THE VELTHEIM CASE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13672, 13 February 1908, Page 5

THE VELTHEIM CASE.

CHARGE OF BLACKMAIL. By Telegraph —Press Association.— (Received February 13, 12.50 a.m.) London, February 12. At. the Old Bailey yesterday the trial was continued of Franz Morita Ludwig von Veltheim, charged with attempting to blackmail Mr. Solly Joel, a brother of Mr. Woolf Joel, who was shot at Johannesburg in 1898 by the prisoner. Veltheiin was severely cross-ex-amined, and Mr. Joel was recalled to prove that prisoner's version of his interviews with the late Mr. Barney Barnato was inconsistent with facta. The case has not concluded.

Tho charge against Veltheim is chiefly baged upon the following letter, which be addressed to Mr. Joel in September last:-— "I dare say you will not quite have forgotten the writer of these lines and the unsettled account between us. I have pur. posely delayed the inevitable settling-day till now, because I intended such to be worthy of the issue between us, and somewhat different to what I propose doing now. For reasons which do not concern yon, I will be satisfied once and for all with a purely financial settlement of the outstanding account against you, provided you accept my decision promptly and frankly. To assist you to come to a reasonable decision corresponding to your own best interests, I must remind you to recall to your memory the character and grievances of the man now addressing you. You hare ©very reason to know from the history of the past that he keeps his word under all circumstances, regardless of consequences. Had you known this in Johannesburg and acted accordingly, the histor, of your house and Sooth Africa Would have been very different. Let me see now if you have learned from the past or not. There will bo no threats made, no further letters, etc., only a bill drawn against you and presented for payment, which you can refuse to honour if yo- choose. In the latter case. I can only assure you, you will have a full opportunity to tell me personally your reasons why you have refused."