The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-05-09
Rules of the Civil-Service Commission
Approved by the President.
Information for Pensioners Whose Papers
Are Incomplete-A Novel Engineering
Scheme-Capitai Notes and Gossip.
BLISS EXHAUSTED.


The Counsel Wrangle Over the Further
Conduct of the Argument.
WASHINGTON, May S.-Bliss began the
seventh day of his address to the jury in the
star-route trial this morning. Referring to
S. W. Dorsey's testimony, he declared that
he had acknowledged the existence of the red
book described by Rerdell.
The court interrupted with a request that
it be referred to that point of the testimony.
Bliss accordingly turned to the report of
S. w. Dorsey's cross-examination and quoted
Dorsey (who was commenting upon Rerdell),
where he said Rerdell had declared he was
faithful to him Dorsey, and yet had stolen
a book under his arm. Then Merrick had
queried: "He had, had he?' and Dorsey had
seen his error and answered. According to
his (Rerdell's) statement"
Bliss then began his concluding remarks
He made particularly bitter attack upon
Brady. and then turned upon the other de-
PENDANTS. The overt acts charged against
each of them were recalled to the memory of
the jury in a succinct summary of the evil
dence. This prosecution, said Bliss, in con.
clusion, was intended to protect the treasury.
Such trials must necessarily take place in
this city, and the eyes of the country were
upon this trial to ascertain if jury could be
found i'll the District capable of understand
ing case of this magnitude, and able hon
estly to do their duty without fear or preju-
dice.
Bliss then took his seat, and MIR. Mer-
rick said, THE government has closed its
opening
The pause which ensued was broken by
Mr. Wilson, who said: Your Honor, l de-
sire to know whether the government will
claim two arguments in closing"
Mr.. Merrick answered in the affirmative
As showing the sentiments of the Attorney
general, Mr. Merrick read personal letter
to himself from the Attorney general, dated
April "a The Attorney-general refers to the
conference had with Mr.. Merrick on the sub
ject of the closing argument He says it has
been his intention to take part in the closing
argument. He could not attend in court.
because of a press of official business, but he
has informed himself of the proceedings
from day to day. He had hoped the
as in the former trial. He wishes
to have the case thoroughly tried
by lawful means to a lawful end, to prove
that man is amenable to the law, no matter
how high his position. He directs Mr.. Mer-
rick to ask the court to allow the government
two closing arguments, for it is his convic-
ton they are entitled to it in this, of all
other cases. If the court declines to allow
the motion, then he (the Attorney-general)
is necessarily excluded. This is due to Mr.
Merrick, who knows the case SO thoroughly
and has borne the brunt of long and ardu-
GUS prosecution. He will not supersede him.
but If the court should grant the request
and the defense (as they have threatened)
should refuse to make argument,
then he (the Attorney -generaD will
withdraw; for although they de-
serve the punishment they would
draw upon their heads by pursuing that
conrse he will not have case of this magni-
fI11 To tl,a oil IL
fense the benefit of all that can be said in
their behalf Mr.. Merrck added that he had
conferred with Mr.. Wilson, and that gentl
man declared he would refuse to argue in
case the government was allowed two closing
arguments.
Ingersoll, in answer to request from the
court made vigorous protest against the
motion to allow two arguments to the prose-
cution, and was seconded by Wilson.
The court said it had seen nothing to salts
fly its mind that there was reason, such as
sickness or absence of counsel, that
would justify a departure from established
practice in such matters. 1t was universal
in jury cases, to allow but one reply to the
government and that order would be pre-
served in this case. OF course such matters
were within the discretion of the court and
were not subject to appeal; but the courts
discretion was not mere whimsical caprice,
and it saw no reason for departing from the
uSudl pFdCllCe.
Mr.. Henkle then requested adjournment,
in order to allow the defense to confer in re-
gard to the course they would pursue.
Mr.. Bliss objected.
Mr.. Ingersoll said he had been taken bv
surprise by Bliss's sudden closing. and there
fore seconded the request for adjournment.
The court reminded the gentlemen that
Mr.. Bliss had given notice yesterday that he
would close to-day.
Mr. Ingersoll = All, I had notice last
Wednesday, and came down to hear him
close, and | have been coming down every
day since then for the same purpose.
Laughter
Mr.. Ingersoll explained that perhaps the
defense could arrange to make place for
the Attorney-general, They did not want to
deprive the government OF the services OF
its highest officers.
Mr.. Bliss-You have changed your mind
from Dorseys view when he went to see
Garfield.
Mr.. Ingersoll-This is a different one
In answer to Mr.. Ingersoll's suggestion
that the defense might make a place for the
Attorney-general, Mr. Merrick said he should
refuse to enter into any arrangement with
the defense, as they had uniformly rejected
his propositions
That is what we want" retorted Mr..
Ingersoll; "to make them responsible for
keeping out the Attorney-general."
After some further debate, the court
granted Mr.. Henkle's request and adjourned.
THE HILL INVESTIGATION.