The Star Route contractors were brought to trial, and the long-brewing scandal of their transactions ended. These contractors had mail routes remote from the great lines of travel for which they demanded huge sums for the service of getting the mail through on time. In the investigation ordered by President Arthur, it was shown that thousands of dollars had been continuously paid by the government for no service at all, and for weekly service for which some careless cowboy had been paid seventy-five dollars a month, and in some cases much smaller amounts. Attorney General Brewster finally secured the indictment of seven of these, and the trial dragged along for months, attracting a great sensation because of the prominence and brilliance of the legal lights on both sides. As no conspiracy against the government could be found as alleged by the prosecution, the jury rendered a verdict of acquittal. The government had spent a lot of money, and while the contractors missed punishment through their acquittal, the publicity and the attitude of the officials broke up the system of the star route by which the United States Post Office and Treasury had so long been victimized. Among the last official acts of President Arthur was the signing of the bill to retire General Grant with full rank and pay. He also urged Congressional action upon the gifts presented by Mrs. Grant as expressed in the letter here quoted: Executive Mansion, February 3, 1885. TO THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES: I take especial pleasure in laying before Congress the generous offer made by Mrs. Grant to give to the Government, in personal trust, the swords and military (and civil) testimonials lately belonging to General Grant. A copy of the deed of trust and of a letter addressed to me by Mr. William H. Vanderbilt, which I transmit herewith, will explain the nature and motives of this offer. Appreciation of General Grant’s achievements and recognition of his just fame have in part taken the shape of numerous mementoes and gifts which, while dear to him, possess for the nation an exceptional interest. These relics, of great historical value, have passed into the hands of another, whose considerate action has restored the collection to Mrs. Grant as a life trust, on the condition that, at the death of General Grant, or sooner, at Mrs. Grant’s option, it should become the property of the Government, as set forth in the accompanying papers. In the exercise of the option thus given her, Mrs. Grant elects that the trust shall forthwith determine, and asks that the Government designate a suitable place of deposit and a responsible custodian for the collection.