National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1884-03-13
MR.. COOK CRITLCISES.
Ho Says the Star Route Cases We're Mis-
managed and Bliss Overpaid
Mr.. Gibson Denies That He Was En-.
ploycd by Both Parties.

William A. Cook continued his testimony
yesterday before the Springer committee.
He corrected statement he made Tuesday,
aud said that Col. Wood offered him re-
tainer of $4,000 instead Of $4,000 If he
would defend those against whom indict-
ments might DO found. Mr. Cook read
letter sent by him TO Mr.. Bliss, in which he
referred to star route proceeding in the police
court without consulting witness. He sug-
gested in the letter: "Whother it would not
be better and wiser for Won to consult with
me, rather than with those knowing less
about the case"
Mr.. Cook thought there was no necessity
for the police court proceedings, which con-
tinued about two months. For this service
Mr.. Bliss received 5000 or $1,000. Tho
witness claiming that his services were of
tho same character as those performed by Mr..
Bliss prepared bill for s., 900 for about the
same period. The attorney general reduced
1t to 81, 900, giving as his reason that tho sum
asked was more than was allowed cabinet
officers or judges of the supreme court.
Mr.. Cook replied that no could not admit
that the pay Of cabinet officer should DO
the standard Of pay Of an attorney-at-law.
1t was not so considered, the witness said, in
the case of the attorney general or Dir. Bliss.
Mr.. Cook thought the cases in the police
court ought not to have occupied moro than
two days, instead Of more than two months
The trial of those indicted, he believed, was
unnecessarily protracted.
Mr.. Cook referred to the selection Of star
route counsel and characterized Mr.. ker as a
supposed expert. He said the length of the
trial was due to cong lomerated indictments"
The witness spoke of the two juries, and said
that they were composed of good men.
"Was the governments case delayed by the
absence of counsel?" was asked.
at unquestionably was" the witness re-
piled. "Mr. Bliss often returned to New
York to attend to private business. In his
claim for expenses he made charges for rail-
road fare from Washington to New York and
from New York to Washington several times.
l inquired at one time what was to DO
allowed Mr.. Bliss, and was startled to learn
that he was TO get 800 day. Afterward, in
his expense account, found charge for
Washing"
Witness thought that tho compensation
| awarded Bliss was extravaganza, unjusti-
fable, and unearned in every respect"
Twenty thousand dollars would have been
ample pay.
In reply to questions of Mr.. Stewart wit
ness said that he had been on the best
possible personal terms with Mr.. Bliss, had
| been associated with him in one or two cases
before tho star route trials, but since then
had nothing to do with him. Perhaps he had
no personal feeling, but he felt that the cases
| had been improperly handled and improper
amounts paid for the labor done. At first he
agreed with the leading counsel, but had
different opinion ultimately.
Witness having stated that Mr.. Bliss 9
appointment was political one, MI. stewart
wanted to know whether MIR. Bliss pro-
fessional character was not considera-
ton that led to his employment
| He asked the witness to answer squarely."
II regarded Bliss" said Mr.. Cook. ''as an
attorney of ordinary ability. But when 1t
was desired to employ some one intimate with
| the president favored him."
"Mr. Ker, you say. was supposed ex-
pert What do you meanT
'"He was selected by the attorney general
| to prepare indictments, because of his ability
and in his indictments he used the initial!
of two parties. There must have been o mis-
take as to his being an expert"
Ker attempted to Justify this form Of in
dctment in court Sanderson, whose initials
were used in the first indictment, was not il
the second. lie was in Washington, ant
could have been indicted. Witness had beer
crediby informed that Bliss told Sanderson
that he would not be indicted and might &c
home.
Referring to his former testimony, witness
said that he had omitted to say that before
President Garfield was shot the attorney
general had received anonymous and threat
ening letters. Mr.. Cook asked to be excused
until to-day that he might appear before
another committee.
Mr.. Stewart said that the witness had
already told all he knew and more to.
You don't mean that" said Mr.. Cook.
MIR. Stewart then said that tho personal
gossip given might be interesting political
matter, but was of no use in tho investigation
i wi ipi th Ia ttnA maxine
| Mr. Cook was excused, and Mr.. Gibson was
recalled. He said there was no truth in the
story that he received pay from j. w. Bosler
for services while he was in the employ of the
government. He had acted as Bosler's attor-
ney after leaving the government service. He
had received 81, 500 from Bosler for legal
advice given him. Rerdell had demanded
So, 900 from Bosler by letter and by telegram,
| Boser was apprehensive of being smirched
| by being drawn into the star route cases by
indictments, and employed witness to prevent
being indicted.
"What was in the letter and telegram"
an substance the telegram said: If you
| know when you are well you will pay my
draft for $4,000"
"Did you promise to Bosler any fact that
you had not turned over TO the government? ~
asked Mr. Van Alstyne.
None whatever. kept no copies of tho
papers l had examined, and lett my copy
book oil letters AZ the postomce department.
where they are now so far as | know"
Did you sell any information to Bosler or
any one else whilo in the employ of the
government Mr.. Fyan inquired.
:" never sold any information whatever"
"What gave your advice the value OF 81, 500
Didn't it depend on your services for the
government I" asked Mr. Stewart.
"My advice was entirely disconnected with
star route cases. | knew nothing Of Bosler
and Rerdells connection whatever. The ad-
vice gave was entirely outside of any rela.
ton that might exist between Rerdell and
Bosler."
Judge Advocate General OF The Navy.
The term of Office of Col. w. b. Remey
United States marine corps, AZ judge advo-
cato gene raj of the navy will expire in June
next, and there is already much talk ~ ia
who will probably succeed him. Among
thoaa IN tinnpd for tho nffipe ara Liant