National Republican., 1883-01-04
THREE SPEECHES IN COURT.
Counsel Smith, Cuppy, and Wells Close the
Dickson Case - Judge SMELLS Expected
Decision.

Counsel Smith, Cuppy, and Wells Close the
Dickson Case - Judge SMELLS Expected
Decision.
Counsel G. NJ. Smith resumed his argument
in the Dickson case yesterday. He said that
Bowen, Cameron, and Hoover were totally
unworthy of belief, all three had sworn
falsely and committed perjury. He then
analyzed the testimony given by tho wit
nesses showing that each was at variance
with the other. He was proceeding to attack
Bowen's character, when the court said 81
cannot regard Bowen's testimony as very
competent l regard il as SO shaky that il
amounts to nothing"
Mr.. Smith believed that the attorney gene.
raj had been the victim of three bad design
ing corrupt men. He had belief based on
evidence, that the attorney general had nc
hand in the conspiracy. He respected the
high office of attorney general Of the United
States But let him call Off his thieves; his
dogs, or people might change their belief
Dickson's testimony bore the impress of truth
upon its face, and was corroborated by that OF
Driver and of two business men of this city.
Dickson read the paper in tho jury room, he
did not deny that or any part of the truth.
Lows story was absurd, and no one who be-
lieved Dickson to be % man of intelligence
would credit it. The truth of the matter was
that within short time after the publication
of the paper, Dickson found out more about
Bowen, and changed his opinion of that per-
son as well as of Brewster Cameron.
Judge Cuppy followed in strong speech
for his client, during the course of which he
said:
"I am here as DicEsons friend. Ishall
stay here as long as these hounds of hell fly
at his throat, and if he goes down want the
honor Of going down with him."
The question here was not whether Dick
son had been guilty of imprOpriety in read
ing the papers; but whether it was crime
whether q corrupt motive was shown. The
alleged crime was committed on September s;
the government knew substantially every
thing then, yet it was not until October
that tho investigation began. He presumed
that they wanted time for inward
reflection; that might have accounted
for the many delays in this case - de-
lays that had actually STAYED it Off until
the very day the star route trials began. Some
people were uncharitable enough to comment
unfavorably upon this singular conjunction.
He would blame no officer for failing in his
duty. Dist Atty. Corl5hill was glad enough
to turn the responsibility for this case over to
the special counsel. Only three days ago Mr.,
Wells said he believed Bowen's story to be
true Then God help his insight.
Gov Wells replied for the government. He
said in conclusion there We're two facts only
Did he read the paper? Yes, he did. Did he do
it in violation of the courts orders? Yes, he
did. That was all of it.
The court said he would notify counsel
when he was ready to deliver his decision.
Judge Cuppy requested the government
counsel to inform him when he would be
ready to proceed in tho conspiracy case.
Mr.. Wells answered that he could not say
at this time.
ave only want to say that we are ready"
said Judge Cuppy. The court then adjourned.