The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-02-16

TO be credited. The second is groundleSS,
Your correspondent met Dorsey and Inger-
soil at Chamberlain's about II o'clock to-
night. They said they had been expecting
such a move on the part of Rerdell all along,
and that confession would not disconcert
them or ieopardize their case. They pre-
tended not to know what Rerdell was going
to tell; Furthermore, that they didn't care
RerdeIrs Testimony in Detail.
To the Western Associated Press.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 15.-In the star.route
trial, after the cross-examination of Post
master Lounsberry, of Bismarck, Mr.. Rerdell
arose, and in a clear voice said eff the
court please, desire to make a statement in
my own behalf" A profound silence pre-
vailed for moment. The court looked sur
prised, but counsel for the defense seemed
to be prepared for the blow about to follow.
The court finally said: You Can make it."
Rerdell then proceeded to read rapidly the
following statement: IF the court please,
desire to make statement in person and in
my own behalf. After mature reflection and
full consideration of the whole subject, |
have determined to abandon any further de-
Tense in this case and put myself at the
mercy of the court and government, and, if de-
sired to do so by counsel for the government,
to testify to all my knowledge of any facts
with reference to any of the defendants.
Therefore, l now, in person, ask leave to
withdraw my plea of not guilty, heretofore
interposed, and enter my plea of guilty and
in so doing put myself upon the mercy of the
court. / feel this to be a duty | owe to my
self my family and the truth l have ar
rived at this fixed determination upon my
own reflections and responsibilities, and
without any previous consultation with my
counsel, who, l believe, would not have ad-
vised me to take this course, and whom l
now relieve from all responsibility for the
course | have adopted"
"Well, on my part there is no objection"
said Ingersoll, abruptly. This is somewhat
UNEXPECTED. l presume" said Wiltshire,
RerdelIs counsel, 'that Rerdell has exer-
cised right that belongs to himself. there
fore nothing is left but for me to withdraw
from the case, or at least from further par
ticipation in the case"
The Court-The defendant who has just
spoken desires to withdraw his plea of not
guilty and enter one of guilty. The clerk
will make the entry.
RERDELL's TESTIMONY.
Rerdell was then called to the stand by
Merrick, and testified as follows: Became
acquainted with s. w, Dorsey in December,
1872 met John Dorsey in the spring of 1873
at Senator Dorsey's house, on 1 street; first
met Peck about 1868 or 1870 Became ac-
quainted with Brady in the spring of 1879.
In August, 1875, witness was appointed
trict government. At the same
time he acted as Dorseys secretary. Miner
had ar office in the third story of Dorsey's
house. Boone, Watts and Senator Dorsey
were frequenters of Miners office. Early in
February, 1873, the night before the pro-
posals were put in, witness began his connec-
ton with the mail business. Early that
evening Dorsey asked witness to assist him.
Witness hestated, and Senator Dorsey sent
him to assist Miner When he got upstairs,
Miner informed him he wished him to help
fix up proposals. Miner read off the amounts,
and witness filled in the dollars and cents in
the bids Part of the time Senator Dorsey
was present, and part of the time Boone was
present. Believed Watts was also present.
Witness worked until about 1 o'clock. Miner
read off figures from a book containing adj
vertisements.
In December 1878, witness had a CONVEX
sation with Miner about the book at his
home on street. Miner showed him the
book and told him who filled in the figures.
He said the figures were in Senator Dorsey's
handwriting. One morning in June, 1878,
witness went to Dorsey's house at his re-
quest. Dorsey had before him large num-
Der of communications. He tossed them
over 10 WlJueSS' aiitt asked MIN IL he KNEW
what they meant Witness read about
dozen. They were communications
from the Postoffice Department adj
dressed to Dorsey Peck, Boone,
Miner and perhaps Watts. Dorsey
asked him to take charge of the business,
and witness carried them down to the office
in the district building Dorsey said ne in
tended to take away the business from Boone
who was then attending to it. Saw Dorsey
again on the night following. Told him he
thought he could attend to the business
after getting little further information.
Dorsey instructed him to go to Boones
house and get all the papers connected with
the business. Boone he SAID, would under
stand what papers were wanted. Witness
did as he was directed, and got large
them to Miners room in Dorsey's
house, and devoted all his spare time to the
business of writing letters to sub-contractors
and others About July 5 or 10 Dorsey
asked him if he would like TO go West.
Witness replied in the affirmative, and by
Dorsey's direction put in his application for
leave of absence. Dorsey said that he would
see that he got it. Witness was to go West
to assist John Dorsey in putting services on
the Bsmarck-Tongue river route. Left
Washington July H. Received instructions
and $3.50 from Dorsey before leaving Dorsey
also went with him to the German American
National Bank and placed to the credit of
John w. Dorsey q Co. $4,000 Witness
& Co upon the books When witness re-
turned he negotiated three blank notes
signed John w. Dorsey & Co., and Endorsed
S. w. Dorsey. Did not remember whether
Miner or himself had the notes. Used nearly