Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-04-11
THE STAR ROUTE CASES.
Judge Wylie Decides the 1ndict-
ments Good.
4 Lively Wrangle Between the
Counsel.
WARRINGTON. April 10.

WASHINGTON, April 10.
There was nearly full attendance of coun-
sci at the opening of the criminal court this
morning. to here the decision of Judge Wylie
| to auash the indictments in the star route
cases. Col. Bliss being the only notable
absentee. Gen. Brady and Messrs. Turner,
Murio, Record, Cabell and Boone of the de-
| PENDANTS, were present, and engaged in
close consultation with their counsel, and
shortly after, Judge Wylie proceeded to de-
| liver his decision, reviewing at length the
argument of counsel. The motion to quash
was overruled, and the indictments stand.
Judge WyIie also decided that the indict-
ments were sufficient in the straw bond
case.
District Attorney Corkhill asked if the
same decision would not dispose of the mo-
ton to quash in the Soteldo murder case, to
which inquiry, Judge Wylie responded in the
affirmative.
Some discussion followed the reading of
the decision, among the prosecuting officers
and the counsel for the defence, as to the
time to Se set for the trial of the star route
cases.
The prosecution asked to have the indict-
ments read, and the defendants appeared and
plead.
Mr.. Totten, of the counsel for the defence,
to plead Referring to S. w. Dorsey, who
is not in the city. he supposed his recogni-
zance could be declared forfeited, and he
could afterwards appear and pay costs.
Judge Wylie said he did not believe it nee
essary to have the indictment read if both
sides agreed.
After some discussion among the counsel
Merrck submitted a proposition to set the
first week in Nav for the trial of these cases,
and asked the opinion of the defence on the
proposition.
Colonel Ingersoll rather 5rusquely said: l
will let the court fix the date.I want no favOrs
from that side.
Merrick-Then l shall ask to have the
recognizances forfeited.
Ingersoll-Go ahead and suit yourself.
The court-They have the right to make
the motion.
Merrick-And make it.
The recognizance of Stephen Dorsey was
then declared forfeited BY the court.
long wrangle again ensued among the
counsel which the court ended by stating tie
indictments must be read at 3 o'clock, today,
and such of the defendants as could be got
together must plead.
Col. Totten at this point noted an objection
to the decision of the court on the motion to
quash.
Upon the request of Merrick bench war
rant was ordered to be issued for the arrest
of Stephen Dorsey.
The remainder of the defendants were
then called upon to enter an appearance,
which was responded to in most cases, and
the cases were adjourned until three this
afternoon.
The court reassembled at 3 o'clock, and
the clerk commenced reading the indictment
against General Brady, VIM. H. Turner, NJ.
c. Rendell and John Miner. At the conclu-
sion of the reading they were called on to
plead, when Col. Totten, counsel for the de-
PENDANTS, stated that in the case of Brady
and Turner, they had certain pleas of abate-
ment to file.
Merrick, of the counsel for the government,
commended that the defendants were there
simply to plead guilty or not guilty, and they
could not enter into any question at the time.
After some further discussion of the ques-
ton, the court remarked as the defendants
were under arraignment he could not adjourn
the court, but taking into consideration the
lateness of the hour he would direct recess
until tomorrow at 10 o'clock.