Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1883-05-09
MORE GINNING.
CLOSE OF BLISS SPEECH IN THE
STAR ROUTE CASES.
The Government Counsel Insist Upon Hav-
ing the Talk Out-A Coed Prospect of a
Continuance of the Case Till the Leaves
Fall

seventh day of his address to the jury in
the star route trial this morning. Referring
to s. W. Dorsey's testimony he declared he
acknowledged the existence of the red
book, described by Reerdel. The court in
terrupted with request that it be deferred
to that part of the testimony. Bliss &C.
cordingly turned to the report of s. w.
Dorsey's cross-examination and quoted
Dorsey (who was commenting upon Reer-
del where he said Reerdel had declared
he was faithful to him Dorsey and yet
had stolen the book under his arm. Then
Merrick had querried, and Dorsey had seen
his error and answered according to his
(Reerders) statement.
Bliss then began his concluding remarks.
He made a particularly bitter attack upon
Brady, and then turned on the other de-
PENDANTS. The overt acts charged against
each of them were recalled to memory in
succinct summary of evidence. This
prosecution, said Bliss in conclusion, " as
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 to under
stand a case of this magnitude, and able
honestly to do their duty, without fear or
prejudice.
Bliss then took his seat and Merrick said,
''thG government has closed its opening"
The pause which ensued was broken by
Wilson, who said, Your honor, desire to
know whether the government will claim
two arguments in closing?"
Merrick answered in the affirmative. AS
showing the sentiments of the attorney
general, Merrick read personal letter to
himself from the attorney general, dated
April "a. The attorney general refers to
conference had with Merrick on the SUBJ
ject of closing arguments. He says it has
been his intention to take a part in the
closing argument. He could not attend
in court because of press of official
business, bat he has informed himself of
the proceedings from day to day. He had
hoped that some arrangements would
be adopted as was had in the
former trial, He wishes to have
the case thoroughly trieG by lawful
means, to a lawful end, to prove that man
is amenable to law, no matter how high
his position. He directs Merrick to ask
the court to allow the government two
closing arguments, for it is his conviction
that they are entitled tot it, in this, of all
other cases. If the court declined to allow
the motion, then the attorney general is
necessarily excluded. This is due to Mer-
rick, who knows the case so thoroughly
and has borne the brunt of the long and
arduous prosecution, He will not super
sede him, but if the court should grant the
request and the defense, as they have
threatened, should refuse to make an argu-
ment, then he 1.-THE attorney generaD, will
withdraw, for, although they deserve the
punishment they would draw upon their
heads by pursuing that course, he will not
have case of this magnitude go to the
jury without allowing the defense the ben
eft of all that can be said in their behalf
Merrick added he had conferred with
Wilson, and that gentleman had declared
that he would refuse to argue in case the
government were allowed two closing
arguments.
1ngersoll, IN answer to a request from
the court, made vigorous protest against
| the motion to allow two arguments to the
prosecution, and was seconded by Wilson
The court said it had seen nothing to
satisfy its mind that there was any reason,
| such as sickness or absence of counsel,
that would justify a departure from the
established practice in such matters. It was
universal in jury cases to allow but one re-
ply to the government, and that order
would be preserved in this case. Of course
such matters were within the discretion of
the court, and were not subject to appeal,
but courts discretion was not mere whim-
steal caprice and it saw no reason for de-
parting from the usual practice.
Henkle then requested an adjournment
in order to allow the defense to confer in
regard to the course they would pursue.
Bliss objected.
Ingersoll said he had been taken by
surprise by Bliss sudden closing, and
therefore, seconded the request for an ad-
| journment.
The Court reminded the gentlemen that
Bliss had given notice yesterday that he
would close to-day.
Ingersoll-"I had notice last Wednesday
and came down to hear him close. and
I've been coming down every day since for
the same purpose, laughter Ingersoll
explained that perhaps the defense could
arrange to make place for the attorney
general. They did not want to deprive
the government of the services of its high
est 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 should make place for the
attorney general, Merrick said he should
refuse to enter into any arrangement with
the defense as they had uniformly re-
| jected his propositions.
THAT is what we want" retorted Inger-
soil, ''to make them responsible fer keep
ing out the attorney general"
After some further debate the court
| granted Henkle's request and adjourned
The Fair Divorce,
SAN Francisco, May 8.--The Fair divorce
| case is the absorbing tonic on the streets