National Republican., 1882-07-14
THE STAR-RouTE TRIAL.
A. y. Boone n witness for the Prosecu
tion, but he Don't Know Much.

HOn, but ne Don't Know Much
In the star-route trial yesterday Mr.. A. E. Boone
was placed on the stand as a government witness.
Since 1876 he had been mail contractor, and had
had /, 100 routes at one time. None of his route
had ever been expe lited. In 1877 witness was
of the original parties in the contract business
with the defendants. He met S. W. Dorsey In the
department one day in November. 1877. The wit.
ness was about to give an account Of a conversa-
tion with Dorsey when the defense objected, on
the ground that II occurred anterior to the date
when the offences charged In the conspiracy were
committed. The court allowed Mr. Merrick to ask
what was done in pursuance Of that conversation.
The witness said that he called at Nj. Doisey S
house that night by request. Dorsey showed him
q letter from Peck. Here again loug discussion
ensued.
MR. BLISS PROPOSED TO SHOW
the witness connection with the conspiracy and
tho interior workings of II by him. the other side
contended that the evidence was inadmissable,
and that the state Of limitations barred out the ad
mission OF this testimony Judge Wyle, after re.
viewing the arguments said he thought y was not
spiracy by the declaration Of conspirator prior to
the conspiracy or since its dissolution. so far as
this evidence went to show an assoctation-an in
innate business relation between these parties-he
thought 1t was competent Mr.. Boone was then
asked on what business he went to Mr. Dorsey,s
house. Counsel for the defense objected TO the adj
mission of this evidence, but tao court said II
should be admitted. Exceptions were noted to
the ruling. The witness said Mr., Dorsey pro.
letting in behalf Of Miner and his (Dorsey's)
brother-in-law. What 1t was proposed for witness
to do was to procure the necessary Information and
prepare the papers to be ready when Peck and
John W. Dorsey came to Washington. Witness
said John W, Dorsey Peck, Miner, and himself
were mentioned as those interested in the matter
in accordance with this arrangement four or five
thousand circulars sent TO postmasters on the
various routes for information He was partner
with John w. Dorsey in certain lids, How the
Others were interested he did not exactly rem en-
ber Witness was to be attorney for the con-
tractors. He was to have third interest III the
routes bid upon in his name and that of John W.
Dorsey. He did not recolleet what interest he
blanks of sub contracts, which differed from the
usual form in containing q clause relating to ex-
petition; did not remember at whose suggestion
this clause was inserted 10 was some member of
the dcm. Booze then described the method OF
getting the contracts. He left the partnership III
1873. Rrady warned him that if tne routes were
not lifted before August 10 he would be declared
failing contractor Witness saw S. W. Dorsey
WHO said lie had furnished ]. w. Dorsey with all
the money he could spare aud proposed that
in with capital. Thereupon the witness retired
MIR. MERRtcK DISAPPOINTED.
Mr.. Merrick tried to elicit from the witness that
Brady's hostility had forced him to resign, but
faed to do 81, and said that the testimony of the
witness was not so full as he expected 1t to be.
The examination was then resumed. Vale sue
ceeded him as a member of the firm did not
know who furnished the figures on which the
bids were made; he only furnished the informa-
ton to Miner s. w. Dorsey arranged the sccuri-
ties; he was satisfied that the man who repre-.
sented himselft to be Peck was not Peck. Some
but were declared incompetent. His cross exaini-
nation did not affect the examination-in- chief.
James F. Clendepin and j. f. Blount were exam
ined, but their evidence was immaterial.