National Republican., 1883-01-24
MOORE OF MONTANA.
A New Witness in the Star Route Trial.
Interesting Developments.
He Says He was in Conspiracy to Rob
the Government,
And Tells All About How II Was Done -Hearsay
Evidence.
What the Cross-I1Snminntion Developed
sublettlng Mail Contracts.

tho witness A. s. Powers was further ex-
amincd. In answer to questions by Mr. Bliss
he said that when he was hero at the last
trial he had conversation with Rordoll in
relation to remissions for failures. Rerdcl
told him It would cost so per cent to get tho
remissions He cited one case where he had
taken one Of the clerks out to dinner at some
expense.
Mr.. Ingersoll objected to the application of
this evidence TO his clients-the Dorseys-
saying: LET them take care of their own
man, as ho is under the protection of other
counsel"
The court replied that the evidence would
only apply to Rerdcl.
The witness then added that he thought he
should explain that Rerdcll said the so per
cont was required for attorneys fees.
Andrew w. Moore of Montana, was then
called. He testified that in 1873 he was agent
of the United States Inland Mail Transporta-
tion company. Knew all of the defendants
in this case. Was introduced to Miner by
Boone. Had n conversation with him in
April 1873. Miner wanted him to go west to
look after his mail business, and employed
witness at n salary of $3.50 per Inonth and ex-
pensos. He was directed to report at Senator
Dorsey's house for instructions and funds.
Witness saw Senator Dorsey objection was
made by the defense to n recital of the con-
vcrsation, but it was ovcrrued) Witness
then said that he told Dorsey he thought the
service had been taken too low, but that by
careful management he could he saved from
loss. Dorsey said that the long weekly routes
had been taken so as to get the benefits of in
crease and expedition.
Mr.. Henxle renewed his objection at this
point and offered to read from the record of
the preceding trial ruling made by the court
barring out u similar conversation between
Boone and Dorsey.
The court replied that no matter what had
been said then, this was competent evidence
now. The record was read, however, with
the apparent result of sustaining the position
taken by tho court Tho examination was
then resumed.
Witness said Rerdell was present at the
conversation. Dorsey produced blank forms
of subcontracts and pointed out what to tho
witness was a novel provision for expedition,
and he was instructed TO carry out the plan in
making subcontracts. He was to make them
ON a descending scale: so much for one trip,
so much for three trips, and so on making
the increase in every case less than pro rata,
as the government allowed. For expedition
he was to mako the best terms he could
if he averaged 40 per cent. increased COM
pensation to the subcontractor he would
be doing well. Witness was furnished with
ten or n dozen letters of introduction to
railway passes. His pay was TO bo sent
monthly to his wife at Chicago. Witness saw
Miner the next day, and they cashed a
check payable to Miner given to witness by
Senator Dorsey. His travelling fund was
5000 in cash, and the balance in 800 checks.
He was given power of attorney, but after
wards returned the paper to Miner 1t was
! signed by Peck, Miner and j. w. Dorsey, and
authorized witness to sign their names to
subcontracts for service in the Pacific slope
states. Dorsey told him he could assure the
subcontractors that all of the service would be
increased and expedited. Miner instructed
witness to get up petitions, taking care to
have them dissimilar, and TO have space
between the head and body of the
petition, so that it could bo changed
If necessary. Under these orders
witness went west and sublct u number of
contracts Among them was the Redding-
Alturas route, let to Major and Culvorhousc
Witness told Major he would guarantee in
creased service and expedition as soon as he
could get the petitions to Washington. In
answer to Majors request that he provo his
authority to offer such guarantees, witness
told him that Senator Dorsey was the head
man of the concern, This Inference of Dor
sey's connection with the business was stricken
out by order of the court.
Mr. Ingersoll said he was glad the witness
had told this; it showed how reluctant he
was to testify.
Mr. Merrick replied that there was no oc-
casion for sarcasm he would protect the wit
ness.
Mr. Carpenter You will have need.
Continuing, witness said he met Miner in
Denver, Col. He was shown telegram from
Senator Dorsey, in which he said that he
could not be present, and requested witness
to come on to Washington.
This evidence was stricken out by the court,
hut cnlg tlNrp tiall
in an unobjectiOnable form. Witness said
Miner proposed to give him fourth interest
in the contracts he had sublct instead of u
regular salary. Miner said there was money
in expedition, and explained to witness that
IL was all dependent upon tho contractors
affidavit, and added that they were pretty
good men. Witness went on to Washington,
saw Dorsey, and received check in settle
ment of his account Dorsey offered him $3.50
month II he would go back and resume
charge of the service, but witness refused the
offer, saying he would 20 if they gave him n
fourth interest in the Pacific slope contracts.
Dorsey said he would accept the PROPOSE
tion after he had seen Miner. In July,
1873, Miner returned to Washington
and drew up contract in accordance
with the agreement. Witness expenses We're
to be taken out of the general fund before
n division of profit.
After recess the examination was continued.
Witness said he remained In Washington
about week, and then went to Oregon to
sublet the service that subcontractor Hutch
inson had thrown up. He went under his
arrangement with Dorsey and Miner, taking
$1,000 for travelling cXpensCs, furnished by
Miner. At the Dalles, Oregon witness made
subContract with Frank Mclean. At first
Mclean refused TO take the contract, but wit
ness promised to have it increased from
weekly to daily trips and increase his pay.
Mclean said it was not possible to get the
service increased, because he could carry the
entire through mail in his pocket, Witness
replied that Senator Dorsey was the head man
of the e
"You must not say anything that Senator
Dorsey did not authorize you to say" said
the court ave will strike that out"
Witness said he told Mclean that Peck and
]. w. Dorsey were simply bidders, and that
the routes really belonged to Senator Dorsey.
"That Is also incompetent" " said the court
ellis evidence must be within his instructions
from Senator Dorsey"
Mr.. Merrick attempted to draw out the fact
in another form, but Mr.. Carpenter objected,
saying, Has he got that on the brain"
"No, sir, retorted Mr.. Merrick, warmly
"but ON the heart. Put Dorsey ON the stand to
refute it, if you dare"
Mr. Carpenter. We have heard enough Of
the defendants taking the stand; that is cer-
tainly Objectionable.
The Court We must have order, gentle
men.
Mr. Ingersoll. Oh, Lord, but this Is funny
The witness, continuing, said he found IL inn
possible TO sublet the Dalles- Baker City, and
Dallcs and Lakevew routes, and sent for
funds to stock the route He proceeded to
nut ON stock while waiting for the money