The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-04-06
JOHN DORSEY TESTIFIES.
Vaile Concludes with a Display of
Dense Ignorance.
Brother John Refreshes His Memory from n
Memorandum, and Indulges in Some
Peculiar Flights of Fancy.

WASHINGTON, April 5.-Vaile's eross-exam-
ination was resumed in the star route trial
to-day. He testified that s. W. Dorsey ad-
vanced money on various routes. Witness
had no knowledge of the number of men
and animals used on the Tongue river route
nor the aggregate expense of equipment of
the route. He kept running expenses in his
head, and had no books showing
receipts and expenditures. The govern
ment and banks kept their accounts
Witness admitted having made an affidavit
upon the Vermillion-Sioux Falls route with
out having a knowledge of the number of
men and stock required Ought to
have had $50 men and the same number of
horses upon the Tongue-river route, but
never employed that force.
Mr.. Bliss referred to the account brought
out in Rerdelrs cross-examination that Rer-
dell had borrowed money from Vale.
Witness said it was entirely a business
transaction between Rerdell and himself
Rerdell had informed him he contemplated
going over to the government before witness
loaned him the money. Never told Rerdell
he lwitness) and Miner had been
talking over the adYisability of
going over to the government.
Rerdell told me he was in communication
with the government. l asked him what be
knew. At first he said he did not know any
thing, but afterward he said, Il am full;
am full" ! asked him how he could go on
the stand after making so many conflicting
statements, He said the goyernment did
not want him to go upon the stand; they
,l.r 4.ll
positively denied all RerdelPS statements in
regard to that conversation.
John W. Dorsey was called, and said his
brother had endeavored to dissuade him
from embarking in the star-route business.
He denied ever having conspired with any
one to defraud the government. Had
spoken to Brady but once In his life. Wit
informed his counsel where he might find
disputed point in the evidence.
Mr. Ingersoll smilingly remarked that wit
ness seemed to know more about it than the
whole outfit"
The court said he seemed to know what
question would be asked him.
Moore's testimony was referred to, where
he says John Dorsey told him his brother had
brought him on here to go into business of
which he knew nothing, and that he wished
himself at home. With some warmth wit
ness exclaimed: THAT is lie made without
any ciOEu. Lauenter.J
Witness remembered no conversation such
as was detailed by Mcclellan. in which he
(witness) had said that a route would be III
creased through his brothers influence. at
is the most infamous lie in the world" said
he; ''as if I would tell couple of mule
whackers such stuff as that and the first
time / ever saw them. too"
Continuing, he explained the circumstances
of his meeting with the men, and declared if
he had said anything of the kind it would
have been heard by the whole party OF work.
men. PennelPs statement in this re-
gard were also generally denied. Witness
identified memorandum as being in Rer-
dell's handwriting, and Mr.. Ingersoll at
tempted without success, to place it before
the jury, together with the Smith and
Jones" memorandum, so the penmanship
might be compared.
The court remarked that the papers might
be compared at later stage.
Mr.. Ingersoll offered in evidence a paper
which he asserted was the original affidavit
of John w. Dorsey upon the Tongue-river
route, with the object of showing that Rer-
dell had forged another affidavit, but the
court refused the Offer
Adjourned