Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1883-05-11
The Bliss Trial.

In the Star-routc trial to-day Bliss declared
that 5. Dorsey had acknowledged the exist
cncc of the red book described by Rerdcll.
The court requested to be referred to that
part of the testimony. Bliss stated that
Dorsey said Reidel declared he was faithful
to Dorsey and yet Rerdell had stolen the
book under his arm. Nlerrick had queried,
lie had, had he" and Dorsey had seen the
error and answered according to Rerdel's
statement" The counsel for the defence
smiled derisively, but did not attempt to in
terrupt Bliss. Inconsistencies in the atlida-
Wit were pointed out. When the hour for re-
cess was reached Davidge suggested that
Bliss cease arguing Bliss replied it would
probably be for the defence's good il lie stop.
ped
Concluding Bliss made bitter attack upon
Brady. This prosecution he said was in.
tended TO protect the treasury. Such trials
must necessarily take place in this city and
the eyes of the country were upon this tra
TO ascertain if jury could be found in The
di,tlic, capable OF understanding case. OF
this magnitude and able honestly 10 do thcil
duty without fear or prejudice.
Merrick then said the government haC
Closed its opening.
Wilson desired to know whcihe. tic gov
tTnutUl WOuIu Cihlll tNO WI tlCS
ing. Mcrrick said in The opinion Of iht
counsel for the prosecution the government
was entitled TO two closing arguments. AS
showing the sentiments OF the attorney gen
cralMerrick read q personal letter TO himself
from him. lie says it has been his intention
to take part in the argument after the close o.
the case. lie could not attend the court he
cause of the prCss of official business, bu
he had informed himself Of the proceeding:
He hoped the same arrangement would bt
adopted as in the former trial. lie wished
TO have the case thoroughly tried by Lawful
means 10 a lawful end t. prove that man il
amenabie to law, no matter how high his 20
stion. lie directs Meriick 10 ask the cOur
10 allow the government two closing argu
ments, for it is his conviction that they ar'
entitled TO II, in this OF all other cases, bu
If the court should grant the request end ih'
defence (as threatened should refuse /;
make argument, then he will withdraw
Merrick said Wilson bad declared he woulC
refuse to argue in the case if tue govcrnmen
were allowed two closing arguments, never
| th,less he desired ruling upon the subject
Discussion ensued regarding the attorney
generals understanding of the courts posi-
lion in the matter. The Judge said the for
MGR arrangement was matter Of conven
, lion between opposing counsel.
| Bliss said the defence had rejected SIM
lar proposition in this tlial.
Ingers0ll asked if he was to regard the Lei
ter OF the Encouragement as proiler L
enter such an arrangement.
Merrick replied in the negative.
Ingersol vigorously protested against til
motion 20 allow two arguments to tue prose
cu,ion, and was seconded by Wilson.
| The court said it had seen nothing TO jus
lify departure from the established prac
ticc. 1t wsa the universal practice in 1ur.
cases to allow oIe reply to the government
| That order would be preserved in this case