New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-04-30
THE STAR ROUTE SCANDAL.

FOR WHAT HAS BEEN DoNE-TIIE TRUTH AND
NOT MEN TO De CoNsIDERED-A SENSATIONAL
sTORY-THH GREAT INVESTIGATOR.
BY TELEGRAPH TIE TRIBUNE.
WAsHrSGroN, April 90. - Postmastcr-Gcneral
James has been nominated for the Presidency by
Methodist newspaper, and assailed libcller by
General Bradys NctioRal Rcpublican. lie possesses
sufficient self-contro TO manifest neither eX-
ultation nor despair, and continues TO ap-
pend his official signature to documents
requiring it, TO attend Cabinet meetings and per-
form the other functions of his Office with great APP
parent good nature. lie assumes the entire reSron-
sibily for everything that has been done i'll connec
ton with the Star Route investigation. and does not
as has been assertcd-seek to put 1t upon
the shoulders of his superior, the President, on the
one hand or of his suborlinaes the special agents
on the other
He has, as has been many times asserted the full
approval of the President but the active intcrier-
ence of the President is limited to the simple orig
ina instructions TO investigate learn the truth and
institute needed reforms let the outcome he what II
may so far as asindiyiduaS concerned. His lnSrnc
tiOns TO his special agents to inquire as tO sys
TENS and not abOut men. He has no quarrel WIN
General Brady other members of the ALLEGED Star
Route Ring. and purpose to pursue them INTO
the courts unless the Investigation shall show that
such is necessary to protect the interests OF
the Government. He is not the authority for any oil
the statements which have been published with r.
gard to the nature of the dScov rics made and the
results to which they point; albeit such statements
are for the most part true.
Naturally people who have grievances, or old
scores to pay oil, are taking this occasion to
make their stories known; and great care has to
be taken 10 avoid being mislcd. The sensational
story, in which Recorder of Deeds sheridan
was involved, is in a fair way to tie spoiied'
1t originated with discharged cmploye
of the railway mail service. who male
some demand upon superintendent Thompson
threatening to blow " if they were not needed.
Blow and be hanged" rctortcd Mr. Thompson
and the quicker the better Thcrrupon the tale
was written the effect that an Invention "r iast
cnng mail bags was offered 10 the Department ny
the inventor for small price and rejected anu tlN
il came into the hands Of sheridan. who secured ITS
acceptance at a large price Mr. Thompson and
several others in high position were involved
as they had recommended the adoption Of th" de-
vice. Inquiry leads to the belief that the tran'ac-
ton was regular and proper in far as the Depart
ment was concerned. Advertisements. with formal
speciiicatons mad" for mailbag fasteners
An cmployc Of tie department invented thIng
which he offered in a personal letter I" ten
eral Brady. Ii was crude aud imperfect, and its
offer was in no bid for contract III the re-
auircd form. He after placed II III oh"r hahuN'
and il was finally perfected 10y other persons and
Mr. Sheridan became its owner in whole or III part
II was then the best invention for the pIrpos' ever
offered, and was adopted. The whole subject Was
ordered TO be Investigated upon request of Mr. sEer
idan and committee now has il in hand.
Oddly enough, the Hon. John NJ. Glover the great
Democratic Investigator, is one Of the men who
have been found guilty Of attempted irregularities
Mr. Glover advocated the adoption of q fastener IN
vented hy a friend constituent, and appeared at
the Contract Office several times while
member OF Congress to push his friends IN
;erests There are la~s which make II
CRIME punishable 10y fine Impeachment, and a
loss of eligibility to hold office Tor member OF on
prc.s To be pcciniarily interested III Goycruncnt
contracts or to take pay for using his lunucnc To
SECURE contracts Tor others. II now appears that
Glover was himself IN" owner N part oi thr device
he manifested suoh interest III. That he dld not act
i'm Ignorance of the aw Il indicate hy III" tact That
while his purchase for the sum OF - q" hS interest
in the patent rope clamp, was dated Ociomi -.
1877 If WAS not made a matter of record ~ the
Patent Oaice until the latter part Of March. lN1"
Mr. GlOver'S term having expired on tue ith ol the
same month.
Ex-senator Dorsey is here. and II is understood.
has asked or intends tO ash the Resident 20 oiirr
that his connection with StIf-ROutcs be made the
subject of open Investigation.