The daily gazette., 1883-03-08
A STAR ROUTE SO eSE.
A Congressman Fined 500 fer Contempt
Of Court by Judge WyIie.

of Court by Judge Wyiie.
WASHINGTON, March 7,-Congressman
Beltord OF Colorado was the first witness
whom the defence IN the Star Route case
called to the stand this morning. He testi-
fed that when Brady was In the Post Office
Department he had frequently called on
that officer to urge that the mail facilities
of his State be increased OH account OF Its
remarkably rapid growth. Mr.. Ingersoll
asked the wituess Il he had ever received
money or acheek for money from 8. W. Dorsey
or any Of the defendants in connection with
the mail business. Mr.. Merrick objected
and the Court sustained the objection. Mr..
IDgersoll said that Rerdell had sworn that a
check stub marked Email" showed that
money had been paid to James B. Belford.
He wished to show that no such check had
been received by Belford, and that Rerdell
had sworn falsely. The Court said that
RerdelPs statements could not be contra
dicted by secondary evidence when the
Court knew that the defense had the primary
evidence. If they wished to show that
Rerdell had testified falsely they must show
ii by their books.
After some further testimony Mr.. Beliord
was asked to stand inside. Turning to the
Court he said, with apparent agitation
"Your Honor, i wish 10 ask the indulgence
make a personal statement in regard to a
charge affecting my honor"
Mr.. Merriek was Immediately on his feet
with an objection. II the witness had any
statement 10 make to the country, he could
make it, but he could not state to the jury
and to the Court what, as a witness, he had
not been allowed to state on the stand.
"Give me the poor privilege" pleaded
Mr.. Belford, ''oi making a statement"
"'rhis is not a public meeting" replied
the Court. "We are trying case judi
cially."
81 state before The living Cod" said Mr..
Belford, solemnlY and Indignantly, ''that !
never saw such check" Then, turning
on his heel, Mr.. Belford started from the
court room, but was recalled by the Judge,
who exclaimed, angrily, "Come here, sir.
Bring Mr.. Belford here" Mr. Belford hav-
ing returned the Court inquired what he
had said, and Mr.. Belford repeated it with
emphasis.
''This is contempt Of Court" exclaimed
his Honor, "and the Court imposes fine OF
500; and you stand committed until II Is
paid"
81 will pay $780," retorted Mr.. Belford,
dedantly, "but no man shall stab my char
acter."
"This is a degree of impertinence and in
science which the Court will not permit to
take place In its presence" Indignantly
continued his Honor.
Mr.. Carpenter inquired whether the Court
had Jurisdiction to impose fine without
issuing rule to show cause.
"Certainly 1t has" replied the Court. "It
is a disorder in court of which the C0urI
can take notice Immediately"
Mr.. Ingersoll thought the Court had bet
| let the fine go. There was something par
donable in the natural indignation of mar
whose fair fame had been assailed.
Mr.. Merrick said If Mr.. Belford ha(
wanted exact and full vindication he woulC
not be satisfied In making the statement b
| did, but he would have asked for the boOl
which would reply to all that was said in tn
court room.
The Court said that Mr.. Belford hat
occupied place of consequence before tn
country for many years. Mr.. Belfort
arose, but the Court hastily bade him b.
seated, saying he was not addressing him.
The Court reviewed Rerdell's testimony
/ upon the point in question, and said tha
Mr.. Belford could not but know that tht
proposed explanation could not be allowed
There was nothing wrong in his request
but after it had been refused 1t was gross
| violation of the authority of the Court K
/ persist In delivering himself as he had done
| The Court therefore declined to remit th'
| fine.
Mr.. Ingersoll the clerk accept m!
check for the amount,
The Court-Oh, certainly.
Mr.. Ingersoll turned to Mr.. Belford ant
said 'sYou can go, believe"
The gentleman at once availed himself o
the privilege.