trial was desired.
| 1--WE trust that you. and the Depart
ment OF Justice, which you represent,
will agree with us that it would be a
most unfortunate situation should one
branch OF the Government threaten the
existence OF the largest and most Inn
portant financial institution Of the Ma
| tional Capital because those indictments
are untried, while another branch OF
months S.mTn@ has Seen for several
| quest OF the defendants for an early
trial, and this Notwithstanding the fact
| that, since the opening OF the courts in
October last, as counsel are Informed.
in consequence of the efficient admins
tration OF yourself and your predecessor
in the office of United States District
Attorney has been brought. and kept, so
branches of the Supreme Court OF the
District OF Columbia especially maintain
ed for the trial of criminal cases, II has
been found necessary. except for very
business of that character, the other be-
Ing used almost exclusively for civil
causes, for the most part OF a compare
lively unimportant character.
Counsel Agreed to Wait.
I'm th!S connection counsel agreed to
wat until April for the promised bill
OF particulars. despite the short time
that would afford them for the prepare.
ton OF their case. and urged that the
date of trial be set for April II.
ITO this the district attorney replied
with the statement that II would be i'm
possible to begin the trial before Nays
"Counse. for the defendants agar
wrote the district attorney on Marcel
81, pointing out the Importance of ar
early trial. and the fact that thSy haC
never received the promised bill OF par
tlculars.. AID their belief that II wal
their duty to aSpeal to the court on botf
grounds. TO which the district attorney
hrGplied. on April !, that he had no doub
an appeal to the court would reaSlt II
Justice to all concerned. Today's mo
: items followed the receipt nf this let
ter" 80.