Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1883-12-28
Especial Telegram to the Globe. !

route trials, is still in the city. In his an
swer to the interrogatories propounded to
him and which are among the records of
the court, Mr.. Spencer asserts that it was
in part through his instrumentality that
Mr.. James was given seat in Garfeld's
cabinet; that he urged upon James the
necessity of removing Brady and
substitrtin g an honest man in
his stead. Of the star service investigation
which he claims also to have inspired, MIR.
Spencer says: AFTER long interview
with James, MacVeagh and Garfield, I
agreed 10 lock after and assist and advise
in the investigation, but with the distinct
understanding that 1 should neither De
known in the matter nor IL any event
summoned as Witness" The promise was
given but not observed. The information
furnished by Spencer WIS in tuln commu-
nicated to Col. Bliss, under the seal of
strict confidence when he was called into the
This confidence Bliss wantonly betrayed
There is no reason to doubt that James
justified his course by the exigencies of
the case. and tha. ne was deeply mortified
by Bliss subsequent action. If any doubt
exists as to this fact, it will be dispelled by
perusal of the following letter, written
by gentleman who had the most intimate
relations with the postmaster general,
first as his private secretary, and after
wards as chief clerk of the department:
ssNo. 139 West 42d St., New York, Dec.
10, 1S82.-My Dear Spencer: No person
could feel more chagrined than
did I on seeing my name
mentioned in MIR. Bliss affidavit
presented to the court in the late trial of
the star route cases. The conversation
which had with Mr. Bliss in this connec-
tion was absolutely confidential, and Mr..
James was present when it took place. L
stated in the most explicit terms at
my command that l considered myself
in honor bound to respect the injunction
of confidence laid on me by you in respect
to any information communicated con-
cerning star route matters. I was an
official of the government and knew full
we'll that without the invaluable assistance
kindly and freely rendered
by you the work of cleansing
the "star service" could not have
been so expeditiousiy inaugurated and
auspiciously prosecuted. This view of my
duty l have held from the first. It was
the understanding of the authorities of
the postohice department that you were to
enjoy immunity from publicity or annoy
ance of this character for obvious reasons
which would suggest themselves to any
person at all experienced in the legislative
and departmental ways of Washington.
My regret at the unpleasant events which
have occurred is profound. I will be SO
frank as to say that Mr.. James
feels annoyed at some things you are
reported to have said and written him, but
at the same time he is all the moro anxious
on this account to do you justice. His un-
derstanding of what is due you in the
premises comedies in every important
particular with nay own, and he expresses
himself as entirely willing to say as much
in an interview for publication, but for
reasons of his own he is averse to making
such written statement as you may lndi-
cate. am very sorry did not sea you
when You we're in New York, as there are
many things would like to say to you.
Populor clamor does not disturb
my judgment of mans character or my
estimate of his friendship, and try never
TO forget kind act. You have my earnest
sympathy in every effort which is made to
do you wrong or place you in false posi-
ton. Very sincerely,
Signed JOHN R. VAN WoRMER.
To Hon. Geo. E. Spencer, Watertown,N.Y."
INFLUENCING THE CORRESPONDENTS.
Shortly after the commencement of the
second t,isl an official of the department
of Justice who claimed to be largely in Mr..
Brewster's confidence met a
young newspaper man of this
city and inquired casually what
he was sending TO his paper about the star
route trial. Nothing" replied the young
man. Being pressed for a reason, he con
tinued: "There are no startling features
connected with the case which makes it
of interest to special correspondent. The
paper l represent favors vigorous prose
cut;on of the defendants. I, on the con-
trary, have strong sympathy with them.
These are my reasons, in brief, for ignor-
ing the whole matter" SIT is curious
fact,' said the official in question, "that
all the younger members of the journal
iotiO PiOiScoiOh dH0 Al
with Brady and Dorsey. Even Brewster has
noticed it and asked me for an explana-
ton. 1 gave it as my opinion that most
young men were uader the direct influences
| Of - -and--fmentio the names
of tive prominent Washington journalists)
and that some action was necessary to
neutralize this influence. Brewster asked
what suggested, 1 then said: "Let me
furnish you with the names of these young
correspondents. Place these gentIemen's
| names on the roll of the department with
good salary attachsd-ssy 800 or $125
q month. Thsn let them exert themselves
| to offset the influence I have previously
| mentioned" And what did Brewster say ?''
| querisd the SCRIBE" He thought the pro-
position good cne and said he would
| give it his careful consideration. Now.
what do you think of its" 81 don't think
about it," replied the correspondent, shak-
ing him eff and entering the treasury de-
partment, in front of which building the
conversation occurred.
TAhIFF AND REVENUE TAXATION.
Having learned that Judge Buskner. OF
Missouri. one Of the most influential OF