National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1881-11-12
MIvEAGHIs SILENCE.
No Denial OF District Attorney CorkbiiI's
statement.

The statement made in open court by
District Attorney Corkhill, placing on Attorney
General MacVeagh the responsibility Of the nu-
merous delays In prosecuting the star-route cases
stands uncontradicted IL was made in the pres
ence of Colonel Cook, the special counsel in the
cases employed by Macveagh, who, by his
silence, assented to its correctness, and II
was corroboratcd by the Judge on the bench so
far as the circumstances narrated came under his
observation. IL is not too much to say that the
bar heard the statement with astonishment
and has since looked for an explanation from
MacVeagh That he is n 1T candidate for
impeachment Is frequently said. II has
been for some time believed that Colonel
Corkhill will be removed when the Guiteau trial
Is over; and the starroute delays have been re-
ierrcd to as sufficient reason. This and every sus-
picion of the kind Corkhills statement has wholly
removed, and although his successor will proba-
bly, be named, there will be no haste. In search
ing for a theory on which to explain MacVeagh's
extraordinary conduct which Arthur has so efIec-
tually exposed, legal gentlemen arc disposed to
mink that the Attorney General became convinced
that failure wound attend his efforts. This would
be in such ludicrous contrast with his outward
parade that he determined to get out of the cases
the first opportunity. The Presidents death favored
him in this. lie probably believed that the odium
of desertion would be easier to bear than the NOR
went on. If rumOr Is to be credited, the attorney
general became convinced some time ago that the
conviction, or even the Indictment of the alleged
star route conspirators was not probable, and that
no fame was to be obtained through connection
with them in the courts This wos as far back as
June last when Garfield intcrposed against some
OF MacVeagh's methods and when suddenly, not
withstanding all that had been said ~ the con
trary, MacVcagh found he was not ready, and
could not be for some time. 1t appears now he
never tried but seemingly was thenceforth deter
mined not to be ready He held his peace while
Corkhll bore the blame that belonged exclusively
to himself where 1t has finally
been placed. Cooks terms of employ.
ment being on the plan Of the less he does the
more he will get, is certainly suspicious. Mac
Veagh made the bargain, great deal of money
has been spent IN sending agents aud others
through the country ostensibly to collect evidence
which has served for statements many times re.
peated In the papers, but never before the grand
Jury, Notwithstanding the boasts. Having thus, as
MacVeagh recently declared, put on the star route.
1.-THE brand of infamy," he was apparently satisfied
and ran away from his post of duty, and no power
has proved sufficient to draw him back Concern.
ing these cases in regard to their future manage
ment President Arthur will take n straightforward
course. II is understood that 1t now appears thai
MacVeagh's law knowledge rs shown in them wa!
bad, and that had he pushed ahead, and moi
backed out, he would have won no fame Wash.
tRgton Correspondence NcW Iorf San