Morning journal and courier., 1882-08-05
THE NATIONAL CAPITAL.

The Star Route Cases-One OF the Defend
ants On the Stand.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 4.-John d. Sleeman,
chief of the pay division of the sixth audit
or's Office, was called for the defense in the
Star route cases this morning. He produced
a power of attorney from Peck to John r.
Miner, authorizing the latter to represent
him in his business before the Postofice de-
partment. It is dated January 10, 1873. Har-
vey W. Vaiie, one of the defendants, was
then placed on the stand. He said he had
been engaged in mail contracting. He had
first met Miner in July, 1878. His first bust
ness with him had been transacted in July,
1878. He first met s. w. Dorsey for the
transaction of business in December, 1873.
He met John W. Dorsey in the latter part of
the same month. He met Rerdel at the same
time but had never had any business trans
actions with him. Kerdell at that time held
q sub-contract on the Rawlins White River
route and witness had, through Miner, given
him some advice in relation to one of the
routes. He had never directly or indirectly
paid General Brady for doing any of the
things charged against him in the Indictment
He had never paid any public officer for do
ing such thing. His first interest in any of
the contracts had been acquired in the last
days of August, 1878. That agreement had
been put in writing, but it was antedated some
eight or ten days. His interest continued up
to March or April, 1879. There was then an
agreement or division of the Miner, Peck and
Dorsey mail routes. These routes were more
than 100 in number. Value was first fixed
upon the basis of compensation given
tracts were to run. If route was an
aggregate loss it was SO charged. They
were then divided and the party securing
the largest share had the others. w illness
drew forty per cent, Miner thirty per cent.
and j. w. Dorsey and s. W. Dorsey for Peck
drew thirty per cent. rms transfer was ar
| ranged in the department by system OF
| sub contracts made between the parties.
| Witness identified the articles of partnership
entered into by Miner, Peck, j. w. Dorsey
| and himself for the purpose of carrying the
mails 1t is dated August Is, 1878, and
names Vale as treasurer and Miner as
secretary. The proceeds from tho routes
in the Indian Territory. were to be
divided as follows Vale one-third
Miner ne-sixth, Peck one sixth and j.
| W. Dorsey one third. In the other States
and Territories Vale and Miner were to re-
ceive each one third, and Peck and j. w
| Dorsey one-third between them. This part
nership continued up to April, 1879. His
control was as absolute over these routes
which fell to his share, as if he had himself
bid upon them. Miner was also interested
in them. Their chief agent was L. P. viii
Hanson. After April 1, 1879, none of thu
| defendants, except Miner, were in any way
| whatever Interested in his (witnessO six con
tracts, nor was he interested in any of thei
! routes. He had never been concerned in tn
presentation of any fraudulent CLAIM
against the United States government
On May 23, 1879, witness believed
that he was at his home in Missouri. HI
never saw Peck in his life. Never say
John w. Dorsey before the beginning of thi
trial, and saw Stephen Dorsey but once in Jun
| last. Before he met him at Washington hi
personal relations with 8, w. Dorsey were O
the most unfriendly character. They ha
quarrelea upon their first meeting Sine
this trial began, however, they had been OF
| better terms
After the conclusion of Vails's testimon
the trial was adjourned until Monday. Al
torney General Brewster will make the clos
ing argument in the cases.
Cross-examined- did not know at tn