The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-03-12
STAR ROUTES,


WASHINGTON, March I1.--Wm. A. Cook was
aalined today By Mr.. Sprnget's committee. He
said that when the announcement was made that he
was to represent the government in the Star Reute
eases, Col. VIM. P. Wood offered him retainer of
s25 900 if he would defend those who might be In
dicted in the Star Route cases. Mr.. Cook declined
to accept the retainer. Shortly after his appoint
meDt special counsel he said that he had inter-
view with President Garfield, and the President at
their interview had said that the cases involved
men who had been his special friends. While he
expected counsel to act under the Attorney Gener-
al, he said he wanted it understood that he the
head of the people, and he desired witness to com
municate with him at any hour on the cases under
consideration. Cook testified that the President
said, ~ want most thorough and impartial inves-
tgation of the facts and wherever it conducts you
I want you to go ahead irrespective of persons
The witness said he had interview with the Presi-
dent and Postmaster General the Wednesday eve
ming before the President was assassinated said
believed the cases had made as rapid progress as
possible, ard he said he satisfied Before leay-
ing said to the President that he should be care
full of his movements. A bitterness had arisen be-
tween the stalwarts and half breeds, and there
connected with these cases men of extreme train
ing. said at the time that there might be resort
to violence and such the impression then on
my mind. Mysuggestion for the moment touched
the President, but ne responded that there was no
danger. The bitterness OF feeling so strong that
would not have been surprised had it carried it
self against the Fostmas ,er General and Attorney
General. don't think used at that interview the
language recently placed in my lips by Mr.. James
but stated in substance what have given you.
The inference l drew originally that the
shooting of the President not the result of the
individual action of Guiteau, and have never be-
come fully satisfied that the inference was incor-
rect. A person came to me saying that Guiteau ac-
companied by two or three persons was In his
tablishment seeking pistol, and had an affidavit
to that effect. The party was second hand cloth
ing dealer, and who also dealt in pistols. do not
recall his name, but will get it for the commits
tee. The party did not know the persons accom-
panying Guitsau, bat described them. They seemed
to be unknown persons to him, and he well ac-
quainted in the city. l had consultation with
Corkhill. district attorney, concerning inVesti-
CATION that might lead to the discovery Of others
soeiated with Guiteau. Immediately after the
sassin was incarcerated he was taken in charge by
the district attorney and Others and very few we're
allowed an interview with him.
Did the parties who took charge Of Guiteau give
any declared purpose for SO doing? asked Mr. Milli
ken.
Nothing, but that Guitesu was individually ire
spOnsble. The President was included in part with
those against whom there bitter feeling.
With reference to the Star Route prosecutions Mr.
Cook said that no effort was made to secure in
dictmen against any person except those interested
in the Dorsey combination and they had but small
percentage Of the routes Corkhil not in the
prosecution and it was generally supposed that the
Star Reuters had corner on them.
Continuing Mr.. Cook said After consultation at
Long Branch returned to Washington to secure
indictments, but found the grand jury discharged.
1t had only been in session two days. 1 told
on my arrival at the dept that Corkhi district
torney, had adjourned the jury. Its discharge Aas
never was able to ascertain any reason for the ad
journment unless it was because tue statute of linz
ca
Question--To whom would you attach blame in
the matter?
Mr.. Cook Blame would attach to the district at
torney. The impression was my mind tina the
adjournment was made to prevent indictments be-
ing found in the Star Route cases.
DO think could got a conviction by a
Washington jurt? asked Mr.. Mil iken.
My strongest conviction is replied the witness
that could have secured conviction. Two iuries
were composed Of men as honorable as could be
found.
What were the wrong methods which led to the
failure to conyict2
The prosecution erred in presenting the case too
complicated, the ca-e embracing too many parties.
1t was discussed at the conference at Elberon. Mr..
Bliss. at that consultation, said to that he did
not think there could be conviction in it. and 1t
was this that was pressed forward by the prosecn-
tion as test case.
Do you think it was the weakness of the case or
the method OF trial th8t resulted in the acquttal,
inquired Mr.. Millinen.
To some extent, both.
Why was that case taken instead of strene one?
In my Office one day, IN speaking of that case,
whed endeavored to call Blisss attention to it he
said he intended TO try Dorsey Dorsey and Boone
he called the head DEVILS and he stated that he in
tended to pursue them first. UnquesJionably there
was personal feeling on the part of Bliss towards
Dorsey and Boone.
What would h4ye been your verdict if you had
Deen tnS tWelFe 3lon III Inc DoIsey Ilalf asheo
Milliken.
AS the case was presented. I should say the de-
PENDANTS were not proven guilty.
Did you recommend to the Attorney General,
when you resigned, who should be indicted.
made no Recommendation to Mr.. Brewster be-
cause was satisfied. 1t would been Useless to
have done SO when wnet to him offered sugges-
tions he must remember he was largely indebted
his position to Bliss. Bliss was an intimate
friend of the President. Attorney General said he
must allow him to conduct the case. The sugges-
tions of Bliss were accordingly carried out and my
suggestions were Of no consequence -
Witness then asserted that Bliss had made GER
tain arrests without letting him know Cf the evil
derce Bliss wro me letter, Mr.. Cock continued,
in which he said he had issued warrants for the
rest of Boone and Others He said to me, 90 as you
please say you know all about it or nothing about
It, That was the commission from Bliss for me to
lie. asked the attorney general if he had given
Bliss authority to act Without consulting he he said
must do things as l would not otherwise do, be-
cause of my idebtedness to Bliss.
The examination of Cook will be concluded to-
morrow