Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-09-08
THE STAR ROUTE TRIAL.
Judge Wylie Says Attempts Have Been
Made to Bride the Jury.

WASHINGTON, Sept. Z.
After the jury in the star route cases had
been excused for the day Judge Wylie said
that it had come to his ears that members OF
the jury had been approached in the most
disgraceful way in attempts to influence their
action. He had first heard of it about a
week ago, when he had received most direct
and positive information of this character.
He had advised the jurymen to say nothing
about it, as he did not wish to stop the prog
ress of the case.
Within twenty -four hours, however, these
wolves that surround the jury had become
fiercer, and upon hearing of an attempt more
brazen and vilainous than the others, he had
felt such indignation that he had nearly ad-
vised the Juror to shoot down such a man on
the spot he hadsthought, but had not ad-
vised it. He now advised the jury to spurn
such men with the toe of their boot; to turn
from them with scorn. He wished to warn
these men that they were not to commit such
outrages without punishment. After the
trial ends an investigation would follow.
| Gen. Henkle Immediately arose. and said
with much feeling that in the interest of his
clients he should demand immediate inves-
tigation. The court said that, perhaps, he
would have it. All of the other counsel for
the defence gave similar notice.
Foreman Dickson then arose and said that
when these cases were disposed of he should
lay all of the information in his possession
touching these cases before the court.
Gen. Brewster finished his speech at noon.
At the conclusion of Brewster's remarks
Judge Wilson red the prayer of the defence,
on which they wished the Judge to charge.
Judge Wylie's exhortation to the jury to.
day was the subject of much comment by
members of the bar around the court house.
The council for the prosecution are disposed
to be reticent about the matter. When
asked by a representative of the Associated
Press whether they had anything to say about
it, Merritt answered: ''Only that we had
known that rascality was going on and feared
it, therefore | said what did in my argu-
ment about the offences gilded hand pushed
by justice, and made the other remarks upon
which IngersOll commented: 1.-THE defend.
ants counsel profess their eagerness to have
full investigation. and have confidence OF
their ability to establish for them freedom
from connection with the affair.
Rumor connects the name of former
lawyer of this city with attempted bribery,
but nothing definite can now be learned w m.
Dickerson. foreman OF the jury, was seen by
a Star reporter after the jury had been ex-
cused. and said it was manifestly improper
for him TO say anything about the matter al
present. All that be could say about the
matter was that in August re was approached,
and on learning that some of his brother
jurors had also been approached with brides,
he informed Judge Wylie of the occurrence
and told the other jurors that if any more
attempts were made to corrupt them to lei
him know of it. In answer to the question
as to how much was offered by the would be
bribers, Mr.. Dickerson said it would not be
proper to state that, but the offers were large
in amount.