The Portland daily press., 1884-04-11
THE STAR ROUTE 1NFAMY.
More Disclosures Before the Investigat-
ing Committee.

WARRINGTON, April 10.--Mr. r. FL. Wood
ward, inspector of the post office dep artment,
was examir ed by Mr.. Springer's committee
this morning, in relation to the alleged Star
Route frauds. The witness said: "I showed
the results of my initial examination to Mr..
James, He was amazed at the revelation, and
hurried me off TO the White House. On look
ing over the figures, President Garfield shared
in the establishment of the Postmaster Gener-
al. At first he could hardly credit their gen.
uineness. In reply to a question from Mr..
james. respecting the policy to De pursued, he
said, in substance: ~ have sworn to uphold
the Constitution and the laws; shall do my
full duty. My Instructions to you are, cut the
ulcer out, no matter whom it hurts" With
much impressiveness of manner, Gen. Gar
geld referred to some mysterious attempt TO en-
trap him, the meaning OF which was now first
revealed to him. He added that it was by no
wisdom or foresight of his own that he had es.
capped great peril. y "0ur silent curiosity. ~
continued Mr. Woodward, twas not gratifled
by further explanation. At this interview
first learned that the Investigation was likely
to lead to criminal prosecutions. The decisive
order was given by the commander-in-chief."
"In May, 1881, Mr.. Gibson ardsntly urged
the employment of VIM. A. Cook In these
cases, and Invoked my aid. So far as re-
orally, but mildly, reinforced them. Shortly
after the engagement of Mr.. Cook was public
ly announced l received summons from
President Garfield to be at the White House at
a designated hour. Without much preface he
said he had sent for me to ask If could ex-
plain how the appointment came to be made:
that the day before the Judge of the Supreme
Court had informed him that Cook was one of
the most disreputable members of the Wash
ington bar, and that the selection was dis
grace to the administration.
Woodward said the representations of Cook,
that he had several private interviews with
President Garfield prior to the time he was in
troduced by James, were false. On that occa-
sion, witness continued, other topics were
preached more pregnant with significance than
sensational warnings in reference to dangers
threatened the President and two of his cab
met. Cook insisted that immunity should be
granted TO Stephen w. Dorsey on account OF
his great service to the Republican party. To
illustrate the total depravity Of the Star Rout-
ers, Cook told the President that Gen. Brady
had already attempted to corrupt even him.
In reference to the Brott Indictment Wood
ward said. "Lilly told me often that VIM. A.
Cook for $1,000, guaranteed immunity to Fred
erick Lilly, and that on the very day when
we appeared before the commission, a $3.50
fee thr ough underground channels, employed
for the conduct of the business, had already
found its way into the pockets of Cook. Lilly
finally told me of his own knowledge that
Cook aud Gibson were selling out the govern
ment; that a burglarious seizure of papers bad
been discussed, and that when the catastrophe
came it would be SO contrived as to ruin me il
possible. told james in the presence of Glib
son that all further cooperative relation be-
tween Gibson and myself were at an end"
Referring to the report of Gibson on the Pres
colt and Phoenix route, in which it is stated
there is no proof of fraud, witness said If this
statement were correct there was no proof of
fraud in any case arising under the admins
tration OF Brady. The presence of Mr.. Glib
son had become intolerable. No one could
foresse what might be the next manifestation
OF his apparently innate and incurable de-
pravity. Witness had suddenly changed the
lock combination and Gibson had tacitly con-
fessed the justice Of this proceeding by never
asking for an explanation.