Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1882-09-13
Dickson's Affidavit.
OF G. STREET NORTHWEST,

W.Drlfer, NO. ljol pennsylvania avenue
about o'clock this evening in company
with Mr.. Driver, | was approached by 4
person named Henry A. Bowen, of New
York, with whom have casual acquaint-
ance dating back several years. He took seat
versation if was disengaged-tha he was
about to leave Washington with Judge
Hoover and other gentlemen for the West
Oh the night train. l told him that had
just sat down to dine, and invited him to
join me, which he declined, stating that he
had concluded his dinner. He then in
quircd about the star route trial, and OK
pressed desire to talk with me on the
subject. | replied that | had studiOusy
RETAINED from conversations in reference To
that matter, and preferred that no alusion
be m'de to it; that my position rs Il jury
man N the case debarred me from INDUCING
in any conversation on the subject, and
chose, while holding that position, to remain
silent. He then asked if I was not aware
that he wanted to see me and haye talk.
replied that had learned that he had in
quired for me on the previous evening, but
as had gone home at al early hour, did not
sec him, rs he desired. He said then, |
am mistaken, perhaps, and was about to
continue his remarks, when he was called
away by person who approached him,
named Brewster Cameron, an officer of the
Department of Justice and rising from his
seat, he excused himself, and walked to-
ward the front door of the saloon with
Cameron. While seated in the garden adj
joining Mr.. Drivers establishment, about s
o'clock p. m, or Whereabouts, reading Il
newspaper, several acquaintance came in,
seating themselves near me, ard shortly
after Henry A. Bowen approached,
and taking seat ut table close by
joined the party. He excused himself
to me for his abrupt departure, and was
introduced to the persons there assembled
MIR. H. |. Gregory, John Ward, Frank Car
della, Mr. Thatcher, and others,) and az
cepting the invitation Of one of the parties.
partook of some refreshments. A few mo-
ments later he indicated to me that he would
like me to accompany him to seat upon
the balcony of the garden to listen to the
music. | did so. and we seated ourselves ut
a table, he ordering bottle of wine After
conversation on various miner subjects-the
weather, the performance, and Drivers en-
terprising spirit-he turned to me and asked
if was not aware that ne was connected
with and was influential with the Depart
ment of Justice. replied that had Incl
dentally heard he was somewhat instru-
mental ill obtaining the appointment of
Judge Hoover. He said, YES that is so
and want to talk with you, for am fully
authorized to do So" | replied well. no
harm can result from a talk between gentle
men at any time, and L certainly do not OBJ.
ject." He then said that attorney General
Brewster was deeply interested in the final
| result of the star-route cases; that it was
politically life or death to him that the case
came to to him (Brewster) us legacy from
his predecessor Wayne McVeagh, and
that it had been terribly mis-
managed by MacVeagh and James mis-
! takes had been made and errors of counsel
had jeopardized it; that the present admin
lstration did not care to press the case until
Brady's papers commenced their TRADE Of
abuse and villilication of the administration
and its officers, and now, under all circum-
stances, the defendants Brady and Dorsey
must be convicted. Continuing, lie said that
the Attorney General had carefully studied
the case, and had read the testimony through
out and it was sufficient to convict; that
he had frequently remained at the Office
TIL after midnight reading up the case, until
his eyesight gave out, when he sent to Phil
adelphia for young man employed there
in his office to assist him in reading. that
his argument had been prepared with care.
and it would be the supreme effort of his
(Brewster's) life; that an assurance would
be given that after conviction the president
would pardon the defendants and possibly
within thirty days. He then said: Dickson.
you are a politician, and you know that
politics is politics." You are man of
superior intelligence and the brains of that
jury, and every body credits you that way
The Attorney General has high apprecia-
ton OF you, and knows all about YOU. If
you are SO disposed, you can accomplish
what he desires, and will fully guarantee
that there is twenty-five in it for YOU"
TWENTY-FIVE asked, "what ito YOU mean
by that?" "Why, S25,0O0' he replied.
The money will be placed in escuro, salts
factory to you, and shall give you all the
assurances you can ask upon that matter"
told him that was astounded at the pro
position, that 1t was a startling offer, and
expressed surprise at his action. "Wcn"
ne sald, you are man Of the world and
know that when you arc in a fight you must
t use every means in your power to win
ms Is now the acknowledgements fight.
ana ne must succeed-'tis life or death with
MN. He says he has a little child. years
OF age, IN whom he takes great pride; tina,
ne cannot 1--we many years longer, and that
ne desires this trial TO be his greatest
triumph. He does not regard Judge Wylie,
by his contrary rulings, as friendly to the
prosecution. 1fyou do not accede to the
proposition make we will find other means
to to: accomplish it." I then inquired, ''Docs
Bliss, :Merrick, or ker know of this action?''
ne said: They did not" then asked
Are you authorized to submit this propose
ton to me, and if SO, by whom?" He re-
plied, Il am fully authorized to act by the
Attorney General and will satisfy youi you
assent to the proposition, but if you do not,
ana this conversation should leak out. ri
deny every ID word of it." He. then
drew from his inside pocket an official en-
,veiope addressed to himself, the envelope
bearing the official red seal of the
department of justice. 1t contain.
ed two letters, which he handed me to
read. The first was dated August -
1882, and was copy of a letter to the De-
partment of Justice calling the attention of
OF the Attorney General to the violation of
the intercourse act" in the Territory Of
AriyoDa and rafnrripfr RI IL