Tolland County press., 1883-02-22
ssis-~ i4--e-i---- ----------- --+-------- Washington Letter.

1"S'- t'@ Washington, D., G. March, II, 1888.
 If Washington no longer has congress,
 the star route trial still fingers, and it has
 been rendered unusually interesting this
 week by Dorsey and Brady, the accused,
 appearing as witnesses. The criminal
 court room is filled every day now to
 overtiowing, and many ladies attend.
 Neither of the defendants testified in the former trial, but in face of the accumula- ton of evidence that has so steadily fast ened it's coils around them, they have been forced to confront the peoples justly dreaded attorneys and undergo a cross examination in order to testify in their own behalf. The future of the defend ants depends solely upon their success in
 breaking down the testimony of the peo- ple's witnesses, and they are swearing vigorously against them. Of course they are not compelled to criminate themselves, nor will their counsel ask any questions calculated to embarrass them, and so long as Messrs. Ingersell and Wilson conduct the examination all will be we'll with them. But in the fiery furnace of the ss-examination will be seen how far the defense are willing to go into the merits of their case with their own wit nesses. For, if they undertake to con- fine this testimony to 8 mere contradic- ton of Rerdell and Walsh, and to pre- vent thorough and searching examine ton of all the acts charged against the accused, the jury as well as the public
 will be able to see through the scheme. They are only wasting time in trying to prove the extent of Rerdell's corruption, for the fact that he once formed part of their combination and was the style of material they could make servlceable proves their opinion of him.
 The millionaire Senator elect Sabin, of Minnesota, is in the city, and is making the rounds of the departments and get ting acquainted with the people who may be of use to him next winter, He shows an adaptation to practical statesmanshlp, and takes to the business like veteran. Personally, Mir. Sabin is man of strik- ing features. He is above the medium height, with dark complexion, dark eyes. and jet black hair He has square, firm face, wears long drooplng moustache. and the peculiar manner of arranging his halr makes him resemble Senator Leean of Illinois.
 After canvassing the city thoroughly for available quarters, the civil service commission has decided to occupy rooms in the city hal, and will take possession as soon az furniture can be procured. Of hcials in the departments who have met the members of the commission have been pleased with them. Mir. Eaton has been known and appreciated previously, but Judge Thoman and Dr. Gregory were strangers. The latter was the Illinois commissioner to the Paris exposition The members say they are getting large amount of advice, and are surprised to lind in the departments so intelligent and hearty a.sympathy with the work of the commission, and anIalmost universal ex- l pressisn of hope tkat its 'missioa shall not l be failure. When they get fairly to work, It IS expected @ very large number of candidates will appear for examination. l and that thereafter the examinations will be 8 permanent, feature of Washington | life. No appointment or nomination will | be necessary to enable person to enter tor examination, nor need the fact of one | passing 1t result in an appointment to of hce. But, upon passing, a certain cer- 'tificate will be given, which can be used to secure employment from private per. sons and corporations, as well as to se- cure entraxIce to tho public service. The old board Frequently had as many as three hundred persons under examination at 8 time, aud it is probable that room will have to be provided for many more than | that number.
 se A work of dssecration is being perpe- trated on Judiciary Square, one of the E beautiful parks of the city, on a corner of which stands the city hall. The new pension ofics is to occupy the site, and the excavations that have been made for the purpose have entirely obliterated ev- cry trace of the park, and transformed it into clay bank. It cannot but be natter ssof srsgret that these refreshing green spots in the midst of monotonous repetitiens of houses and streets should be sppsupsists.a g