Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1883-06-06
DORSEY AND RERDELL.
Mr. Merrick Contrasts Their Testi-
nlOny.


WHY RERDELL SHOULD BIZ BELIEVED
Mr.. Merrick resumed his address to the Jury in
the star route trial this morning He spent some
time discussing the evidence Of Rerdell. He argued
that whereas these defendants were tempted to
perjure themselves, Rerdell had every incentive
to tell the truth. Whatever he hoped for would
be obtained only by telling the truth. He con-
trasted in effective terms the position OF Dorsey and
Rerdell showing how all the circumstance tended
to compe the truth from Rerdell. He had thrown
himself upon the mercy Of the court, and had
sought to show his sincerity In every way. Com.
ment had been made upon proposition of Rer-
delP5 to challenge jurors This proposition he be-
lieved was made to Mr.. Blackmar, but was re-
pudlated at once when reported to him (Mr. Mer.
rick). Counsel had never thought OF entertaining
II. 1t was said also that Rerdel while sitting with
ernment. All that had ever come TO him (Nr Mer.
rlckl were some statements made by Rerdell as to
the handwriting on some papers.
PERSONAL MATTER.
"Mr. Merrick," said Mr.. Henke, 'you have NO
right to testify at this stage OF the case"
'This is a personal matter" said Mr.. Merrick.
"When counsel for the defense said RerdeI sat
with the defense and reported their proceedings
to the counsel for the government, have right
to reply"
Mr.. Merr1ck said that John W. Dorsey when he
wrote to Rerdell at the beginning of this trial,
threatening TO prosecute himf he sought to aid the
prosecution, knew what Rerdeil's intentions were.
knew the state of Rerdell's mind. It was absurd
to say Rerdell sat among the defendants as one of
them and they knew not what he was doing.
THE TRUTH AGAINST THE LIE.
While Rerdell must tell the truth to be protec.
ted, Dorsey must lie to protect himself. He had
shown how Dorsey, in the very face OF the jury,
had concealed testimony; how, by the advice OF
his counsel, he had concealed testimony.
s. ". DORSEYs TIE STIMONY REVIEWED.
Mr. Merrick then proceeded to discuss the testi-
mony OF S. w. Dorsey, first combating by points
OF evidence the argument Of Mr.. Ingerson that
s. w. Dorsey had no personal interest in these
routes prior to April /, 1879.
Mr. Merrick argued that Moore was corroborated
substantially both by S. w. Dorsey and Miner He
argued that the proceedings testified to by Moore
tne expressions used In various letters, from the
statements made by Vale In his letter to Dorsey
urging the latter to use his influence with Rerdel to
induce him to withdraw his suit against Miner and
Rerdel, and other circumstances showed, beyond
doubt, that Dorsey was personally Interested in
the routes Vale in his answer to this suit, which
was 1or pay Rerdell claimed to be due him prior to
April lSt 1919. SWOre that Stephen w. Dorsey had
employed Rerdell, together with Vaile and Miner In
MS letter TO Dorsey Vaile used as an argument to
influence Dorsey, that the suit might expose who
the rea! parties in the firm OF V.ile, Miner & Co.
were The affidavit in the case was sworn in the
freshness OF recollection when they had no appre-
to falsehood. Would they take Vale and Miners
testimony under tho SO circumstances, or when
s1 sney were lrlshtened their consciences scared,
ties that Justice would impose upon them.
CONTROVERSY BETWEEN COUNSEL
MI. Merrlck having referred to the Chico Springs
letter, tnttmatlng that it was written in 1879 Mr.
Carpenter sought to interrupt him to read the let
ter and Its date.
Mr.. Merrlck declared he had made no misstate-
ment
to show S1 It wresn ns sala 10
wei" said Judge Wyle. "when he gets to that
point 1t Will be time to correct him"
penter.
''You don't dare have the record read" said Mr..
Carpenter to Mr.. Merrlck.
II don't intend" said Mr.. Nerrick, "tO have an
other reply to my argument"
You will have as many replies as you make
misSStatements SAID INF, Mr. Carpenter
rick eaSe enhaIoa1 aae no said Mr. Mer
Mr. ingerso rslng. said that Rerdell had sworn
ne had not received the letter in 1879 1880 or any
not IN the city, but at Chico Springs
THE PIRATES LAST PLANK.
"That," said Mr.. Merrick, "is the last plank to
which the pirates cling when their ship is sink
Ing"
"Rerdell is your last plank" retorted Mr.. 1nger-
soil, land you will sink with your last plank-a
rotten plank"
recess was then taken.
STAR ROUTE NOTES
beautifully arranged basket of flowers graced
Mr.. Merrick'S desk this morning.
Attorney General Brewster arrived at the court
about noon, and after shaking bands with Judge
Wylie took a seat with government counsel.
The summer heats yesterday made it oppres-
slvely warm in the courtroom. To-day, however.
the air was stirred by half q hundred fans aud
Kept In notion Mr.. Ker came in court this morn
Ing as sort OF MID summer Kris Kringle, bearing
large package. When it was opened the pack.
1ans OF generous sze The Judge, the jury, the
counsel, and even the newspaper reporters, shared
In the distribution OF fans