47 
Some men can not be induced to make a statement, but 
say that if they are put on the stand they will tell the truth. 
If their resolution not to talk can not be shaken, the only 
thing to do is to get as good an idea as possible of what 
they can testify about. 
Legal bearings .—Verbal statements are greatly strength¬ 
ened by corroboration. As a general rule, testimony by 
another as to conversations can be used in court only to 
impeach a witness or, under proper circumstances, to 
establish an implied admission by the accused when it 
appears that such conversations occurred in his presence 
and hearing. 
Unintentional offenders .—The general methods indi¬ 
cated for truthful witnesses apply largely to this class of 
trespassers, such, for example, as those who thoughtlessly 
leave camp fires burning. Courteous treatment and an 
evident purpose to do only one’s duty, with regret for the 
inconvenience necessarily inflicted, will often induce con¬ 
fession. If more is necessary to achieve this result, it 
should be remembered that every man has a weakness 
through which he can be approached, or. through which 
his defense can be battered down. It may be a hobby, 
such as horses, automobiles, guns, or some sport, or politics, 
religion, reputation, even home or mother. Whatever it 
is, the officer is justified in using it to get to the truth when 
men have violated the law and are attempting to conceal 
the truth. 
Only if the offense has shown criminal disregard of 
known danger, or if the unintentional offender becomes 
hostile or defiant, is anything usually gained by using the 
more drastic means discussed under “Hostile and Lying 
Witnesses.” The man who has set a fire unconsciously 
is an unprofitable man to interrogate because he has no 
guilty conscience. 
If an offender is found on whom you have sufficient 
evidence, and he objects to being taken before a magistrate, 
a good expedient is to ask him if he is guilty; if he denies, 
then he has no valid ground for objection. 
42956—23 
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