The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-03-01
THE srAR-RoUrE TRIAL.
A War Between Counsel Varies the Monot-
ony Somewhat.

ony Somewhat.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 2S-In the star-route
trial the cross-examination of Rerdell was
continued. A cutting remark by Ingersoll
at the witness caused an angry passage be-
tween counsel, during which Mr.. Merrick
spoke of Mr.. Ingersoll as a puppy, and Mr..
Ingersoll, his face red with anger, called Mr.,
Merrick dirty dog, at the same time invol-
UNFAIRLY picking up heavy ink-stand. The
court finally restored order, and it was great
ly shocked and outraged. Mr. Merrick be-
gan to explain that he had been pressed be-
yond endurance, but the court interrupting,
said his language was inexcusable under any
his sorrow, saying no man had
greater respect for the court, and
he would bow with submission to it. The
judge thought it was due to the court that
the remark be retracted. Mr.. Merrick said
he would retract by direction of the court
but hoped Mr. Ingersoll would be asked to
retract as well. Mr.. Ingersoll said so far as
he was concerned he would willingly ignore
any remarks, but he wanted it understood
that no man could abuse him without resist
ance on his part Said he: 81 would do it
at the day Of judgment if were assailed by
God l would defend myself with my little
puny power" The court deprecated the
bad temper displayed by counsel all along,
and after some further explanation the af-
fair was amicably settled, and the entire pas
sage stricken from the record.
Mr.. Ingersoll announced that he had fin
ished with the witness, and Wilson and Hen
kle asked few questions concerning Brady,
Vale and Miner, but nothing of interest was
elected.
Mr.. Merrick conducted the redirect exam
ination. A long discussion took place upon
the attempt of the prosecution to prove that
Vale had been forewarned of RerdelPs in
tended course when he gave him 81 te: The
court decided to allow the inquiry. Witness
said he had two conversations with Vale on
the subject, one of them after December last
in which he told Vale that he was in COM
munication with the government that he
was trying to get out of the case and had
spoken to some of the government employees.
Vaile said he had done we'll; that if it had
not been for the fact that he had been on the
stand at the last trial, he would.
Mr. Davidge objected, and the answer was
not finished.
Witness said the loan was purely busi-
ness transaction between Vaile and himself
Witness made the request in the courtroom,
explaining his need and his intention of re-
paying the loan. Witness first learned the
government was willing to accept him as
witness on the night when he went to Mr.
Merrick's house. That gentleman had read
from the statutes to show what Rerdell's
WOulu NC. LIZ IidQ lOlU MIN ne
had nothing to expect, except from the
mercy of the court.
Mr.. Bliss explained that the government
had been for a To- time aware of Rerdells
desire to appear as government witness,
influenced by a regard for his personal safety
The prosecution had steadily refused to ac-
cept his offer until the night he came to Mr.
Merrick's house, and had then given him dis
tinctly to understand that he must plead
guilty, and had no favor to expect. Mr.
Merrick asked witness his reason for becom-
ing q government witness. The witness
said the first fact was the argument
of his counsel in the last trial. As if sus-
pecting, he came to the Jail and threatened
him with those letters again. His wife told
him of the condition of his Office, and upon
inspection he saw some one had "gone
through" it. Convinced that he had been
deserted, and that it was Dorsey's purpose
to get him out of the way, he then and
there resolved to go over to the government
and in pursuance of that resolve went to see
Woodward. Although witness did not see
Brady go into Chamberlain's, he knew he
was there from conversations with Dorsey
before and after the meeting, Dorsey caused
him to prepare list OF fines and deductions,
taking it with him to Chamberlain's. Com
ing out, Dorsey told him Brady had gone
over the statement of fines and deductions
and instructed witness to prepare applica-
tions for remissions. The court said the
question had been more far-reachng than it
had expected, and directed the answer to be
omitted from the record. Adjourned.