National Republican., 1882-08-05
THE STAR ROUTE TRIAL.
Testimony OF Harry M. vaile, one OF the
Dcfeuunnts.

In the star. route trial yesterday, Mr. John B.
Seeman produced power bf attorney from John
NJ Peck to Miner, dated 'JaNuary 10, 1878, and aI-
thorizng Miner TO sign bis name and transact
business for him at the Post Office Department.
Harry n. Vaile, one of the defendants, was then
called to the stand. Examined by Mr.. Hine: Be-
came acquainted with Minerm July 1878. First had
business with S. W. Dorsey in December, 1878; met
John W. Dorsey first in December, 1878, and Rer-
dell also. Never paid or promised to pay Mr..
Brady or any ether public officer to influence their
action First acquired an interest IN the routes
lasted until March or April, 1879. 1t was then
agreed that there should be
DIVISION OF THE ROUTES
The value of each one was estimated, and the one
ness took out ~ per cent. from the concern Miner
80 per cent, and John w, Dorsey and Peck,
through their representative, s. W. Dorsey. so per
cent. The partnership agreement was submitted.
Vaile was the treasurer OF the concern and John
r. Miner secretary. When the rSdtes were di-
vided witness had no interest in any other routes
except those which he had drawn. He never met
Peck in his life never met John w. Dorsey from
the time of the dissolution Of partnership until
this trial, and had never met stephen W, Dorsey
but once since that time, and had not had any
correspondence with them. He and 5. w. Dorsey
quarreled when they first met, and were never on
friendly terms, Cross-e&Amincd by Mr.. MGrrck-
When the contract of paftnershipwas made did not
know the las es exceeded the profits; no man could
know what the expenses would be. Did not go TO
the department before he took the subcontTacts
to see Ii there other contracts on file, As he
dislrusted that some OF his Investments might be
jeopardZed by previously executed contracts,
witness contracts were antedated. Witness did
not inquire Of his co-cOntraClOrs MS 10 whether
there was any previous contracts. lie was away
when the contract was Hgued II was sent to him
for signature. Night have inquired about the
subc0ntTacts, but did not remember 1t now Did
not know ut that time that it
WAS LOSING BUSINESS
On August 20, 1875 while at Independence, Mis-
souri, lie received dispatch from General Brady
inquirng how many of the Miner, Peck, and
Dorsey routes he would see started. He said that
he would see all of them started. He told Brady
while here that If he would extend the time Tho
witness would attend TO putting on the service
The time was extended to September, and some
of the routes We're not started until November
ing contractor and If so, he would have stopped it
He did not think anybody would have been foo
enough to take them at the figures, On the
Tongue River route amer II was expedited
THE CONTRACTOR LOST MONEY.
Did not try to get 1t expedited, aud not not know
| ifany one else did, lie tiled TO get Brady to dis
| rich man now, only fair liver. He was ques.
| toned on other routes, some OF which he said
| we're losing ones, and some he did not regOllect
! Didn't remember any iaats connected wIh thu
| expedition Of certain routes, II he had paid Mr.
! Bady any money he would have remembered 1t
! Had no knowledge OF petitions being got up, anC
was surprised at the number on ii,c in the depart
ment. Had been interested in Il mail contract II
| 1862. and had possibly thousand contracts sine
! that time. Had dealt In ireguting and stock
| The court then adjourn ID t) Monday.