Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1883-04-11
MINERS CROSS.EXAMINATIO
In the Star Route Trial
To-Day.


Proceedings In the Star Route Trial
To-Day.
the cross-examination OF John r Miner was
continued when the star route trial was resumed
this morning. The early part OF the DAYS exam
inatton covered the proceedings of the contractors
during the days when they were preparing to get
contracts. The witness thought it was probable
that he had requested s. w. Dorsey to send Rer-
dell to Boone's house for case of pigeon holes,
but he had no distinct recollection OF it. The wit
ness and Rerdell lived together from about the
nrst OF october, 1878. to the first OF January,
1879 at 1i4 street northeast. After that witness
went TO live at 1880 COrcOran street. Witness did
not Know whether s. W. Dorsey had given Kerdell
81 GOO to use in stocking the Bismarck and Tongue
River route or not. He did not know whether that
amount was included In the settlement with S. w.
Dorsey or not. All that & w, Dorsey claimed to
nave advanced was paid to him.
ASKED VALE TO SEE BRADY.
The witness said that Vale had never made q
proposition to him, but he had proposed and
urged that Vale should help him out He had
asked Vaile to see Brady and ask an extension OF
time. because Vaile was in good standing whereas
the witness was broken up and did not have the
courage to 60 and see Brady gain. The witness
nrst employed Moore In the spring of 1878. Moore
| was introduced to the witness by Boone, who re-
commended him. The witness in 1867 was sent to
agent to examine the accounts OF the agent OF tn
collector, F. Vandervere. It was in March, 1878.
he thought that he had paid 81 800 In Sandusky to
settle
THE INDICTMENT SPOKEN OF YESTERDAY.
The Indictment had been pending then about a
year and a-half.
The witness was asked about having been in
Canada and said he had never been in Canada,
except to pass over the railroad. He knew Thomas
The witness was questioned about the cost OF
stocking the Bismarck and Tongue River route,
but was unable to give figures He knew that Mr..
Williamson had spent large sum OF money on
tnat route. Witness had never looked into the
accounts because ''life was too short to look into
| things that had already been paid"
MINERS BOOKKEEPING.
The witness was asked II he kept any books,
and said: II kept book about the size OF that, I"
showing little vest pocket memorandum book
He kept also what he called a route register
! They had received from the Bismarck and Tongue
and deductions about $4,000 had been RENTED.
The witness was examined again as to the six
names he wrote on the Hall petition, and was
other person. The witness said there was very
little feigned about them, and that to him the
alike.
ASKED TO EXPLAIN LETTER
The witness was asked to explain q letter he
wrote to q sub-contractor, in which he told him
that increased speed Is very seldom ordered, and
ne never r without I considerable labor and expense
here" The witness said that Mr.. Hayes tn SUBJ
contractor, had a friend, the postmaster, who
Claimed to have been schoolmate of Tom Brady,
witness wanted to satisfy him that it was neces-
sary 10 get the recommendation OF his member
Mr.. Merrtck asked what expense they were in
vOlved in here.
81 was at the expense Of living here" said the
witness
"Is that all the explanation you have to make7n
asked Mr.. Merrick.
WANTED TO MAKE A GOOD TRADE
Furthermore" said the Witness "Mr. Hayes
was of the opinion that II any expedition was or
dered ne ought to have it wanted to make a
good trade with him"
"You wanted to make good trade, and SO told
a lie?' said Mr.. Merr1ck.
wei sir !" said the witness, II wasn't under
oath when wrote that letter."
would you lie II not under oath7"
~ haven't said l would" said the Witness 81
generally make the best trade CAM
when under oath as we'll as when not" said
"No Sir" said the witness, 81 think there are
many other people who make the best trade they
can"
That" said Judge Wylie, 'Is the law OF trade"
recess was then taken.
Star Route Notes.
very nice point was decided in the star route
.rlai yesterday afternoon. objection was made to
Mr. Merrick introducing, for the purposes OF cross
examination. passages from Miners testimony be-
fore the Congressional investigation committee, on
given before Congressional committee could not
be used against the witness in criminal proceed
ing. Judge Wye, In rendering his decision, called
attention to the fact that this law was passed be-
fore the law enabling defendant to 90 upon the
stand. He then ruled that Miner, when ne went
upon the stand as q witness, surrendered for the
time his privileges as a defendant and permitted
Mr. Merrfck to use the testimony In question.
Mr. MERRICK WILL NOT WITHDRAW.
Mr. Merrtck, when asked last evening about the
rumors that he would withdraw from the star
route case said he intended to perform his duty to
the government at any hazard His private clients,
he said, complained that he was compelled to ne
glect their business and were becoming very Inn
portunate; but he did not intend to leave this
case until 1t had been prosecuted to q conclusion
he was anxious to reach conclusion. Having
put his shoulder to the wheel, however, he would
remain at his post to the end.