United States v. Jones

The defendant was indicted for presenting a false claim against the United States, and for sustaining his claim with a false affidavit. Rev. St. § 5488. He claimed to be the brother and sole heir of John Jones, a deceased soldier in the regular army, and as such entitled to all back pay, etc., due the soldier. In the testimony in chief, *570Clara Jones, the wife.of the defendant, was called by the government as a witness. The defendant objected. She was sworn, but was instructed by the court that she could not be compelled to answer any question, and that she would not be permitted to disclose…