Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-11-03
The Star Route Bribery Charges
he TRIAL OF ARTHUR PAYNE

L.
When the hearing in the case OF Arthur PAYNE
charged with attempting to corrupt star route
Juror Brown, was resumed in the Police Court at
1880 to-day, John E. Skivington called to the
stand by Mr.. Wells. He thought that Payne was
one OF two colored men he saw In f. r. Fairs
Office about the latter part OF June The witness
was about to detail a conversation he heard be-
tween tyMs Fl, Fan and the man he thought was Payne
when the defense objected Mr. Wells stated that
ne proposed to show that Skivington was
THE MAN WHO STOOD BEHIND THE BOOKCASE
In Falls office ana heard conversation relating
TO the attempt on Juror Brown. After some argu,
ment the court was inclined to admit the testi
mony, when the witness declared his Inability TO
swear positively that Payne WAS one OF the men,
ana more argument ensued. The court finally de-
cded to hear the testimony, saying that before he
applied it he must be satisfied OF the identity OF
the parties.
The witness said he was sitting In Falls Office
Fall told him that there were two colored men he
expected to come to the office, from whom he ex-
pected to get some Information valuable TO the
government. Fall asked witness to step behind
the bookcase and listen TO the conversation. Wit
ness did so, and he understood from the conversa-
tion that
JUROR BROWN WAS FOR SALE
One man said that the other couli do ANYTHING
with Brown, and Fall told him to procure infor-
nation to criminate Brown After the men left
witness told Fall that IL was dangerous business.
Fall told him that he was doing IL for the gov
him.
Mr. Wells, upon this statement produced Skiv-
lngtons affidavit saying that Fall did not say In
tne conversation whether he was for the govern
ment or for the defense.
"fou told me In making that afridavit." said the
witness, ITO be as brief and concise as possible;
tnat there was not place to put In everything"
The witness said that the conversation he testf-
fed to to-day between himself and Fall occurred
atter the colored men left Falls Office.
THE TESTIMONY ALL IN-JUpGMENT TO BE GIVEN
TOMORROW.
When Skivlngton left the stand Mr. Wells said
that that closed the governments case.
Mr. Davis said the defense had no testimony to
Offer
Judge Smell said he would give judgment in the
case tomorrow.
Mr. Clagett asked If the court would not first
settle the admiSSbity OF
THE F0OTE AFFIDAVIT
1t not having been offered properly in evidence
its contents having been made known through q
newspaper clipping.
Judge Smell said he did not consider Foote'S af-
H0avt In the present state OF the case, material.
Mr.. Clagett argued against its admsslbility.
Mr. Wells argued that 1t was admissible. NOT as
an a1ndav1t, but as a part OF the admissions OF
Payne, according to Major Richards testimony,
who said Payne was present when the affidavt
was made, and admitted the truth OF its state
mentS
Judge Smell said he was inclined to admit ft for
the reasons stated by Mr.. Wells, but would reserve
his decision OF the point.
Mr.. Wells said the government would waive the
right to open the case.
ARGUMENT FOR THE DEFENSE
Mr.. Davis then, at 30 p. m. proceeded with the
argument for the defense.
NOTE.
The croSs-examination OF Detective Miller was
continued for some time yesterday after The STAR
report closed. MIR. A. B. Williams was then called
to the stand, and testified that he gave Miller to
understand that the Information they were getting
was being laid before Assistant District Attorney
Moore