Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1883-03-09
THE DEFENCE,s CASE BEGUN.
me Starroutc Casc-Congressnia an Hell
!ord PIcads for IA Hearing and 1,

WASHINGTON, d. G., March THE de.
renee IN the Star.routc cases began to-day
Representative Belford testified as to The de-.
velopment of Colorado. Witness said he
called many times (possibly 100 tinies) a, the
postoflice department to urge multiplication
| of mail service
lnscrsoil-"Did you ever receive money or
check for money from s. W. Dorsey or
any OF The defendants in connection with the
mail business 7" .'''
Merrick-"I Object"
The Court promptly -"The objection is
sustained"
Argument cnsucd but the court decided
That the defence could not contradict Rer.
deIIs evidence on this point unless the check
book was produced
lngersol asked it the witncs, ever received
any property for the use of his influence at the
postofllcc department to secure au increase
OF service upon these routes. Ingersoll re-
TERED TO Rerdclps statement relative To the
entry of $500 in Bclford's name.
The court would not allow the question.
lngersoll put number of questions to the
witness intended to show the good faith in
which representa- ions were made to the de-
partment and the court uniformly refused TO
allow them, saying that 1t would presume
legally and from the facts that there was no
lnipututlDH against Bedford.
Witness sad that everything a man could
State to get service he stated t. Brady and
other officers Of the department
The missing letter connected with the Sill.
verton and Parrot city route led to conlen-
ton among the counsel. The defence had
called for it by n subpoena which had not
been returned. Mr.. Belford insisted that the
letter be put in evidence. He did not intend
TO be suppressed. The prosecution were un-
able to find the original and copy was in
troduced which the witness read. II was
petition for the increase Of the route named,
signed by the chiet justice Of the State and
many prominent State officials.
he cross examination was unimportant,
anu Belford was directed TO stand aside. He
appeared agitatcd and turning to the counsel
indulgence oil the court to make IA personal
statement regarding the charge affecting my
honor"
Merrck objected
Give me the poor privilege" pleaded Bel
ford, 'of making statement"
FMS IS not public meeting" replied the
court. I'VE are trying the case judicially."
81 state before the living Cod" said Bel.
ford, 81 never saw such u check"
Belford started to leave the court but was
recalled by the judge, who exclaimed angrilv,
come here sir--bring Belford here"
Bedford having returned the Judge said his
statement was contempt of court aud he nl-
posed a fiuc of 500
II will pay $500" retoited Belford def.
nnlly, but no man shall stab my character"
This is degree of impertnencc and n
science which the court will not permit"
continued the judge.
lngersoll thought Bclford's words ex
cusabc under the circumstances. His honor
nigh, have gone us far.
y on have no right to use the court us nm
Illustration interrupted the judge severely.
lnGersoll begged pardon aud took himself
as an Illustration.
Mcrrick said that if Mr.. Bclford lad wanted
complete vndication he would have asked
for the check hook.
Davidgc said the government would get
enough of the check book before they were
through. lie asked the court to reconsider
its action.
The court declined to do so. Inucrsoll
gave his check for the amount and Brlfor,i
departed.
Secretary Teller testified that while in the
senate he frequently called upon Brady To
scucrc, increase or expedition of mail routes
IN Colorado. lie received II large number
of petitions, lie represented to Grady that
the people Of Colorado we've mostly settlers
from the East, and people who were peculiar.
y dcsirous of communicating with their
fricnds. lie insisted that il was the iuty of
the Government to furnish them adequate
mail facilities
lngersoll asked if undue mail privileges
were granted in Colorado
The prosecution objected
1ngersoll said it was matter OF Judgment.
The second assistant postmaster general had
only his Judgment to depend upon
The court said the second assistant post
master general was not 10 be held responsible
Tor mere error OF judgment. 1t vas cor
rurtion that was charged
lngcrsoll SAID that it the prosecution was
prepared to allow that the increase was need
ed but had been nde for n money consider
alton, he would combat that view.
The court refused to allow the inquiry, 1t
was too vague. Some persons would run
the mail INTO the region OF the North pole at
Ia speed of seven miles an hour.