The Evening critic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1881-1885, 1883-03-17
THE STAR-ROUTE TRIAL.
of the Cross.ExamIna.
ton of General Brady.

After THE CRITICS report closed yesterday
Of the Star-Route trial the examination Of
General Brady continued.
Mr.. Bliss, after inquiring to his hearts con.
any, recognition was given to subcontractors
in the department, asked the following:
"Did you not say to William Lilley, In Au-
gust, 1850, that If the subcontract on the Min.
eral Park route was given to a certain person
named that yon would cut the service down to
ono trip week."
The CouN-Yes, that must be done.
MIR. Bliss-One Jennings.
MIR. lpgersoll-I object again.
Mr.. Merrick argued that the witness must
answer any and every question, and cited q
Massachusetts case as authority.
The Court said that when defendant went
upon the stand he was protected In the same
degree as other witnesses, and the same thing
was true of cross.examination. But the ques-
tlon might be asked. 1t depended altogether
upon the nature Of the answer whether or not
IL could be rebutted. The question was again
put, and witness answered that he did not re-
member having had any such conversation.
He had felt like saying such things about
Jennings because he rendered such miserable
service. Remembered the San Antonio. Corpus
Christi route and the contractor, James p.
Price.
and asked If the witness had ever had the
paper IN his possession.
Mr.. Wilson objected meanwhile the witness
closely examined tho paper.
Mr.. Merrick expressed his intention of
showing that these two drafts for 1880 each,
and 81, 500 In money, had been placed upon
Brady's desk while he was acting as Second
Assistant Postmaster General, by the con-
tractor on this route for Il corrupt purpose.
He proposed TO show that another bill for
$500, from Daniel Murphy, of st. Louis, pay
able to Murphy's order, had been sent to
Brady for similar corrupt purpose.
They expected to show that they had a
direct relation TO the expedition and putting
on service on certain routes.
He argued that 1t was competent matter for
either direct or cross.eZaminatlon. The Gov.
ernment expected to show 10 the Jury corrupt
motives on Brady's part said Mr.. Merrick, and
he cited authorities to show that 1t was proper
TO investigate these motives. Here was a siml-
lar transaction-the same corruption, the same
exercise OF duties, the same manipulations
in the Indictment Here was proof of the
corrupt motives of this man; could 1t not be
Justly inferred that no had done the same
with regard to the routes set out in the in.
dictment?
The Court inquired If Mr.. Merrick believed
that 1t made no difference II the conspiracy
was charged In relation to certain designated
routes.
The gentleman promptly replied that 1t
made no difference. They would show that he
dragged his white robes of Office In the gutter
atthe bidding, and for the pay, of other men
in reference to other routes, and that, too, al
the same time the operations charged In the
indictment were progressing. They wanted
TO hayeit out OF his own mouth, 80 that they
might rebut him. The witnesses were here
prepared for the purpose.
me court again interrupted ana asked II
Mr.. Merrick held that IL the facts were proved
as proposed, that he could oblige the defend
ant to criminate himself.
Mr.. Merrici commended that no could, and
read further from the authorities In support
| of his proposition. Having voluntarily gone
| on the stand, the defendant must run the
risk of eliminating himself; and tho reason
was plain. The law did not contemplate d
farce when such a witness was allowed L
testify.
Mr.. Merrick's argument occupied about hal
EnlNn F.NlV .aI hKrsr 4. D
| terness. Most OF his statements were intend
| cd for effect upon the jury. They hardly re
lated to the point at Issue. While Merrict
| was speaking, General Brady sat with un
moved composure in the witness box looking
| him calmly In the face.
| Colonel Ingersoll, at the close OF MIR. Mer
| rick's argument, said this was an importan
point, which the Court admitted, and as IL wa
| near adjournment time, he suggested tina
| they be allowed until Monday to bring In thei
| authorities, which was granted, and the cour
| adjourned.