The New York Herald Newspaper, February 20, 1857, Page 1

THE NEW YORK WHOLE NO. 7478. == MORNING EDITION—FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1857. TREMENDOUS SENSATION IN WASHINGTON onan pnts tothe fot The Report of the Cerrapticn Inves- tigating Committee. ‘Zmportant and Exciting Debate in the House. RFFORTS MADE TO SUPPRESS THE REPORTS. All the Documents Ordered to be Printed. Astounding Disclosures by the Hon. Reverdy Johnson. A BOMBSHELL IN THE CAPITAL. Secret Combination of Thirty Members of Congress to Obtain Black Mi Zhe Immense Power of the Lebby. The Minnesota, Wisconsin aod Land Bills—The Pacific Ballroad Scheme— Book Speculations— Private Claims, Millions of Acres of the Public Lands Plundered. One Thousand Dollars Paid to Horace Greeley, of the N. ¥. Tribune. Simonton, of the New York Times, Inte- rested in Land and Private Claims. The Expulsion of Messrs. Gilbert, Edwards and Matteson, of New York, and Welch, of Con- necticut, Recommended by the Committee. SIMONTON TO BE EXPELLED FROM THE FLOOR, SHOCKING STATE OF THINGS IN CONGRESS, be, do. On the 9th of January last the Hon W. H Kelsey, of New York, called the attention of tae House of Kepresen- tatives to an editorial artidls in the Naw York Times of tho Oth, asserting knowledge of « corr@ organization of mombers of Congress and certain lobby agents at Wash- ington, with power in ite hands, sufficient, in most cases, ‘to kill or carry any measure pending tn the House of Kep- ‘Tesentatives, and offered a resolution for the appointment ‘of & elect committee to inquire into the truth of the Satement. In the course of the discussion, the Hon. R. T. Paine, of N C., stated tba} he knew the article referred to was not wanting in truth. after considerable discus- sion, the resolution was amcnded and passed tn the fol- Lvvodeag shape — tabi mebtrs of wot this House ha. trem fared combi ‘and nd prevents vg the pamago hoo or heron a pang certain m during the preseat Cor w i member of this Tease bas sieted that the article ro: to is bot wanting in truth, therefore, ved. That ® committee consist! appornied by the Speaker, with rower to wend tor Poport the faen, ant wha soon, in tir Jae 0 the evidence and what action, oir vat, {a Decessary on the part of the House, without any Unneccasa, eo THE COMMITTEE. tog of five members be and Sppotniment of the committee, as foi Hon. W. H Kelsey, ot New York, Ohsirman. Hos. James |. Orr, of South Carolina. Hon. H bey J nye —— pe = Beem Warner, of Georgia A mecting of the committee was immediately called, and inasmuch as the investigation was iastigated by the editorial in the New York Times, founded to « ocortain ‘extent upon a letter of the Washicgton oorrespondent of that paper, tne Sergeant.at Arms was at once despatched to New York with asummons for Hoary J. Raymond and James W. Simonton, and the regular procerdings of the committee commenced with toe examiaation of those witnesses: A momber of tho Globe corps of reporters of the House was appointed clerk to the committes, for the purpose of soouring entire soouracy and of preventing any unneoos- ary delay in writing down the testimony, and the com mittee continued in session from two to six hours every day—Sundays excepted—unu!l ibeir fina) action was re. to se Howse, Of the mass of testimony taken, « res negative ‘n ite character, but the fol jotted win exbion ah jhe matorial facts Droagns to light by the investigation: — RDNESDATY, yaa le, 1856. EX-LIEUT. GOV. RAYMOND ON THE STAND. way Di aa He edisor of the New York ng Rama Mr. Orr —Are you the author of the editorial in that of the OW instant, beaded. ‘*Piracies of the Wash lobby—ine land robberies’ ‘itness—i em the pudiisher of thas article, The ques. pag peg ey unless it ls areolutely ae- more fuily the roasone that lead not to answer the queswon. Editoris! arti ritten = by mo, sad by at il z i tf i ut ij Ure y Particularly ana minutely tho {acte fr. which thet Knowledge ie (e\ rei! WHAT HE KNOWS OF CoNGREHIONAL CONVICTIONS Witness—The knowledge tnere asserted is derived Crom information obtaines from othor parties, Ii is not @ny personal knowledge of my own | have no pereoani Epowleoge of any tote or ciroummtancer which would ‘Warrant the sesertion = | have ony su jon, at @econd hand, as leaves upon my mind of whe i CORRUPTION—MORAL averting. Mr Orr—From whom has that taformation been ’ ‘Witness—It has been derived, in part, trom our rego mMOLton, Rod In pare by A aaad perfons whose names | do n04 foo! at Noerty y the Obairman—Why do you not fool at liberty to fA mames o( the other persons you have refor en Because | revelvod the \uformation from them pA 5 ‘tse, but, so far as their names are Coaceraed, By the Obal ‘Cbairman—What part of the information was derived from Mr. Simonton? Witnere—I do not know that !t would be oasy to spe0! 2" mys ay in some cases wae derived _— bim from on , And in other cases perhaps from him exclorively settes Aenea By Wr. Rivohfe Wit you state what information was <ures from Mr, Simonton, whether exclusively or not? ‘Witness derived from him, whethor exosively or Bot | CAD say. the infor mation contained in the lotions papitebded tn the Tem, ry] OS." whieh are bis lovers, aod upon ~~ im addi ferred 10, derived from other partie, the keowle\go as ey te “4 ore you iS = information dori’ Simonton than ‘Contained tm his pudiiane bave at various published correspondence and from Correspondence, but the information derived gave, as my reason for deslinicg, the that 1 was respovaibie for the articles in the paper, and [ did not wish to designate any particular one as my own; In saying that I wes responsible for the articie, | meant to say that, whether [ wrote it or not, the article was mive. Davis—The potot I want to arrive a} ts, whethor apy other reepoustbic source for that article; and Uherelore 1 ask you if the writer of tho article, whethor you are the writer or not, obtained bis information from ‘our e Witness—I think Ioan gay that the informetion upon which the article was written was derived from the sources which I have indicated. By Mr. Davis—Tbat is not in answer to the question. 1 pat the question dircetly, Did you farnish the taformation yourself? “guoors THR Prr.’? Witness—Then, I understand the question to be, whe ther the information went to the writer through me, or to the writer through someoody olse, I do not sce how I can possibly answer that question without saying di. my or by implication, whetuer I was or was nei the ene Mr. Ritchie—You can state where the information cane from wibout saying who was the writer? Witness—t bave stated that I have no original tnforma- ties or knowit dge on the subjoot. y Mr. Davis—| wish vo understand whether you fur. ished the information u| whica the artisle was qrit- (wh, HO Meatter where you got it, or where an body else got it. Who furnished 1s to the author of the Witness—I do not think Ioan give Gree a Son than | have already given. Br Mr. Davis—You bave given no answer at all, I , and whioh led the writer to make the sta\oments {t contains, was derived. asI bave already Mr, dimonton, our regular correspondent, and from other parties o whom I have alluded. Bat wnether th tniormation upon which article was based came to tho writer through me, or came to me througn him, ise question | caprot answor, without directly, or m3 implication, whether I wrote th je or not, and I wish to avoid saying that. Perhaps {t will auswer the purpose of the committee, bowever, if | add that there is bo other original source of the information containe1 in the article than myself, Mr. fr, Simonton, ‘and tue other par ties to whom I have re! By Mr. Warne! iors tae fasts upon whick the edito- rial article In the Timer was based cova nicated by M: ‘Simonton or others to you, or were the facts communic: ted by you to Mr. Simonton in the Orst Legaore be ped f= otber persons, with view to Rave the samo pub! ry the Times? ‘MR. SIMONTON ‘‘AND OTHERS’? IMPLICATED—ONB POINT SET. TLED Witneas—'they were cominunicated by Mr. Simenton aud otbers to me, end were mot communiceted by mo to Mr. Simonton in th insiano*, or to cther persons, with the view to bi them published in the Times By the Chairman—In relation 1o what measures poud- ing before Congress docs this combination, or these coin. bipations referred to in the article of the Times exist ‘Witness—1 do not know. By Mr. Davis—State tm dotall the facts and ciroum- stances concerning the corrupt combinations referred to in your editorial which came to you from other sources than a whether exciusively or in common with bim Witness—I cannot state in detail any facts or 7. stapoes witb ri to that combination. because | have DO knowledge of them, except what! have received in a genoral way frem the sources indicated, By Mr. Davis—That is, you bave pe details. State the {acta or circumstances as they came to you, whether ge- neral or in detail, Ido not think I could state any details that would be at ali valoabie for the purposes of the com mutice. IMPRIOIONS ON MR RAYMOND'S MIND =e. Davis Will yee slate the foots aa they enme to ae "wiknese—1 oapnot state anything valaabke for the pur. poses of \he committee more than I havesiated. I may state, in general terms, without conning myself to what would be technically considered as evidence, that I have frequently talked with wdiridoals ower than Mr. Simen- ton, as well ss with Mr. Simonton, sbout these matters, and bave recetved from them, at different times, etate mer ts of things which they sala were true, sod iatimations of things which tbey beileved were true; and putting these ‘with facts which | knew to be true, and with the pubiic records of the day, the whole has made an impression upon my mind amounting to conviction—I may say oor taipty—that such a combination does oxist. Upon that conviction I have acted in the comments I bave mde upon the subject in the fimes I canno} give the dotails of the information upo which ft is based. ASKED TO SRT FORTH THE PARTICULARS By Mr. Davis—You speak of a particular combination which you suppose to exist. Is ita general combination for the purpose of making movey, or is it one in ap sean ee are combined for @ particular pur. Ve Pr Witmess—T cannot say that the information which came to me aasiated, bus it led me to believe that the combination was in most retpects a general oae not that itembraced ali bills, but toas 1s ombraced many bills. By Mr. Davis—Name one. Witnes?—I cannot name them ; I believe, however, that It ombraced bille sppropriat largo amounts of mono or the equivalents of money. + grants ta which incl. viduals were pecupiarty intoresied, and for tho rE of whioh they wore wiliing te psy; | do not know Dames of the bills By Mr. Davia—Then this information did not come to Ber in any definite ehape, so that you could say that A or A D Pad combined (o carry out particulat moa. or riroees—While I bave hoard the names of members mentioned in coonection with ft, | have not heard the names of the members of euch a combination By Mr. Davis—Then you have only heard that posed that members have entered into such # 09: wei Witness—| bave net heard it as 6 supposition. Mr, Devie—Did they assert that they know it? ness—It wae stated to me Ave matter of fact. By Mr. Davis—Caa you state one of there facts? Witnest—I bare said that it wae stated to me gonerally as & matter of fact that ach @ combination existed for the purposes I have named. By Mr. Davie—Thon was it meroiy suggest: tbat euch ® combination existed with regard to tore Congress’ Witness—I do not think that I can be more spocitic than | have been. Mr. Davis—Do you mesa t that your memory will not + | cath you to be more # RAYMON + BAD MEMORY. Witness—I ness tht my memory would net enable me to speas tp detail all the various conversations I have bad on the subject st various times, ae to the dotaiis of ifferent combinations referred to in those converse The information I bavo has not all tome recently; some of the conversations to #! Inaveal loded took piace months ago By Mr. Davie—Your memory, then, will not serve you to detail any one faci? Witners—i would not be understood as saying eet could NOt recollect any one thing that bas been stated me ana fnot By Mr. Devie—Ir you fan recoileot apy one fact that ia what we wish yoo t state; if you cannot, the commit. Jeo will bave pothing on which to invertigato the char, contained in the editorial you bay Hebed WHY THE COMMITTER WAR APPOUNTRO—FORTUNES MADE It AnHiNoTo Witnore—I did rot onderstand from what I saw of the proceedings of the House that ¥ |) He Wapaper article Gebale, aod from the amendment that was made to the resoftion, that the taveatigation was not ordered on the strength of anything contained in the Times, but upon statements made to the Honse upon oiner authority I wilt state, Rowevror, that 1 feel bound, of course, ty Justify whatever I bave said in my paper to my own conviction, and, #0 far as the pobile are luterested, to tho padito, but Ido not know that it {san unavoidab ale 0 © particuiar #tatemoate 6, partoniar Ppertiae oF {maptiont Matements made in that article are the resait of « variety of discon nected facts, bo ove Of which will amount 10 much by It seit, lean lilustrate, perbaps, better than \dertak- tng to give any partiouiar ciroumatagves or times, by ing, for Instance, that I hi 0 Dation exists, and that it hae exi to you ills be. ba’ moseee, tenons splot peoifying to whom By Mr Davie—if you have heard of otrow —— I wish to Koow if there i not ous that yoo ooa confidentially, and I could not mention them without @ breach of conti ence. By Mr. Devie—Then } understand you to say that you oanpot ve any one eh tn rorerenco 00 any ene comot- pation Say mare dette cage than ts giveu in rita Sl aesaie not, knowledge es — cnaael, open my owe By Mr Davis—Oaa you upon rmaation of other persons? Witnese—} could sot do thatas I have elready said ‘without @ breach of confidence; and oven thea it would Bot be legal evicenoe—t would be mere hearsay. By Mr. Davie—Oould you state any fact which has been communicaiod to you as to a particular combination re pte an | thorn and yg gy Ly boy momber or number of members? ae ea been communtoated © you ao that you could relate Witness—I ‘oval Lut etate aay. fact that bas boon so communicated. I do not recollest any such fact coming png 4 im « form that would make it possible for me to winte 1 Mr. sar gp pln Bar in peer atiestal eptiting ped that @ corru; 4 vt of members = grees and cortain of 7 aguate ‘at Weabington bi existed since carly in the session of last year,” what a0 you mean by the expression ** we know? "’ Witness—I mean that I om satisfied in my own mind— convinced of the fact by satis(actory information commu- nicated to me, on whiod I rety. By Mr. Orr—Which evidence you eannot furnish to the ' By Mr. Warren—Withoat @ broach of confidence, or not from your memory ? Witness—I could not do it fully and acourat-ly, under any circumstances, because I could not recollect all tne facts and circumstances which have been meationed to me tn connection wish tt, and whioh led me to the ooncla- sion to which I come By Mr. Ritchio—Could you give the mame of any por- son who bee made statements of facts to you, assorting them to be within bis own knowledge, which facts, if stated by your informant as a witness, would be cvidence golpg to prove against any person the truth of charges of corrupt combinations, to pass, or to obstruct the pas sage of, any bill through the House of Representives du ring the present Congress? APRAID OF 4 BREACH OF OONYIDENCH, Witness—I do not know thas 1 could; I cortalaly could not without @ breach of confidence on my part. By Mr. Davis—Will you give « direct antwor—yes or not Witness—I do not know that i cam answer more specifi cally than I bave dons. By Mr Ritchie—You say you could not give the name of such person without @ breash of confidence; could you Sredoums Siem. Person with @ breash of oontl- dens Winee:—Tbat requires mo to answor upon the opinion whether idence would, in my jadgment, go to con- viot anybo sy. heey Me. Ritohie—Of course It docs; I ask you the quos- tion! Witness—I don’t think I could. WHAT DOBS MR. RAYMOND KNOW ?— NOTHING, Nots—By the ommitwo—Tae answers of this witness to the last tour questions rendered {t unnecessary, in the opinion o! the committee, to enforce answers to proced 'My questions, which the witness was relaotant to auswer, on the ground what in doing #9 he nag violate ooaft pce which tbe persons, irom leased to bave information, hed repose ane wors show that be cou d not, even if he violaiod the alleged coasidence, state anyihing himself, or give the name of ly witness who had any perronal knowledge of facts thet would be material to the investigation. Tavunsvay, Jan. 16, 1857. JAMES W. SIMONTON, CORRESPONDENT OF THE DAILY TIMES ON THE STAND, James W “imonion swero—, am tue reguiar dorren- poncent of the New York Times over the signature of 8)" “7 ‘Mr. Orr—Do you know of any organization of mom. bers of Congress with other persoas, or wiih themseives, Bow existing, ce that bas existed aince the commence session to secure the passage or defeat of any bills for money or any other consideration? THE REASON THE TIMMS KDITORIAIS ARE 80 WRAK AND MILK a AnD WATERY. RRR itnese—| con't know of my own know! evidence, o! any such orgauizauion; I have bees sduathod from evidence conclusive to my own judgment that it did exiat; | bave never proteesed to know any suob fact of my Own ka0wiedge; on the contrary, the letters @ad the editorial aricies in'the Times, upon which, | sappose, these questions are based, have carefully aod with a pur: poe abstained from saying that we knew anysbing of of our own knowledge; it bas been the settied par; pee the beginning not to make ourselves respousibie lic tuformers to furnish legal evidence to estabilslt facta. By Mr. Ritchie—State the facts and which, thougn no} legal evidence, have produced in your mind the conviction tbat such combination exis. CONFIDENTIAL TALKS WITH WITNES—MA. CHASE, EX M. 0, OF ABW YORK, ACCUMBD—FEARS BEING SUSPACTED—GRNE: RAL LOBBY HROKER, Wiiness—I bave been satisded tn the first place that there were mombers o/ Congress who desired to sell their votes, and knowing of my own knowledge tha: such wae the fact, I have given heec in my own mind toa great many rumors. | have known partios outside to thee pte a fruent ‘communal western Grae gress, evidently rejoicing on the primaiy vote, bers, whispered copadentially in the! 4 Wo their seats, and they have tboir previous vole I am tated i ba BL Bot Know these facts of m; Dave given partics ready 4 ach means, to understand that I could evch traveactions, Mombers of (. one, bave come to me and od 68 private interview, sisting that they Bad something of im. portance to say t© me They have asked mo whether rod could talk 1 me with @ porfoot reliance on my good faith, and whether [ would agree, under po cir. cumstances, to reveal thelr mames. In ‘my profession such questions are put to me almost every day; | do not know whether the party desires to communicate public documents or pews of interest, and I always, unless I have some es; reason for supposing that the parti. cular individual bas an improper proposal to make, accep; Abeir con tidenoe and By UDgaalitied promise nor to reves inher mes, Having thos entered into the inter- view with them, members of Congress have roquesed me to procure for them interests in particular measures named by thom pending before tho House, mating the amounts which they desire te receive for such aid an they should be able to give. I have in every case quietly a the suggestion that 1t would not with anything of the sort; that attached sus enovgn vo gentiomen conpected with the press at Washington, without draw tug farther suspicion unnecessarily oon them Dy Mr Orr— Will y the names of any of y Mr. Chase for the purpose of Private conversation, who on thelr return vole! ouferently from thelr first vote on the meas IMPUCATR® MIMEKY EDWARDS, WHLOH AND GILIERT, Witness—it | auawor thet qcemuon at ali the committee must relieve me from all responsibility of doing injustice to ocher parties, I cannot designate the time, nor the I would prefer under sucn circumstances ipjustioe. If © ineiet upom It, however, I wili not shrink {rom paming them It is to 9¢ presumed that the parties 4 G0 aDY Bot #0 bane as that the commition know leoge of wonld be apt to dea: ebarged upon them, and | warn the comm! ‘no knowledge of my own to corroborate the state. mente which | make The persons whom | would name ere Mr Edwarce, of New York, Mr. Gtibert, of Now York, and Mr. Welch, of Connectioat particular bills he referred to. The commtuee have mined the journals of the House upon al! the leading dilis involving & donation of lands, or the appropriation of money for specific purposes, ani fod that im no single ipatence bas a change been made at any of the or these bili in the votes of either of the gentiamen 4 to above, and the committee therefore do pot atteeh any haportasee 10 thong ments, or as furnishing any cir: cumstances ev: siMoRTON “APPROACHED '? By Mr Orr—state who the members are who have ap- proached you and desired to Rnow If they conid toronge Jou progure mosey or other considerahoss for their ¥ Witneer—1 cannot without ® violation of con{ilence, is which | would rather suffer saything. Davie—Can you = the names of any othor persone called out by Mr. Chase, and do you know the tees thetr conference? ‘tines! could pot tate with certaiaty the names of any others; I co not know the subject of their conference. By Davis—O'd Mr. Chase name olther of these gor you as tmpiicaied with him or interested in measure per ding? ROT INTIMATS WITH SOR. CHAR®, Winess—1 cannot say that be did; I have never beon on intimate terms with Mr. Chase, [ have not with bim, more than to noi (n passing, daring the present ses- tion. By Mr. Davie— Did either of these mombers do any act in your presenoe showing that they were implicated with Mr Chase, other than this act of conference, the subject of which you do not know? ‘Witness—I can remember nothing except the general ‘act that in ali such cases these gentiomen = ally active, My own mind presumed the eu’ ference from the pat aga impression I had from yw various sources. By Mr, Davie—Oan you state any sures to which there conferences r Ye (OWA LARD ILL OB OF THR SoTmarme. ‘Witnese—I cannot, | do remember, however, that ther’ fidemtial conference in regard ‘onpon. of con. fore dorived claaa of mea- wan thie ee con! » the Iowa Land bill Now, be that fa eapecial. repeated conferences Mr, Chase, relative to Congress have made these umetances a lead mo to suppow that st wae apon thas | Davis—Heve you any other fact #0 stato ow Corru ys Combination between thet mombcr and Mr. Chance? Wiiness—I have no othor evidemee of the frat. IMPROPER OFYER WARDBD: OFF. By Mr. Warncr—Wil you state bow many ssombors of to pou whowe ot foal prepared torovesi? you wi Pames you do not feel wrever! PS dicated @ destre to taik with me upon these sunjecta, «nd I have warded it off, oot giving them an opporiuatty wo make eS explicit proposition. Mr Warner—What dol understand you to mo when you aay that these communications were mode ai- Wrtness—I mean that after haning oltained my promise of score in tegerd sam, they have said to me that cer- am measures pending before Congress ought to pay; that the parties intercsied im them had the means to pay; (nat they widividually needed the money and desir edme specifically to arrange the mutier in such wey that tf the measure pasted they Teceive mary compensation. By Mr Day you designate eny of these moa- ui ‘Witness—I do not think I can, and if { eould, I do not think } ought, neoeme tt might furnish tndircotly the very satormation | alot T decline to give, that is, the names of ‘be pas Mr Davee Yone idea then of confidence in respect communications was eimply that It was contined to Dames and ep-cilic measures, but that tt did not pre- pare from stating tr rn terms that propositions kind bad been made LF ply by members of the House.’ If you state the general fact and fail to give the tames of the members implicated, you throw suspicion op all the members of the House. ‘MK HIMONTON’S HONOR PLEDGED Witoers—My idea was that I should have made myself on to the crime by envire silence, and I was oom- to choose that medium course which [ hoped and believed would defeat the consummation of further secution of the crime, and at the same time would not ‘vinjate the confidence to which I had pledged (do not believe that thero ts any honest man, wbo kvows that he is above ploion, who has any (oar that be will be suspected of wron; to ? AAegiad wil hat preciso By Mr. Davie—Toe question I Mi be, 1 uppose, outaide of your cor fidence. meade? proposal was ‘Witwess—if 1 maintain the other position, that I cannot ‘en iwer with rogard to the man, I mast of course be the judge myself as to whether any other question, if an swered, oud indirectly do what 1 have pledged myself should bos be doue; and! feel thas the question Daced —< indirectiy the Very thing Ihave promised not agate Sev Then. yen Wit ant cue lh BG ak wili enable the committee to learn what they wish to know ft MR PIMONTON IN A FALSE POSITION. Witnees—] ‘bink chat ts putting me in a fale will Indicate to commits, before | leave 1 think they can ascertain essential facts, obannels that will relieve me porsonally ‘of doing what I'promised not to do. PESOTA LAND WILL ANOTHER OF THE GOHEMRA. Mr. Orr— Are you or bave you been interested in 1O4. Have you reason to suppose that you jaiced an inverest im that bill; and if so, Witness —I was offered an interest In It. By Mr. Davis—By whom t xe, ABE AGAIN IMPLICATRD. Witray—By George W. Chase. By Mr. Orr—Why did you decline it? MBPUERD AN INTERRET IN THE MUOMRHOTA HL FRARBD THB WLL COULD NOT Witness—| never scoepted it. | did ypt It, be- cause, whe jered to me, I feared that the bill would vot be one which ought to pass, or with which I could hoaor- ably bave any connection By Mr Ovr—What was your motive in making these charges of corruption? MR AIMONTON'S PATRIOTIC EFFORTS TO SAVE THE RAPUNLICAN PARTI—HAS AN INTSKERE IN THX WIBCONSIN LAND IML, HOT 16 DIFAPPOINTRD—HAS AR INTEREST IN 4 FRIRND'S CLAIM, ABD KACKIVED Bis PAY Wituess—My only motive was to put members on their guard witn reference to the Minnesota Land bill, aad ober measut toh would be brought before them, so that they mi unwittingly be led to eubdterve the purpores of ov! rupt parties; | bad no other motive, Poli teally, I feared eny developements would strike at 8 of the party with which I had acted, but I fel ‘hat tt was Of more importance that the republican party showid be an honest party than that it should be © successful ope. I have no interest in any measure pending before Congress, and I have not had any legei imerest in any measure ponding before the present Con In reference to qomnee w hee pareod (he present weave sonata Land bill, 1 was told 4 ouleide parties that pases L should reste a oxrtain Thave no pon avy such inte. ree naa | bave never vod oy fruit of of any auch terest, That ts the only measure during the present Oon- gressin which I hare ever had an +xpectancy, ercrn Wlle private rl whieh I did aid an old friend of jn passing {nrough tbe Senate, and reocived # small compensation theretor The wiwers then stated the names of several persons who would be able to testify in respect to the oharges made. Prinay, Jan. 15, 1857. JAMES R. SWEENEY, A HOUSE MESSENGER ON THE STAND. James R. Sweexey sworn:—I was one of eaeen- g¢rs of the House of Roprosentatives, employed by the Grorkceper, from the ization of the present house up to the 50th of November inst. By Mr. Orr—Do you know of your own knowledge of any attempt of aay member of Congress to obtain com- persation for votes given or to be given upon any moa Sure Dow perding, or that has eos peeding during tne present Congress?’ If so, mate it. ‘THE YESSION ABD BOUNTY LARD LAW HOOK ABD $14,600. eta—I know of a care in which a momber & bill or a project for the purchare of a book rela- Ung to the Pension and Bounty [and law through the Hovee for « certain amount of Ly ® 1 bod a writing the book, for a oor- " Mr Orr Wii you show tbat papor to the Commit. tre! The witness then exhibited a paper, of which the fol- lowing 1s 8 copy — ‘The Clerk of the House of Representatives will pay to J. B. Sweeney, out of the appropriation ta bet alt of ma, for eeriata copies ofmy work on the Pension, Bounty land and other inwa. pasted at this session of Congress, the sum of 4.500 0), for witch this thousand five bundred dollars ¢ ecelph, ¥.F. G. TRIPLEIT. sball be the r August, 1606, By Mr. Orr—Was this $14,500 to be ayo yon ay tervioes that you might render, or was any portion of ‘that amount to be paid to you for that purpose: NAMES THB MO. WHO MADE THR CONTRACT IN HIM PRESENCE, Witness—No pertion of the amount covered by that Tite eee for any service of mine, but I wish it to be distinctly understood that I make no further dirclamer, This conirast—not the written one, the contrsot—was entored into in my presence be- ‘tween the author of that work end the member of Uon- day | was requested wo Triplett. I was requested member to take it ja my own name. By Mr Orr—Who was the member with whom this contract was entered tnto In your presence: )-~ ataee I bound w suswor the quesiion di reetly Afer consultation. the committee nnanimously decided lo require tho witpess 10 snawer (he question directly, Witnere—Hiop. Wiliam A. Gilbert. By Wr. —State as sesriy a you can remember the conversation to wbich you liswened between Mr. Gilbert and Captain tr; TKN OF THR CONTRACT=THE WAY NOOKE ARE LonnED Kae# AND PRINTED, Witnese—I cannot pr: 10 give the language uset on i ocosaion, and | do not know that I can even give the ubstance. As near as I can remember, Mr. Triviett pro- pored \bat if the book was taken at $1 30 a oxpy, he would At $1 40 he would increase $610, and 60 on rate up to $1 60 per copy; beyond that there { may bo mistaken tn renpeo: to the precise details, it may bave commenced a $1 40 per copy at $*,600, and then $000 for every ave oenta per copy beyond thai sum | ‘ation thas the book would g> in at Hoh cane be wae to pay at ins rate and then pay one or (wo thoosand dollars {e addition. The resolution was not offered to my know. edge ‘WIR MONET TO HB PAID To THE HOR, W A GiLnMET By Mr. Orr—You sore then to pay over the monsy to Mr. Gilbert, if the revolution passed’ Witness—thero was something suid abou! negotiating ae she Conran itnese—1 have statod who tne bargsia was iam Enew mes I woe inotraed i 00 for the money to anybody. It was my wader standing at ike interview to which | have referred that the money was to be paid ty Mr, Gilbert Mr. Davie— Was there any other person interested at arrangement to your knowledge’ OTHER M. © 'S HAVE AN INTERGT IN TAB 814,500. Witpess—i conversed with no other member jo relation to it that! tow remember. I cannot say that! bave beard po other member converse in relation to the mat ter. I may bave the impression that! have witnessed « conversation between two members when “4 that members of Congress 10 have an interest in every measure before them. By Mr. Warner—Who was prosont when the converss. ba ot FS have spoken ean Giibert aod Sige No oe she wWwarnor—Can you give the date of the conver. sv qitnens=t Cou'd not possibly give the date. This pn Nl ae merle Ido not know how By the Chatrman—Haye you ever had acy dimouity with Mr Gilbert? By the Chetrionbnts \ tooling det there any i! ween 2 In any respect? , = ' Witnere—No, rir; aot Upon my pn fad { prosume there ts none npr hts. \ | have ¢ veo in this testimony very roiucsan: po se 1 base boon compelled to give tt. advert te my ows inemonr [ do Dot KDOW by what means tbe Gommiites have ootala 4 the information on which [ was eubpensed By Mr. Urr—Have vou over board any membor of Copgrcis say that hin vote conki not bo again pi ocured for apy partiowlar sim of mouoy ? Witneas— { do not romember to have hoard aay mom: tion, present or prospective t ANOTHSEK CONFIDENTIAL COMVERAATION Witners—if | ever heard anynody make that state mont it was tm confidential convarsation, and 1 saould profor rot to answer tho quesion The commiitee, aflor consuliasion, requiret the wit Bens to aprwer THE HON, MA COABRTIN ANOTHER ¢KaME—THE IOWA KALIL ROAD Lk, Witness—Then 1 answer that I have been told by a member of Congress that he recetved certain amount for bis vote and Influence in the passage of the Iowa Ral Mr Orr—Who was the member? ‘itpesr—Hon. William A. Gilbert. By Mr. Orr—What was tho amouut f GILBMRT TO HAVE BRVBR SQUARE MIMS OF LAND AND “som LUTILE BTOCK.” Witness—I do pot know whether he received this or not, He sald to me that he received seven square miles of land end ome little stovk. fF will reiate the ciroum- stances. I cannot give the date, for { do not remember it; 1} was in warm . We mot somewhere about Four and « bailf street, and went teto the store at the cor wor of the avenue, and drank agiass of soda water We took @ scat on Morrison's stoop, { think it was. It was late in the evening. The stores were generally closed The conversation turned upon these mattors. fle told me be had received that amount for bis vole. I du sot ro collect how ttcame up. He and I bad had a good deai of confidence with each othor, and J must say that I heartily regret that this matter bag beer drawn out of mo, for It was @ very confidential thing By Mr. Orr— Did he say anything with reference to the Michigan or Wisconsin bits ‘Wiiners— He aid not % Mr. Warnor—Did he state where the land lay? 'itmess—He did not; hos idto methat he was put down for that amourt; I think that was tho oxprossioa. By Mr Warner—[\d he mention @ny other person who was engegod with himt MR, SWEEAKY’S PECULIAR FENLINGS AFTER TUB PASAAGH OF TIL WA WiLL. ‘Witness—I think not speciticaily by name. There have bees tome general conversation I do not rem ber bow the conversation origioated. It was, of co 10g bome thai I remarked to my family I thought it very ae Gehke should have placed bimeeif in that po By Mr. Orr--Did Mr. Gilbert state to you in that con- vereation, or in any eubsequont coaversation, with whom he made ike Begotiation? THE FINGER OF MB QUASE, BX-M OC, LY THE PIR—iNNOOENOR OF Mk SWEBNEY, Witwess—1 will pot swear positively that he gavo the name of the party. I may have got my improssl \bas be did from other circumstances, My impros sion Is that be ‘oid me he made it with an ex member < Congress from the State of New York—Mr. — Chase. I to state ir oath wl BO trrangement between Mr. Gilbert and f by which I was to recetve anything, or by whioal was to psy bim anything, or in any way be invoived in waiter. Whaiovor connection I had with itwas I~ a, as & matter of scoommodation for toe parties. In'bo other way than that ha tntren except what was betwoon the a CHARLES 8ST. JOHN CHUBB, ONE OF THE WASHINGTON BANKERS, ON THE STAND. Oty 1 was largoly toterested persoually tm the Oalifer- bia war bones, as they were calied; and wi ‘agent, as banker, of other parties for toe collec those bonds fier the bill passed. Ido not kaow that cay money was paid or Proposed to be paid to aay mer of Congress in consideration of hia yote for me treet that bill. I know that members have dri money under that bill, which, I presume, was on account parties If tts propor that f ‘will state that one was Mr. Dishop, of N the other Mr. Petton, of New York. 1 say 'n rolerence to Mr. Bishop, that | think be had \orest, aj ony rate. | ibink | eaw the names on the list of three parties as Dondholders, residio, the slate of New Jersey. I never know Pettoa, onnees being ta troduced to him by the the ollise. T kpow tbat money was contrivuled wo pay the expenses of parties ip Washington to look to the interest of the bondholders. A portion of th fund ‘collection of —— into my hands after the bends, « nd waa retained by mysott to cover my 0 pe York aad other places to ee about oncert ef action amongst the differeut bondbolders I never approschod for the purpose of of fering or did offer any consideration o ==> sajure, ia mosey or a caging one, to any momber of tte Houee of Reprotentatives for the purpose cf voting for or iaterost ing Dimacif in the passage of thet bill, of any other bill, before Copgress. 1 do not know of any promise baving been made by any other person io & member of Con grees cr to any agent, to pay auy money or other con sideration tosecure the paseage of thas bi! Knowledge of avy corrupt lofin-nees, such ing of money or apy other consid bonds or otner Property. to any meorre the presage of the Caiforni: ui F. B.C, TRIPLETT, ATTORNEY AND CLAIM AGENT, ON THE STAND. F. F. ©. fipiett swora—I have been a rovident in —— since 1849. I am anattorasy aod cisime agen! vy Nae Orr—Have you any information of your ows know ledgo going to esvabliah the fact that any momber of Congress bas, directly or indirectly. received money, Innd oF any cthor valuable consideration, for voting in favor ¢f avy railroad bilis, SCORNE WING A MAMIE OF THE LORAY—NAVER MADE IMPRO- PRR PROPORALA. Witness—1 bave not, 1 do not belong to that body known bere as tho lobby, and [ have never had any per- sopal information about any of these things, #0 fara raliroads apd such schemes are covoerned. | have never been the instrument of aaybody cise for payment to cure the age of moneyed or land biiis through grens. 1 bave never approached any member upon any aubjeot with an improper propose By Mr. Orr—EHave you Drought tn contact with any member tm ibat conpestion MORAL BTANDING OF MO "K—THEY MUET HM PAID Witnew—1 bave; | euppore there is nobody who krows tho organization of Congres expecta to carry any thing through it merely from love of justice; that is tne general reputation of Congress. By Mr Orr—Have you bad any conversations or ungo WaticDs wih members of Congress, oF with a momber of ress, in reference to your book matuer! if #0, state All the facta and cotati in relation to it THE BOUNTY LAND LAW BOOK AGAIN—THE WAY AN M,C DUCED WITNRE TO HEING IT HEFORE CONORE Witoese—I am almost asiraid wo make « statoment in releremce to Mt, for 1 really do not know that! could do Justice to the . and {certainly desire pot to do tojas- tee to bim ie within your recollection (addressing Mr. Orr) that three or four yoars ago made 8 statement, sions Dad requested me to prepare a 4 ano deo'stons in respect to pensions and prepared the book, and one bill passed Porebese, Dut through sowe informality it was defeated +t the pest session of Congress | attempted again to pro. cure the passege of @ bill for that ebjcot a « fur ro prenentasion of the circumstances. After Thad ¢o termined to abandon the attempt to procure the passage of any resolve or pavcbasipg the book anti! I was ia formed that a ph de Ay compilation, ee te to obtay ® resolve for purchasing was desirous of ¢ofeating defeat bis purpose, and was confnin, received a message fro he desired to be introduced to me, and to this book project of mume I do at ject matier about which ne wished to talk waa mentioned when | received my introduction. | did see bim afterward: ona jcunversation avoas (lem jo not KNOW as to ely a» It ocurred ) the provosal came @ in about this way, ile asked ms for thaiy me for the tainty whet that amount was I think perhaps tt wae HI ‘ I think be aid he thoughs the thing could , 804 got through for a better price than I told him that f was willing to take a certain or my book, and that if i wae pat in at e hi ia pot care what became of the balance of it the close of the inst session of Congress I gave to ® third man, nots momber of Congrose at ali, an order for ® certain amount of money predicated upon the lm gy that If the resolution passed purchasing the this money was to be paid out of that appro Prisiion. | did not care about inquiring who was to recotve it or what became of It. Orr— What was the amount! Per oop med tt a a prosicated be euppostiion. tat ¥o it wae upon the sn 0 many copes: OU REeen Sten eneeen aah © prise, | knew from the information | bad in reference to = matters that I could not hope to get witbout the ose of euch means. | assented fy ea) without attempting to investigate how it was to come. THR MEASURE DID NOT FASS AFTER ALL, AND THE PUMIUO pass? ‘Witmese—No, at Sorry that t did not; thine it wo in 8 very good book. and that the measure pase, By Mr. 1e— Was any resolution itneas—No, air. By Mr. Orr—Do you know why SORRY AK LRTENRD To THe ‘Withors—| soppoees it was for the nity. | doaire to eay that there was no ptandin rentionan and appropeiat on of money, ( had PRIVE TWO CHNTS woclo have voted for who eould pot by my paw bility he epproaohed 1 propermsuser. Fcervanty rever did im my he @empt 6) a9orvesn soy meant ” way. { had avacdoned wf tea of « ibrough, and Ir. ret exceedingly twat [ ev: apy such propowel By Mr Orr (eabibiiing the paper prodacet b Bweeney )—Is thas the order yoo gave? Witness— It is my orver By Mr Qrr—0o you remember ander what ot-com stances the application was med to you to pat shte pro mire in writing? How did tt come to be made, aod og whom was it mado? NO DBALI9G# WITH MO" —THOP PARTY CAEP Witmen— My recoiieciion of it ia suis: I think wer Probably @ desire ou the part of ooth parties iat fi sould be dove. Is was ropreso@ed toms ‘nat the par who bad made the proposal wanted something 1 © for it, and 1, wishing to nave no ench doattog with am om ber of wae enxious that it showin be pina d 16 iwere—Mr Sweer bis representation I leot tbe eubstanos of what oocurred between myself and the member 0° Congress as far an re iaten to the onnbraat. We bad other conversations ea to the prospect of passing the resolution Mr. Orr—You anderstond when Mt application to you for this TUR WAY AN M.@ AND A 1K Mk TRIPLET Witness—I told him I was very giad to de relieved from the position of baving any contran; wich a member of Congress on the subject, I never oxpeoted to in squire who received the money. | intended to keep m: upon that matter as I could with « sirong valet upon the subject. It was my impresston when Mr Swee ney made application to mo tor the writing that t\ eas made in consequence of an interview which nad taxes between bim and tne member. I donot know that ‘eno | over bad a copversation about it at all. The trate ts that Mr. Swooney came wo me originaliy upon ine avo. jeot. He krow all abont the matter from the first. { sap posed thi ‘was «© trien? of this party, and that uw I paid bim juld be satisfactory to the By Mr. Orr—What was the Wiaces—I have told you myrelf, and I do not lixe to say anytoing fartnor the Committee unanimously decided that the witnuse was bound 10 answer the question. By Mr Orr—Who came to Tou for vole papert le with otber members of the House, but this was the oaly thing which seemed like « deflaite uodersvanding with « member, (here was nothing approaching 4 contract with ar ybody else. Saroxpay, Jan. 17, 1857. MR. GEORGE W. bay cpt EX-M. C.,ON THE STAND. George W. Obwse swori—i am a citizen of tho State ef New York; nave form been s momber ot Cong eas Have you been ongaged during thé pre- Congress in prosecuting any claims, or in tho pas sage of any ralircad grant bilis or any other ills of ang description, before the House of Represeatat vos? OLJROTS TO HIB PRIVATE MATTERS MAING MADE Pome KNOWS LAW AND Mal RAEN A MAGIATKATS. ‘Witness—I did not know that my own private matters were to be brought in question | am williag to auawer Gli queetions touching soy connection | may have had with members of Osngrecs wits regard to any matter before Congress. I am a tanner by trade, aude mer. chant carrying on @ goo. deal of businvss, and auytoing of this Bind might injure my own business. | 10 net knew what rules govern the commities. | understand pretty well the rales that govern the courts of law, fors Dave served as @ magisiralc twelve yours. [can sag nothing about corruptions here, for | know nothing aboat any. By Mr. Riichie—Have you had any taterest, direct or indizeot, to resuit from the passage or defoat of any bid during the present Congress + ‘THE DIFFERENT SORTS OF INFLUEZOR Witness—I bave bad no influence ta the defeat of ang bill By Mr Orr—Have you bad any interest in the passage of any bill? ~ Witeese—That is cation which | should prefer not to avewer now. | should prefer to Dave a little time to ‘think of it, and sce what bearing it « going to have. An immediate anawer being required by §ue commit tee, BAS AN ONTERERT IN THE MINNESOTA LAND HILL TO HELP 4 YOUNG MAN ALONG—VISFTS WASILINGTON FOR BIS HEALER ANXIOUS FOR THE WIMOONMIN KAILKOAD ILL. Witness reepouded—I auppore | shoula be taterested fe ® certain bili if it shoula pars tno House—the Minne sota Land bill. I am ® member of one of the compe nies in Minnesota for one of the lines contempiated— the Transit Company. 4 young m ard wanted me to'help him tne be that I should take an toterest m that rosé and employ him to go there and take care of bia interesi; 1am one of twenty two whose memes are Lown, | believe, about twenty-five shares did not come bere to attend to this bast nees; I came here on acoownt of my health, by the ad vice of my physician; I do not know of any core my Congress Interested in that road, as one of tho ¢: persone whose uames appear in the obarter; Same ta part to Beip inis young man. and in pe oun besadli; | cannot say what atersat, direst or tad ony member of Congress may have parsage bill; I'¢o not know wether there bave veou any other Teuve hort ter bilie or teat Rave been defeated seriag the pre. sent Congress in which I have been interested as Sgens or party; I Beve sakes ‘x lateness te illle—thas hove @ Piss: whst prt Y SS tere ean ne Brees there is about it; 1 was very anxious for the passage the Ws conein railroad bill, and did atl | ooaid logiti matey. tor te paseage; 140 not koow wba: | was to bave for it; 1 Pave not had anytning; { do not know any mombor of Congress who bad an iatorest in that bill olsher direot or tndireot. By Mr. I titi you, es the agent or in any other of apy company or companies, over execute bend or obligation to convey iand or any other ‘bie consideration to any person or persons on oom. Cities thet any raliroad bili passed or pending tn this eee phould pasar ‘nese (after ons bestiation)—I shonld like to have the bond produced ; then | could tell if | arew it. Ry Mr. Orr—Did you exeoute such « bone or oblige ont “1 BTAND UPON THE DUB AND FORFEIT OF MY Hone,’? ho do not wish to anawor uniess the bond be a By the Chairmas—You are called upon to answer whether you executed such @ bond, aad 00} Wo state what were the contents of It, Witness (after some heritation)—{ would rather not newer that question; | am nct prepared to state ay reasops for declining 10 anewer: | do decline. By the Oheirman—There is but one ressom that the Commiticn wil) recognise as valid for dectining to anewer If you say you cansot answer without your saswer orimipating or tending to criminate yourself, you mag decline, DRURY TO TAKE COUNSEL BEFORE ACKNOWLEDGING tam nowp Sep tonnes heap tp ave: thet ie © potot | wat to examine; Iam not prepared to state ‘whether it will or wilt not; i should ike to. take couneat on the and know what would bo the remuit; 1 de pot know bi af poy tee FES 4n snewer; | do not want todo any m proper, Should Tike to take the advion of counsel ‘ ‘The witness was then dismissed til) the next day. ELIAB KINGMAN, THE CORRESPONDENT OF THE NEW YORK JOURNAL OF COMMERGE AND BALTIMORE 8UN, ON THE STAND. Eva Kingman swora—I am a reguiar of the 1m this city. By Mr Orr—Hias ever any proposition been made to you by any member of Congress to conver to yea any ‘and or lance io consideration of your aiding the oe ee alee grant ie Cougrens tn your corres ponden HAS WARN TWRNTT vase IN WASMINGTON AND KNOWS Be Ee! THING. Witness—I never conversed with any member of Coe- rene . tore from any member of Congress on the subject | have beard nowiog of the comDdipation pee ageinet mem! oft ress out what | have heard the last twenty years, | know nothing of (tof my own knowledge; I do not kiow of any oy tmfaevce re. Googresn; i itlaidt do not KeOw Of my Own Knowledge cf any member direct or indirect, in any mensere Passed oF peacing Congress. I bare beard ramors tor reat many years of members being interesed in thie ‘OF that thing | bave seen it in every paper in the United States, bur I do sot ko, = any ‘act wien \ende 10 prove the existence of #w JAMES 8. PIKE, CORRES PONDENT OF THR NEW YORK TRIBUNE, ON THE STAND. James 3. Pike, sworn—i am ove of the wiiters of the New York Trwune | bave no know! AND RARVRY OFFERED 4 SECTION OF LAND, WHICH ‘Wituees--s ret! ing, | should say no. I \inewe—— + rict! been rset by aay one cxoept in the gevers! way | have st Voss a that if [ lend m: for meron pa proposals—bat bo = snot ope ‘those hints and tnuendose, u joh [remember anything of the sort wae when one of these raiiroad bille footioman ‘sald. 40 on and Harvey (° oom oman me, y jarvey is our | %) I rather moteur”? I nection of aod made sections are * Th wee the thing passed by. ft pon were ‘That 's the con ver-