Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1882-08-09
STAR.ROUTE TRIAL.
The Testimony Of Representative Black
burn Winds Up the Evidence on
Both Sides.
Argument 10 Begin To-Day-AfidaVits
and C0unter-Affidavits Filed
Spencer's Testimony.

WASHINGTON, August S.-Representative
Blackburn, of Kentucky, was the FIRST wit
ness in the Star-route trial to-day. He said
Congress had appropriated $, goo, 900 for the
maintenance of the Star-route service, every
cent of which had been based on estimates
in January, 1880. Brady informed him
that by the Both OF June there would be a
deficiency of 81 ZOO, 900, and he had then
moved for an investigate "Of late years"
said Blackburn, "there have been many
deficiencies, but there were none before the
war"
Bliss then said tina. with the exception of
the testimony to be given by one witness the
prosecution had closed their case. He did
not know that he had right to make such
a motion, but he believed that from the i'm
portant character OF the testimony he could
give ne would be justified in asking post
ponement of the hearing until he could be
produced.
The Court said that from reading the afi-
davits it was clear that the testimony of
Spencer was OF importance TO the prosecu-
ton. Still he must deny the motion. 1t
would have seemed hard for the prosecution
to have placed this man, an ex-United States
senator, under bond, but they had that
right, and could even have placed him in
jail, If necessary 10 secure his attendance. 1t
was one OF the hazards of the case, for the
witness may have chosen to forfeit his bond.
ne government was expected 10 nave lIe
witnesses ready at all times. He must,
therefore, deny the motion.
Mr.. Merrick-If we had known he intend
ed to leave we would certainly have placed
him under bonds.
The evidence then closed on both sides,
and the court took a recess.
BLISS AFFIDAVIT.
Blisr, in his affidavit asking for a post
ponement until Spencer's testimony could be
heard, says he is Informed and believes that
Spencer can testify that on one occasion he
was present in the room of the defendant, s.
w. Dorsey, when the latter took from his
pocket and placed in an envelope some bills
Of $1,000 each, and laid the envelope cou-
tanning the bills on table, telling him he
expected the defendant, Themas J. Brady, 10
call in a short time, and he wished to show
him (Spencer) what sort of man Grady
was, and how he Dorsey did business; that
in short time Brady called, and after few
moments casual conversation Dorsey told
him some one had left an envelope for him.
Brady took the aforesaid envelope and put ii
in his pocket without opening it. and shortly
aflerwsrd left, carrying it with him; that
prior to that time, and when speaking of
Brady's calling, said Dorsey had stated that
Brady Was Thief, and had further said that
he Dorsey was interested in mail contracts
Deponent is further informed and believes
that said Spencer can testify that subsequent
to the conversation already found herein be-
tween Rerdell and Mr.. James and Mac
Veagh, Stephen w. Dorsey came 10 the room
of the said Spencer in the Everett House, in
New York, in great trouble and despond-
ency, and stated 10 him (Spencer)
that his clerk had gone back
on him and had given away
the whole story and had betrayed the whole
business, with more to that effect, and that
some days later said Dorsey stated to said
Spencer that the matter had all been fixed
up; that James w. Bosler had sat up with
said clerk all night, and had finally succeed
ed in persuading him to make an affidavit
denying his original statement. Deponent
further says his reason for believing said
Spencer can testify as hereinbefore stated is
that Thomas L. james, John r. Van
Wormer and General Boynton have in
formed deponent that said Spencer had made
TO them said statements, though he is not
sure that the statement TO Boynton related
10 anything more in the interview for which
the money was paid Brady. Deponent fur
Their says he is informed that similar state
ments have been made by Spencer to various
other persons, who have so stated, but as
they have not 80 stated directly 10 this de-
ponent, he does not refer to them more in |
detail. GEORGE BLISS.
A counter-afidavit was offered by Inger- |
soil, which will be filed when court meets |
above. 1t is expected that several other /
affidavits of like nature will be filed by |
Recess.
When the court reassembled Judge Wylie |
'aid that he believed it best to adjourn until |
o-morrow, counsel in the meanwhile to ar
.ange themselves, ii possible, the order of |
argument.