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The CHAIRMAN. In another letter of this gentleman to me he says: In February, 1882, I called upon the Attorney-General in reference to the starroute cases, particularly the case against Dorsey. I was possessed of certain facts that seemed to me conclusive of Dorsey's guilt. The Attorney-General referred me to Mr. Bliss. Mr. Bliss impressed me with the idea that these prosecutions were organized and instituted for but one object, and that was to give him employment. He treated me with considerable disdain, and intimated that the information was immaterial.

Have you any comment to make on that?

Mr. BLISS. I remember Mr. Wright now. I did not remember him before. Let me say, first, that we had heard of Mr. Wright in connection with this matter before that time. I think he had represented Dorsey, or been in some such relation to his side of the case. At any rate, he had had something to do with it, and we had sent out to Wyoming, where he had a ranch, to find him, and had missed him. Although he was a lawyer in Denver, I think he had a ranch up in Wyoming. At a later period he turned up here and was referred to me by the Attorney-General. I had a talk with him. I found that he could give us nothing except what we already had, and it seemed to me pretty clear that Mr. Wright was seeking a retainer for the Government and desired to be employed in the cases, and, as he gave us nothing we had not before, I did not think we needed him, but I treated him, I think, as politely as I could. I took his address and left him. He did not give us any information that we had not already.

The CHAIRMAN. He says he gave you the names and residences of witnesses to prove these facts.

Mr. BLISS. I know; but we had no trouble in proving those facts. We had the Wilcoxes here at that time.

The CHAIRMAN. But could you not prove the existence of the letters and their loss, and thus put the copies in evidence?

Mr. BLISS. Judge Wylie ruled that that evidence was inadmissible, as you will see if you turn to the record.

The CHAIRMAN. I understand you to say that you did endeavor to put the letters in evidence, and that Judge Wylie ruled them out? Mr. BLISS. Oh, yes.

The CHAIRMAN. Did you offer to show that there were originals, that the originals had been lost, and that those letters which you had were copies ?

Mr. BLISS. Yes, sir. We had witnesses to prove all that.
The CHAIRMAN. On what ground did the judge rule them out?

Mr. BLISS. I do not recall at this moment the ground on which Judge Wylie ruled them out. You will find it, I think, about page 1640 of the record of that trial. We examined two witnesses that we had brought here to prove the receipt of the original letters and dispatches in Oregon. Then we brought the Denver lawyers, Brown & Putnam, here. Something comes to me now in relation to the break there. I remember it

now.

We brought the Oregon people here who had received the letters, and we brought Brown & Putnam, to whom they were forwarded from Oregon. We had the declaration in the Denver case, or, as we would call it in New York, the complaint, and we also proved the settlement with Dorsey, or somebody representing Dorsey, and the delivering up of the original letters to him. We proved also the taking of the copies before the originals were delivered.

Mr. VAN ALSTYNE. You did not prove the loss of the letters, and that was why they were ruled out?

Mr. BLISS. No, you are mistaken. You are a little "previous," judge.

We proved the taking of copies by Brown & Putnam. We had here the reporter of the Denver paper, but we did not put him upon the stand. I think that after keeping him a month or six weeks, his wife took sick, or was about to be confined, and we let him go. We had here also Mr. Tankersley, the man who took the letters to New York and gave them to Dorsey. During all the time he was here he was associating with the other side, and was in their interest completely, so much so that I received a letter from the Attorney-General in which he warned me against Tankersley, knowing nothing about him except that he was here as one of our witnesses. We had been informed from Oregon that the letters had been sent direct by the Wilcoxes to Brown & Putnam; Wilcox had stated that. His statement was, "I sent them to Brown & Putnam," and he stated that in good faith; but after we got to work on that point it turned out that instead of sending them direct to Brown & Putnam, he had given them to his lawyers at Portland, Woodward & Woodward, who had sent them to Brown & Putnam; therefore there was a little break there. The chain was broken at that point, as to showing that the letters that Woodward & Woodward had sent to Brown & Putnam were the same letters that the Wilcoxes had received from Dorsey, though they testified that the contents agreed. There was that break there, and we tried to get over it by producing correspondence between Woodward & Woodward and Brown & Putnam, a telegraphic dispatch and so on, but, as I recollect it, there was the point where we failed to connect, as the judge held. The judge also held, though, that the letters did not amount to much anyhow, because Dorsey had a right to ask for expedition, and to ask these parties to get up petitions for expedition, always provided there was not involved any misstatement or misconduct in getting up the petitions. I think the judge required us to prove that there was something wrong done there, and Wilcox testified that there was not.

Mr. VAN ALSTYNE. In the first place, you were not sure that the copies you had were true copies of the letters?

Mr. BLISS. Yes, we were.

Mr. VAN ALSTYNE. No; because they were copies that had been made from those that were in the hands of these other parties.

Mr. BLISS (interposing). That break Mr. Wright could not have supplied in any manner. Mr. Wright knew nothing about the letters until they got to Denver. Everything that he furnished or could furnish we had already in our possession, and in the best form for getting it in. Mr. Wright, as I have said, impressed me with the idea that he wanted to make some money out of it. Mr. Wright's point where he thought he could be valuable to us was that he was the lawyer who had represented Dorsey. Therefore I considered, in the first place, that he was here as a lawyer anxious to betray his client, which did not make a good impression on me; and, in the second place, all that he could tes tify to that we had not before was the fact that he had sent the letters to Tankersley, directed to him at Dorsey's room in New York. He said that Tankersley would swear that he had read them in Dorsey's pres ence. Well, we had Tankersley here as a witness, but, as I have said, he was a witness who trained with the other side; so much so that the Attorney-General learned of it and wrote me a letter warning me about it. Mr. FYAN. Was Tankersley examined?

Mr. BLISS. No, sir; because when they ruled us out on that question of the connection between Portland and Denver we did not go any further.

Mr. FYAN. If Tankersley had sworn that he read the letters to Dor

sey and that Dorsey had admitted that they were his letters, that would have remedied the defect in the proof, would it not?

Mr. BLISS. I do not recall all the points now. All I can say is, that we tried in good faith to get the letters in, and I think all the counsel took part in that tussle.

The following statement received by the chairman from Mr. Wright, being a copy of a publication in a Denver paper setting forth the letters referred to toward the end of the foregoing examination of Mr. Bliss, was put in evidence:

AND
EX-

RICHES IN ROUTES.—DENVER, AS USUAL, FIGURES IN THE TOPICS OF THE TIMES.
IT IS LEARNED THAT SUIT FOR STAR-ROUTE SERVICES HAS BEEN FILED HERE.
SENATOR DORSEY, THE DEFENDANT, IN INTERESTING PROCEEDINGS. EXTRACTS FROM
LETTERS ALLEGED TO HAVE BEEN WRITTEN BY HIM. GOOD SUNDAY READING FOR
"THE BOYS."

The intricacies and alleged irregularities of Postmaster-General Brady's "star-route mail service" are to-day looked upon with more interest by a suspicious public than has been given to any like matter since the days of the Credit Mobilier and whisky ring scandals. Mr. Brady's star routes are far-reaching. They are to be found running over the sandy plains, through deep cuts, and into gaping tunnels, and along the precipitous edges of high mountains. The great West and Southwest are especially well cared for by this, the star-route system. Anything in connection with this great scheme, which is now most seriously suspected of being a consummate fraud, is of more than passing present interest, pending the investigation that is being made into the inner workings of the star route.

A Tribune reporter yesterday discovered that proceedings had been begun in the district court of Aprapahoe County against ex-Senator S. W. Dorsey, of Arkansas, for moneys promised the plaintiff for services rendered in getting up petitions, creating an interest among the people, &c., in order to increase the mail facilities of certain portions of Oregon.

That this suit should be brought in Colorado will naturally excite the surprise of the reader. The circumstances that caused it were peculiar. It came about in this way: Some months ago a well-known legal firm in Denver, which also operates an extensive collection agency, received from their attorney in Portland, Oregon, a claim for collection against Senator Dorsey. The man who presented this claim is a well known politician of Portland. As the Tribune is under a promise not to publish the name of this person, at this time, the reader will know him throughout this article as "Doc", a cognomen given him by his intimate friends. "Doc" had in his possession a number of letters, written by Senator Dorsey, promising him so much per day for his services, and giving him minute directions as to how to proceed to get up his petitions, make contracts, &c. These letters, together with the claim now placed in the hands of the Denver law firm, and last winter, when Senator Dorsey came to this city, to look after his mining interests, he was visited at the Windsor Hotel by an agent of "Doc's" lawyers, and the bundle of letters alleged to have been written by him, were shown him in support of the claim, which the agent then presented for collection. Senator Dorsey pronounced the claim a fraud, and emphatically denounced “Doc” as a blackmailer. Proceedings were immediately begun in the district court. Senator Dorsey instructed his counsel to enter a demurrer on the grounds that these contracts made by "Doc" (for making which he claimed the promised pay) were illegal. Since that time matters have remained in statu quo. It was with difficulty that the Tribune reporter succeeded in persuading "Doc's" attorney to lay bare to his reportorial eye the letters alleged to have been written by Senator Dorsey, which told "Doc" how to "work the thing" to the best advantage.

However, honest perseverance won, and the anxiously sought letters were brought out from their resting place in the proverbial "dusty pigeon-hole."

Letter No. 1 is written upon four sheets of the Senate chamber letter heads. It is written in a free, round hand, and from the blurred appearance of some of the words, where the ink is heaviest, it is evident that the letter has been through a letter-copying press. Senator Dorsey's initial letter to "Doc" is dated Washington, April 12, 1879.

The Senator gets down to business at once, by telling "Doc" that he wants him to go to Eugene City, and "get up all the petitions possible for an increase of mail service, from Eugene City to Bridge Creek, to a daily line instead of a weekly, and also to have the time made faster than it is." The letter states that forms of petitions are inclosed, and then breaks out suddenly, in this style:

"I want ten or a dozen on this route, and also to get people to write to the Postmaster-General and their two Senators."

H. Mis. 38, pt. 2—49

The letter informs "Doc" that there should be at least fifty letters written to the Department, while a petition should be gotten up and signed by the governor, the United States officers, and the county officers. The letter takes it for granted that "Doc" "understands what is wanted," and then it directs that he shall go and see H. H. Fink, who is subcontractor at Looking Glass. "We want," says the Senator, "prominent Democrats to write to Grover and Slater, urging them to see that this increase is made."

The directions are then plainly marked out for "Doc" to follow:

"1. Get ten or twelve different petitions on each route.

"2. Have large number of letters written to the Postmaster-General and United States Senators.

"3. Be sure all ask for daily and fast line.

"4. Get State officers to write.

"5. Get chamber of commerce of Portland to write.

"6. Send all you can, and send immediately; time is important.

"7. Write me if you can go at once; if you can't, get some good man who knows what to do to go. But I desire you to, and it is probable that I may give you permanent employment at this business. I will pay your expenses while you are gone and $5 per day. If you haven't means I will telegraph you sufficient."

After telling "Doc" that he is "relied upon for prompt and efficient work," the writer of the letter signs himself "Yours, very truly, S. W. Dorsey."

Letter No. 2 is dated April 16, four days after the first one was written. The letter begins by stating that contracts are inclosed to be made on the route from Bridge Creek to Eugene City, at that time under contract to P. J. Wycoff, of that place, for one trip a week, and says that if the schedule be changed a new contract will have to me made. "Doc" is cautioned to be especially careful about these contracts, and the sage reflection that "mail contracting is peculiar and extraordinary business" s thrown in en passant. Says the letter-writer: "They will bluff, blow, talk, and put on airs about the thing costing four times what they will finally take to do it." The letter continues by stating that the "Very best we can do-and there must be a guaranteed bond for fulfilment of contract-is $7,500 per annum for three trips a week; time, 100 hours, which would be slow walking time." Under no circumstances is "Doc" to pay over $8,000 per annum.

The writer of the letter gives "Doc" a point by saying:

"Now make your contracts thus: Three trips a week, Department time, $7,500 per annum six trips per week, $14,000; seven trips, $16,500 per annum, the contract to run until July 1, 1882, and not to be filed here in Washington." These words in Italics are heavily underscored in the letter, and that the writer means what he says cannot be doubted. Senator Dorsey goes on to say in this letter of his that, "I guarantee all of the contracts, and if they want to know about my financial standing, I can give any reference they want in their own State. The money will be paid every quarter, and, after January next, every month, if they want it. In regard to Looking Glass and Cogville contract, we must have a new one with him. We are now paying him a good deal more than we get. Contract with him as follows, or if not with him, with A. C. Fink, who lives at Rosebury, and who now gets $1,000 per year; with some one else in case it is increased to three trips: for three trips, $2,500; yon may go to $3,000; for six trips, $5,500; for seven trips, $6,200; no contract to be binding upon us but upon them until approved by M. C. Rerdell, agent, here.

"This Mr. Fink has filed his contract. I don't want it filed. I will pay him monthly if he wants, but I don't want contracts on file here. Tell them so. I shall need you if you can do this kind of work. I want papers, letters, petitions, and so on, by the car load, sent in on these two routes. Send to me, to Slater, and to Hon. T. J. Brady, Second Assistant Postmaster-General; no letter or petition to be written in the same hand." This letter was signed like the first.

Epistle No. 3 was written to "Doc" while he was in Walla Walla, Washington Territory. He is told that he will find inclosed in the letter contracts for Wallula and Pleasant Grove lines. He is also informed of the facts that "Keach, of Yakuria, has been ousted for drunkenness and general bad conduct." Says the letter, "Let to some good man as you will see. We propose to pay for one trip what it has been carried for all the time, to wit:

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"I hope to have work for you in the future, if you do as well here as you did in Eugene City." "S. W. Dorsey" is the signature to this letter, which completes the list of correspondence by mail.

There was some telegraphic communication between the Senator and "Doc" after that time.

The first dispatch is dated Washington, May 11, 1889. It tells "Doc" to "proceed immediately to Walla Walla, where instructions await you. Get papers for daily line and draw on me for $100."

The next dispatch is dated the 24th of the same month. It merely tells "Doc." that he can return to Portland.

Dispatch No. 3 and the last of the correspondence is signed by M. C. Riddell, the agent spoken of in letter No. 2. "Doc." is told to remain at Wallula, where he is then stationed, "Until Dorsey returns. Will arrange money for you."

These letters will be produced in evidence by the plaintiff to support his claim that he was ordered to do the work, and promised so much money for doing it. The developments will doubtless be interesting.

STATE OF COLORADO,

County of Arapahoe, 88:

T. B. MCKAIG, being duly sworn, says that the foregoing, consisting of eight pages and a fraction of a page, of writing, is a full, true, and correct copy of an article entitled, "Riches in Routes," published and printed in the Denver Tribune of Sunday, May 8, 1881; that the foregoing was copied by him from the files of said paper in the office of the Tribune Publishing Company, and the copy as here written has been compared with the article from which it is copied.

T. B. McKAIG.

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 15th day of May, A. D. 1884.

F. R. WILCOX:

TELEGRAMS.

ALEX. B. MCKINLEY,

Notary Public.

WASHINGTON, April 26, 1879.

All my other letters written to Eugene City; have telegraphed money; inquire at telegraph office; go immediately.

F. R. WILCOX, Eugene City:

S. W. DORSEY. WASHINGTON, April 23, 1879.

Make the contract for the Bridge Creek route for speed of 44 miles an hour; three trips a week; no sub-contracts to be filed, but payment to be guaranteed by me personally. Make the same contract on Looking Glass route; telegraph result.

F. R. WILCOX:

S. W. DORSEY.. WASHINGTON, April 23, 1879.

Make no compromise with sub-contracting parties; must be absolutely new contract, with amount specially stated. Telegraph fully upon closing contracts.

To F. R. WILCOX:

S. W. DORSEY. WASHINGTON, April 28, 1879.

A new contract becomes necessary, because the old firm is dissolved and the business passes into new hands; must have new contract or no pay. Contract on the Bridge Creek route for three, six, and seven times a week on a schedule of four miles an hour, also same on Looking Glass route. Telegraph me fully before allowing any contract. Deal with responsible men.

To F. R. WILCOX:

S. W. DORSEY. WASHINGTON, May 2, 1879.

I have no interest in the star route, except the Bridge Creek, and Looking Glass contract, on the Bridge Creek one, three, six, and seven times a week, on a schedule of fifty hours, on prices named in my letter of the 16th, the Department demands 4 miles an hour speed or more. Don't go above the following: Three times, $8,000; six times, $15,000; seven times, $16,500. Telegraph fully before you close contract.

To F. R. WILCOX:

S. W. DORSEY. WASHINGTON, May 3.

I presume that you understood that you must make the contracts before you try to get up the paper for increase.

S. W. DORSEY.

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