National Republican., 1883-02-21
IDENTIFYING THE PAPERS.
A Dull Day In she Star Route TrIal-Rer-
dell Identifying Papers.

In the star route trial yesterday morning
Rcrdcl continued the identification of the
handwriting and signatures of the papers
connected with the Kcarncy-Kcnt route.
When he testified that Miner signed the
names OF other defendants, Mr.. Henkle,
Miners counsel. made an objection to the
method of examination. and argued in sup
port of the objection. He gave notice that
he intended to move to exclude all of Rcr-
dclPs testimony touching his client. One
point made in his argument was that Rcr.
dell was IN incompetent witness, because he
had already pleaded mot guilty." and could
not testify against his associates after the
beginning of the trial. The court believed il
was n question to be settled by authorities
rather than by argument. Mr. Henkle
cited number Of authorities in reply. Mr.
Bliss coniended that they were insufficient,
and had leen superseded by later and bcttor
decisions
Mr., Hcnkle said he did not care to argue
the point at present; he only wished to give
notice that he should move to exclude the
testimony.
The court replied that it would be rather
late to make such motion after hearing the
testimony and ascertaining whether it was
for or againat them.
Mr. llenkle then continued his argument,
with occasional interruptions by the court
Mr.. Henkle quoted from Cowan, and argued
that the court was, in such cases, implicated
with the understanding that the witness was
entitled 70 an equitable pardon.
The court replied that he was not conscious
OF being under such any obligation that was
| enough 10 dispose of that authority.
McssrS lngersoll and Davidge gave notice
that they did not object.
Mr. llCnkle was content that il should stand
ms against their clients; he did not want il
against his client
The court finally overruled the motion,
saying that ii could not be entertained for
moment, 1t was not likely that it would go
TO the extremity of saying what evidence,
should be given and what should he excluded !:
OF deciding whether evidence WA needed or
not -..
Mr.. Hfnkle notad an exception.
INC eTlmlhdion nm of the papers was then re-
suihcu 'Nnen the court rcassembled after
recess mp witness complained of feeling un-
wen, alq asked TO be excused for the remain
ucr oi thb day. About one half of the papers
iau peeh examined. At the request of Mr..
hliSo, however, the witness consented to go
W W loI lime, and tho examination proceeded
n, = nc testimony concerned Miner aud S. W.
Jolaey lfore than the other defendants, MS 1t
showed That they signed the names of Peck
apu o., w. Dorsey to many of the papers
ABOUT o'clock the witness was excused, and
lhohas L. Eckert, of New York, general
m"naserl of the Western Union Telegraph
company was called. He did not respond,
and Mr.. lBliss explained that he would proba.
bly, be hdre in the morning, He is expected
to prove the telegrams sent by Dorsey to
Rerdel.
Mr.. Bliss otTcred In oyidencc tho muster
ron [oll oil nc company of soldiers stationed in
oregon 10 prove that the signatures affixed to
lhe peii1 ons on the Dalles- Baker City route
were thI 90 of soldiers NOT Stationed unon tbc
line Of Iiute at the time tbe petition bnd been
signed.
oplect on was made by the defense to the
receptlO1 of this muster roll in evidence, and
long Argument followed.
adjoulndd