Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1883-12-08
EX-SENATOR SPENCER'S CASE.
The Charge of Contempt.


Ex-senator George E. Spencer and his counsel,
| ex-senator Boutwell, and Mr. Mayer. appeared be-
fore Judge Wylie at IL o'clock this morning. that
being the hour set for proceeding with the hearing
| OF the charge OF contempt against Mr. Spencer for
having 1t is alleged disobeyed order of the court
to appear as witness in the first star route trial
Messrs. Merrick, Bliss and ker and the district
attorney appeared for the government. The inter-
| rQgatories propounded by the government were
| read by Mr. Nerrtck, and the answers OF Mr.. Spen-
| Ger by MI Mayer, the gentlemen reading alter
nately, like two actors reilearSing dialogue.
tApstractS OF both papers have been published
in TIE STARl
UNINPoRTAHT OMISSIONS.
When the answer oIeX-Senator Spencer, to which
his letter to Secretary Chandler detailing the part
the writer had taken in investigating the star
route inquiry and denying that he had seen Dorsey
pay money to Brady is appended was read, at
tention was called by Mr.. Mayer to the fact that
TWO sentences we're omitted from the copy OF the
sthe letter led but the court at liberty in
spect the whole letter Judge Wyle read the eN-
plunged portions and observed that If these Were
the omitted portions OF the letter they had not
much bearing on the case, as they were merely
the expression OF a sentiment
LAUGHTER IN COURT.
Mr.. Bliss read to the court the newspaper inter-
view with Mr.. Spencer in Canada. in which Mr.
Spencer characterized the prosecution of the star
route cases as corrupt and ignorant, and devoted
much space belittleing Mr. Bliss The sallies in
the letter provoked laughter, at Mr.. Bliss expense,
in which Mr.. Bliss Joined.
1t required nearly an hour and half to read the
lnterroSator1eS and answers.
Judge Wylie said lac was ready to hear any
remarks.
WHAT MERRICK EXPECTS TO PROVE.
Mr. Merrick stated in reference TO Mr.. SpencerS
allusio1S to eX-Postmaster General James and Mr..
Van Wormer, late chief clerk of the Post Office
department, that they were preparing to present
afdavits of Messrs. James and Van Wormer
That Mr.. Spencer told them that he had
seen MIR. Dorsey pay money to Brady,
together with atfidavits OF others To the ef-
the persons named here witnesses TO negative
MI. SpencerS statements as to the particulars OF
the evidence. which he claimed to have In his pos
session, although That might not be material to
The Issue here.
CONTRADICTION BY Mr. BLISS
Mr.. Bliss said that he did not care to bring him.
sell into this ease. but he had been brought in
he wished to be permitted to state that much that
was said about him was untrue.
Judge Wylie said In relation to Mr. NerricLs
proposition that this was not an examination be-
lore jury, that counter affidavts would be mad
lnlosi1e, ana that the presumption was that the
government had purpose in SuInmOnng Mr.. Spen-
Ger as a witness
CONVENIENT TO HAVE DEAD MAN TO PUT THINGS
on.
Mr.. Bliss then proceeded to argue the case claim
ing at the outset, that there was no denial OF con-
tempt, but rather an assertion that the contempt
was committed and continued; that Mr. Spencer
mad declared he would give his testimony when
and where he chose, and that he had de1ed the
court and government. II Mr.. Spencers allegation
OF an assurance from President Garfield that he
would not be SnmOned as a witness were true it
dld not change the conditions OF the case. The
PRESIDENT had no power to abSOlye man from his
duties as citizen But" said Mr. Bliss. 81 don't be-
lleVe any President OF the United States ever did
sd sucn thlng: 1t IS convenient in many cases to
nave dead man upon whom to put thingSn
Mr.. Bliss contended tnat the evidence was con-
elusive as to Mr. Spencer's intention to escape at
tendance at the court. In regard to Mr.. SpencerS
statements concerning him, Mr.. Bliss said that the
only complaint Mr. Spencer had against him (Nr.
Bliss was that he would not TALK With him about
his evidence. Mr. Bliss said he would not talk with
Spencer because Mr.. Spencer'S chosen friend
Nllllam T. Chandler, told him that Spencer
would deny some portion OF his statement. In
view OF the evidence the government had that
pie, he could not do otherwise than put Mr. Spen-
Ger ON the stand, and he did not intend that any
question OF yerac1ty should be raised between him
Self and Mr.. Spencer
While Mr.. Mayer, who followed Mr. Bliss, was
making his argument. Judge Wylie Interrupted
him to say that he regarded one point as settled
ana THAT was that Mr. Spencer was endeayoring to
avoid attendance on the star route trial.
Mr. Mayer referred to the understanding that Mr.
Spencer had with President GarfIeld.
Judge Wyle said he could not recognize the RIGHT
or the President to interfere in the administration
or justice.
Mr.. Boutwell, urged that the subpoena served on
ME- spencer In New York in June. 1882, was not
served by an officer of the court but by L. NJ New
combe, who, II appeared, had no authority.
The court said that IL there was no proper ser
vice Mr. Spencer was not required to obey the sub
puena