Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-04-13
FROM WASHINGTON.
THE STAR ROUTE.
Mr.. Henkle Rather Surprised.
WASHINGTON, April II


James E. Waugh of this city was the first
witness in the Star Route trial today. Had
known Miner for several years and was IA
miliar with his handwriting. The petition
alleged to have been written and signed by
Miner was shown witness and he declared
the first six names TO have been written by
Miner.
This answer was somewhat of surprise to
Henkle who said that he had consulted with
the witness before he was called.
The Court presumed il was search for
the truth. The witness then stepped aside.
Ingersoll offered in evidence report made
bv special agent Gibson. upon the star route
The Court refused to admit the evidence,
but allowed the report of the Senate pro-
ceedings TO be put in to show that Dorsey
was in Washington at the date when it was
alleged he had written the letter from Chico
Spring, \. Nj.
The record clerk produced records Of the
postofice department to prove Vale had filed
sub-contracts and in proof of the division as
he had testified but the court required the
original papers.
Mr.. Chandler offered another portion of
the report of Brady's testimony before the
congressional committee for the purpose OF
sustaining Bradv's statement that Congress
had approved of his acts by granting the ap-
preparation required for the maintenance of
the star route service.
Objection was made by the prosecution
and an argument followed after which the
court rejected the offer.
Mr. Chandler then offered in evidence the
record of the last trial as tending to show the
jury had found that Brady did not conspire
with Peck and Turner
The court said Peck was not in this trial.
1t had been proven that he was dead, but
even if he was alive this jury had no power to
render a verdict against Peck.
A long argument ensued and the Court
refused to admit the evidence, although
Merrick desired that the offer be accepted.
c. W. Morgan, postal clerk, brought In
the journal of the postoftce department con-
tanning orders for increase and expedition
of the star routes named in the Indictment,
signed by the postmaster general.
John n. Doris. contract office clerk,
was called and testified that the law officer OF
the department prepared the form used for
contracts.
William II. Belts, an attorney of this city,
testified he had met Moore several times.
Ingersoll asked if Moore had not told him on
the Friday before he went on the stand on
Jan. 18TH last, that if you want to hear some
music you had better come over to the court
mouse. Inc government wants W put tIe oi
the stand and | won't go on the stand, and
won't testify until Boone has been granted
immunity.
Merrick objected and argued his objection
at some length.
The Court ruled the question clearly in
admissible.
Ingersoll then said, $50 far as S. W. Dor
sey and J. W. are concerned, am through"
Henkle-So far as Mr. Vale and Mr..
Miner are concerned, | am through.
Wilson-We rest, Your Honor, far as
Gen Brady is concerned.
Merrick-Dses that cover them all?
Henkle-Not Rerdell.
Merrick-Oh, he has pleaded guilty.
Bliss immediately began the rebuttng evil
dence by calling Messrs. Casey and Brown
and Misses Day and Clare, New York tele-
graph operators, to the stand to prove the
semi-annual destruction of kilograms.
The object was to lay the foundation for
the introduction of secondary evidence of the
contents of kilograms alleged to have been
sent bv Dorsey at the Albemare hotel to
Rerdell on the Washington train in June,
1881.
The court then adjourned.