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116 / THE ALGER HISS TRIAL
Monday, December 26, and Tuesday, December 27, 1949
Witness: Alger Hiss
Direct Examination by the Defense
The Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution says that in a criminal case, defendants do not have to testify against themselves. Hiss willingly testified, believing his testimony would convince the jury that Chambers had lied.
When Hiss walked to the witness stand, the difference between his outward refinement and Chambers's untidy appearance and coarse looks was evident. Hiss was handsome, slim, and elegantly dressed. He spoke softly and answered in a formal, precise manner, often asking for a question to be clarified before he answered it.
The defense asked him to recount his impressive government career. Then Hiss contradicted all of Chambers's testimony, starting with the "rental" of his 28th Street apartment.
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