Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-05-09

rae STAR ROUTE.
Bliss Closes His Long Argument.

WASHINGTON, MAY 8.
Bliss began the seventh day Of his address
to the jury in the star route trial, this morn
ing.
Different affidavits were taken up separ-
ately and their Inconsistencies pointed out.
When the hour for recess had arrived
Dayidge suggested that Bliss cease his arsu-
meHt.
That gentleman said it probably would be
for their fthe defense) good if he did.
When the court assembled after recess,
Bliss began his concluding remarks. He
made particularly bitter attack upon Brady
and then turned upon other defendants.
Overt acts charged against each of them
were recalled TO the the memory of the jury
in succinct summary of evidence. This
prosecution, said Bliss in conclusion, was
intended to protect the treasury. Such trials
must necessarily take place in this city. and
the eyes of the country were upon this trial
to ascertain if jury could be found in the
district capable of understanding case of
this magnitude and be able, honestly, to do
their duty without fear or prejudice. Bliss
then took his seat.
Merrick said the government had closed its
opening.
Merrick read personal letter to himself
iph TIC ottoiuSy u"tNN APi' 1919
referring to the conference had with Mer-
rick on the subject of the closing arguments.
He said that it has been his intention to take
part in the argument after the close of the
case. He could not attend in court because
of the press of official business, but he has
informed himself of the proceedings from
day to day. He had hoped that some arrange
ment would be adopted as was had in the
former trial. He wishes to have the case
thoroughly tried by lawful means, to law
full end, to prove that a man is amenable 10
law no matter how high his position. He
directs Jerrick to ask the court to allow the
government two closing arguments. for 1t Is
his conviction that they are entitled to 1t in
this of all other cases. If the court declines
to allow, then he (aitorney general) is nee
essarily excluded. This is due to Merrick
who knows the case SO thoroughly and has
borne the brunt of a long and arduous pros
ecution. He will not and shall not supercede
him. but if the court should grant this re-
quest. and the defence, as they have threat
ened. should refuse to make any argument
then he (attorney general) will withdraw
for although they deserve punishment they
would draw upon their heads by pursuing
that course. He will not have case of this
magnitude 60 to the jury without allowing
the defence the benefit of all that can be said
in their behalf.
Merrick added that he had conferred with
Wilson and that gentleman had declared he
would refuse to argue in case the govern
ment was allowed two closing arguments.
But nevertheless he desired a ruling upon
the subject. He wished the court to say that
the government was entitled to two closing
arguments.
Some discussion ensued in regard to the
o< Ia.
courts position in the matter.
Judge Wylie said that the former arrange
ment was matter of conventions between
the opposing counsel
Bliss said the defence had rejected sim.
liar proposition in this trial
Ingersoli wished to understand if he was to
regard the letter of the attorney general as a
proof to enter into such an arrangement.
Merrick replied in the negative. Two Of
the government counsel had made argument
and is now too late for such an arrangement.
Ingersoll in answer to the request from
the court made vigorous protest against
the motion to allow two arguments to the
prosecution and he was seconded by Wilson.
The court said that it had seen nothing to
satisfy its mind that there was any reason such
as sickness or absence of the counsel tina,
would justify the departure from the estab-
iisueu pTdCtlSc III SUCH eases. ~ was tue
the uni, ersal practice in jury cases to allow
but one reply to the government, and that
order would be preserved in this case. Ol
course, such matters were within the dis
erection of the court and were not subject to
appeal, but the courts discretion was not
iptrinsical caprice and it saw no reason for
departing from the usual practice.
Henkle then requested an adjournment
lit was within 20 minutes of the time when
the court usually adjourned) in order the de.
fence to confer together in regard to the
course they should pursue.
Bliss objected. Important engagements
rendered it necessary that he should know
what the defense would do.
Iugersoll explained that perhaps the de-
Tense could make a place for the attorney
general, they did not want to deprive the gov
eminent of the services of its highest officer
Bliss-You have changed your mind from
Dorsey's view when he went to see Garfield
Ingersoll-This is different one.
In answer to Ingersoll's suggestion that
the defense might make place for the at
torney general, Merrick said he should re.
fuse to enter into any arrangement with the
defence as they had uniformly rejected his
propositions.
THAT is what we want retorted Inger-
soil, ''to make them responsible for keeping
out the attorney general
After some debate the court granted Mr.
Henkle's request and adjourned.