Chinese Evidence of a}Deal with Slevin for an Aerial Transportation Service Jacob Slevin, who was recently committed for trial by the American Consul at Hankow on a charge of illegally importing six Curtis aeroplanes into China, again apreared before Judge Lobingier at the U.S. Court for China last Frday. Major O. P. Holcomb, acting District Attorney, prosecuted, and Mr. F. J. Schuhl represented the accused, Chang Chi-kao, manager of the Foochow Motor-car Ca., stated for the defence that he met defendant last April or May, and purchased aeroplanes from Slevin tin June. It was desired by the company tv improve transportation between Foochow and. Amoy, particularly connexions with smaller places, Mr. Schuhl—Who actually sold the planes to you?—Mr. Slevin.
Continuing, witness said that nothing was told him with reference to the aeroplanes being used for military purposes. They were intended for nothing else but the transportation of mails and passengers. Witness bad never known either Gens. Wa Pei-fu or Chang Tso-ling. An aviator, Mr. Gallop, came from the Curtis Ca. to Foochow to give friendly advice. Civil war broke cut last October, so witness, being native of Tientsin, decided to go to that city. It was arranged to send the planes to another part of China in order to prevent their capture by the military. A sum of $43,000 was deposited in the Hongkong & Shanghai Bank, but none of. this money was paid to Slevin er anybody else.
Cross-examined by Major Hoi-comb, witness said the company intended first of all to run the aircraft from Foochow to Pagoda anchorage. The aeroplanes were te land at an ice factory, where an aeroplane had previously been manufactured. The company were paying $43,000 for their aeroplanes.
Witness stated that he was issued with a permit to operate the aeroplanes. The permit was in the name of the Civil Governor.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.