Evening star., 1950-04-26
Morogon

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Morogon
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each Of the two counts on which
he was found guilty.
Judge Bailey said the jury was
to disregard all testimony relative
to Maragon's efforts to obtain a
Maritime Commission contract
for the Atlantic Marine Salvaging
Co. -
MOlasses Deal Involved.
The Government did not show
that Maragon received any money
from this firm. There was testi-
mony. however, that the Allied
Molasses Co. of Perth Amboy, N
j., paid him about $1,000 during
his efforts to get the company
out of quota difficulties with the
Agriculture Department in 1946.
1t was testified also that Mara
gon was paid about $500 by the
Trans-American Traders Corp
which had been negotiating tt
buy property from the War Assets
Corp. after the war. The Govern
ment witnesses, however, insisted
that all sums paid Maragon were
for expenses, and not fees for his
services.
Judge Bailey said that the crime
of perjury involves a statement
made under oath before a COM
petent tribunal about a material
fact which is false and which the
witness knows to be false at the
time.
Charges Confined to Perjury.
Maragon did not take the stant
in his own behalf. The Judge
pointed out that this is the right
of the defendant and the jury il
not to assume that his failure to
tell his story meant it might dam
age his case.
The judge also emphasized that
Maragon was charged with per-
jury and not with any other mis-
conduct.
In closing arguments yesterday
Assistant United States Attor-
ney Charles B. Murray struck
back at defense arguments that
the Government should have
placed Maj. Gen. Harry H
Vaughan on the stand to explain
his role in Maragon's affairs. The
Presidents military aide was q
friend of Maragon during the days
when the latter had free access
to the White House.
Subpoena Open to Defense.
Mr.. Murray told the jury the
defense has the same power as
the prosecution to subpoena wit
neSSes.
I'VE do not regard Gen. Vaughan
as a witness peculiarly available
to the Government" he said.
Mr.. GoldStein had attacked the
prosecution for failure to produce
Gen. Vaughan to obtain an answer
Ito the one question everybody ha.
in mind" He declared the genera
was interested in the molasse.
deal involving the Agriculture De.
partment and in negotiations with
the Maritime Commission for {
salvage contract.
Maragon's visits to the two de-
partments, Mr.. Goldstein said
were preceded by calls from Gen
Vaughan"
This is the Governments OWL
testimony-you must accept it al
the truth" the attorney declared
If Maragon had lied in thi'
respect. everybody involved woule
want to get on the stand. ant
especially the only man in tn,
United States who could tell 70,
about it-Gen. Harry H. Vaughan
Little Fellow" Trampled On.
! This is one time when 70,
should give the little fellow {
break and not let him be tramplet
upon by people in high places.
At the outset of the 10-da!
trial, the attorney had described
lMaragon as a peanut vendor
: among princes"
The prosecution, however, hat
; other names for him-a "Mr
Big" who attempted to coerc,
Federal employees by use Of thl
generals name, and the sugges'
ton that their action <on tn,
deals would be- reported back tt
the White House.
Assistant United States Attorne,
Stafford r. Grady said Maragol
made "fat" profits from his deals
Mr.. Goldstein argued that Ma
ragon was accepting a contribu
ton to the Democratic Party o
Missouri in 1916, when he receive,
$500 from Milton r. POLAND. Nil
waukee insurance man and an &C
, tive Republican.
; Mr.. POLAND testified he gave tn
money to Maragon for expenses II
7 behalf of his efforts for the mo
lassess company and that If Ma
lragon handed the money over II