The New York Herald Newspaper, February 20, 1857, Page 2

3 NEW YORK HERABD, FRIDAY, FEBRUABY 20, 1857. gation. 1 made 20 tall at the tme or = a ‘mprerson was “ima - alt Orr—1 proposed to ask the name of the mem- WBE HON, ORSANUS D. NATTERON, MO, THO MAN WHO OFFEE- BD THY LAND ‘Tre witness at first deciinea w answer the question, Dui, subsequently, the question being pressed, gave tho pame—Crsainur B Matteron By Mr Warcer—Do yon recollect what particular rati- Feac weasure ibat was ip reference tw ? Wituess—{ should think is was about the time of the age Of the Wwconsir dill, I do pot Koo # whethor Mr. EXttoren bed any interest in that vill. He did not name apy pertiouler bili or fooath pb Mowpay, Jan. 19, 1857. MR. TRIPLEPT, RECALLED. MAKWE AN RAPLANATORY STATEMSNT—M& GUBERT LEY CP A LIL OVSM THE LEFT F F.C Triplett having been recalled, was permitted to make the 10:lo#lng explanatory statement :— Kb rele: epee the question propounded to be by Mr. ‘Orr, ' Wheiber any conversstion took piace betwoen m« = hay olbtr member io which be came out and soilsit. or dem is more strocg'y worded than subsequent reflection has convinosd we HW rdould be 1 meant to confine myself, and. do con- fine mysel!, to a devial of any epecito contract with any are eee I woul: also state more specifically tha. I have done, that I capnot undertake to say when or how the copverration between Mr. Gilbe:t and myself up ook aroee. It is provable that when ouced to me another matter wae the BB was. however. ee sone. Cnatrman— Do you know that ot der Congress poten te share tm thee on mage ‘which you gave tbe order on my tro- member of Congress, who, sausfled expected to be Den titred, but be had no coutract with me. Chairman—State how you became satistied of mess-—! was satisfied f-om what he teld me himeelf, thes be to recetve from the of thet bill; Woes i wee Go not Know Tnover'agros’ to Dim any wing. ‘the Ct airman—Sta'e what was that conversatio: tpess—] could not possibly state the terme of the eeaversation. By Mr. Warner—State \i to the best of your recol Mmpess—I must be satisiied thet the commitice has ‘We eutho Hy to make me give the pame of the man ve- fore | can consent 0 give It. By Ur. Kirchte—We fret want to know what the con verestion was Witnesr-—I bad frequent conversations with him, and Be bas bern Di where conversations occurred be- tween Mr. Gilbert and myself. Be has spocen to me bout the matter freely and confidentially, aod | think has to'd me that be expected, in the event of t2e passage ef the vill, to receive compensation 16° 3; in what precise Iargvege 1 conid not undertake to say. By Mr. Riichie— Are you certain tha: he was aware of ‘rangement with Mr. Gilberi? Wiwwess— He was aware ‘hat thero was an arravge ment with Mr. Gubert, thougn I do not kaow whether be mew the speoide Wr do not think he did kaow the terms. By M). Werrer—-How did that conversation originate? ‘Witnest—] could aot possibly undertake to answer how the irs: conversation originated; here were many con ‘Versations deiween us. 2, Me. Warner— Conversations in relation to this trans. FBO ARRANGEMENTS ANOUT THE NOUNTY LAND LAW KOOK—OP COUKSB THB C RXPECFED TO BM PAID. ‘Witnese— Yer, sir. in relation t) the book, By Mr Warn ime whet he said as nearly as you ean recoiiect. what you gaid to bim aboot it. Witoees—I cxpnos state acy more than that a] the oon Yersaitone leit no doudt upon my mind that he expected be compensated for the labors which he intended to form in she case By Mr. Warner—Did be state to you what service he ooels rexder ? Wine: s— He expected to use his influence in securing By Mr. Warner—Did he say bow maay votes be could pensrol? ‘Wunees—Really, 1 cannot possibly say. 1 never re. pase it as very probable.thet my book would pass, and id not charge myself w th these facts as I should oth- @rwtse Dave done. I wes sctuated more by « dosire to prevent tnis otber man from mi the same arrauge- ‘ments then | was of passing my By Mr. Warner—Dia be say his influence could operate pon ik in committee or in the House Waners—It was io the House. He did not expect to have avy influence in any committee, that I know of. By Mr. Warber—State, as bear as "ou can, what be did fay to you in some of these conversations about these matters and what you said to him’ You of course oon vered freely 7 GAN’? RECOLLECT “ YCOTIVE CONVERSATIONS.!” ‘Wrhtness—Ii 1s 1mposstdle to recollect sach (agitive com. Yereations; but there was no coubt uyon my mind Mat whe pariy expected to have an interest in the mat fer. I fed it to be utterly impossible to recollect ali these details. 1 aid suppose that I hed this whole mattor fm my wind, but! find myself unabie to rocoliect many ‘@einge was | did not suppose I had torgowen. By Mr. Waroer—From the couversution you hed with him, it was your impression that you and him uaderstooe nob otber perfectly in relation to this matior / Wetnere—I ibougat I understood whai his moive was, though my expectation aad supposition was that tbe ua Gersiandibg was between bim and Mr. Gilbert and that _& be received any compensation, he was to rective it from ‘Mr. Giitere. By Mr. Wartef= ow many conversations do you think yoo bac mf I frequently ‘Witess— It is tmpors!vie for me to state, Mmquired, and was {requeatly inquired of, ag to 14d prée pect of the passage 0! the book By Mr. Warner—lid you bave as many asa dosen genversations witb bim ménuioalog any- (hing about compenration in all of them. . Warner— Wh) sought these conversations—you rd ‘Wupess—Sometimes one and romotimes the other. Wnves—1 du not think be ever ststed to mount be expected 10 receive. By Mr. Warner—What did he ray te you about bis ex- of being benefited by it? ‘Witne s— My imprestion |e, aod I give tt simply as an fanprernion, tha) the firet conversation that oocurred be fween 0 upon the subject was in the room. or at joast to the prosence of Mr Gilbert. Whether! bed been toid Deforebanc, or whetner | then heard that was ty be the recipient of & portion of the frem te con vere sion that oncu have drawn tbo deduction that he had some taterest io [think probabiy toat he asked me what am uot bat been agreed on with Mr. Gilbert, but these are matiors tm which | cannot cndertake to be securate By Mr Warver—You. of course, wid him ths amoan! thet bad deen agreed or! ‘Wavees—i do not know thet 1 did tell him the exsot famourt. | think it very likely that { told him that tt wer ap tos certain amount, without informing him accu retety about \t, becsuse | suppered that if be was te get any compensation, he was to get it from Mr tee hey 4 make their a rangements togethe By Mr Warner—You were going on to state what be getd to ycu of he amount he expected to receive. Die he @xpost to reoeive anytaing? Be Gouts be dia. ny? Witrore— From the conversation thet took placo be be ible that be told me what be had po doubt at the ume that 444 expect vo receive something. | think he asked me ‘what | could do in certain quarvers. I told bim that | ¢O eoything in that way; that! bed some ‘would support my book, and who wero, of 0 support my interest. . think that he, <r partie, had counted up the aevittance Mmey were able to render, and wanted to Kaow what as ct from my friends, you talked to him aa if it was fixed that be Was to receive & compensation, did ik as \f you understood the fact W mers bave siated an deanhely as I am adie to ate what ocurred ip these converrations. There was 00 heertancy avout (he maser. | think ft wae understood by Dow partice inet it was exorcted he would res ive some Gompenration Ido pot ising | ever heard sr. Giloers say what omount he interded togive bim I suppore tt is aa erro, ‘Lat ib mort of these fre yet conversations there wae Do ref rence to BD) pecuniary transaction at all, but simply ibe thing being onderstood between ns, thoy would ark me if I bac seen certain parties who | expect od to eepport ms, and how muck support {could rely 00 oviaide of vhere appliances. Ido not think trat I koew Ny 8 member of Congress tei I could a sproech oud Bot red 10 make any such approsodes to's member rner—Iid you bold there conversation wi'h member of Congress besides Mr (liber sir — Will you state the name of that mem im that way if | bad desired and I certainly ave 6: By CONG RE. ‘Witnews—That 1s © question to which I do not thi commitioe bave # right, onder the cl-cnmatarces, fet a0 anewer irom me. It 1 had made s bargain him myreif, of course I could be competied to answer. | Bad no doubt, from the conversations | beld wiih him, Mr Ritcbie—You say, in the Gret place, you het no and in tbe same sentence that you had no certala ty Are you certain that he did expeot to reovive some emount” ‘Witness— | feel perfeovy well convinced that he dd = | not may that he did not tall me that he expected to recctve some amount, per could | say poritively thet he ad ‘The committee, consultation, decided that the i wtneer to antwer the quenion, Tae wit Seas Geclined to answer, rm wee alte ed to retire for the . "in CHAEE, THE BX. M. C. RECALLED. Hon George W. Unase reca\ies — reaponse yanded when the wit om wae iset 5 comminee, viz “lid you. asthe or Witness— do not know ef apy. By Mr Ritobio—Did you, as the agent of any company, ped td aber capacity, ever execute any bond or other obligation to convey land, or apy other vetual const deration, to any person or persons, any railroad Dill passed, or pevding tm this Congress should pass. which bond or obligation was held or exe ontec with the privity or knowledge ot any member of the presoat Congress? Witness—1 consider the question relating toa personal matter, similiar to the ope | have already deolined to aa ewer, and J decline to answer it. By Mr. Ritchie— Did you. as the agent of any company or ip aby other capacity, ever execute any doud or other obligation to convey jand, or any other valuabie conside ration, to any person or persons, on condition that any railroad bill passed. or pending im this Congress shou d pass, in which boad or obligation any member of this Congress bad or bas aa interest, direct or indircot? Witnees—I did not By Mr. Ritopie—Did you, as the agent of any company or ip any other capacity, ever execuie any bond or other obligation to convey land, or any other vsluedlo cous! deration, to any person or persons, on condition that any railroad bill passea, or pending in this Oongress should pass, With the knowledge of avy member of Congress, upon whiob the vote of any member having such know- Jedge was to depend? eeB—1 did pot. By Mr. Ritchio—Did you, as the agent of any company or ip any oibor capacity. ever execute any bond or other obit F apy other valuable = ‘ation, to any person or persons, on condition that railroad bill passed, or pending in this Congress id pass, and upon which the vo. of any member of as was to depend? By Wr Warner—Have you ever had conversation with apy member of Congres in which admitted to you tbat be had apy present interest. or any expectant interest, in the passage of any bill which had been or is ow pending elore Congrrss? MEMNERS OF 0ONG! ‘will not sev that I and I will pot say tbat I have not. 1 nave talked a good deat ‘with some members of Congress, and | will not sey that T bave not bad some such conversation, though 1 do not Bow call it to mind By Mr. Wern' r—What is the best of your recollection ‘upon that potny? ‘Witness—I cannot now refer to any such conversation that I have hed, and stin | will mot say that | may no! Deve bad such a conversasio: sy Mr. Warner—Havexyou no recollection in regard to it one way or thé otber? ‘Witness—Tbat will dapend s good deal oo ctroum stances. There are@gord mapy publio measures which Would interest every citizen in the State, town or city to which it reverred By Mr Warner—Gave yea ever heard any member of the present Congress, in apy converration you have bad with him. say to you that he hed any pecuntary interest, or apy other jo erest of a vaicable character, embracine Jand or any other article of value, in any railroad or other bill that bes been pending, or is pending, in the present Congress? MEMORY OF WITNESS AT FAULT. Witnes#—I dv not recollect apy paritcolar time. wil) not say tbat I have not bad such conversations, because 1 bave bad @ good deal of tal: with members. me 4 the Chairman— Can you recollect no such conversa 1b Witues:—1 do not just at this time. I have heard them say their vicinity would be benetitied. Warner—Wiil you say that you bave not had such a conversation? . Witness—I do not know that I bave not bad. By Mr. Warner— Have you had such conversations with many members; and if #0, how many? Witness—I not By Mr Warner— State to the best of your recollection. Witners—! cannot specify avy number; my memory will Dot serve me to recollect such cayual conversations, MEMORY GOOD IN REGARD TO RAILROAD BILLS By Mr. Warner— Save you had any conversations with —_ rence to the passage of these railroad ie? Wiiness— Yes, sir. By Mr. Warser—Will you declaro it from your own knowledge, thet you do not know, from your conversa. Hons with members, 1tat any one momber js interested tm the of any one of these Dilis? Whtnces—1 would not say that. | do not want tosay reference to that. rner—Tbe question is not what you want to MEMORY aT PACLT AGAIN. By Mr, Warrer—Have you ever heard any member say that he was to receive, or mr] 0 receive, any = ber of acres or sections of land if cortain of these paszec! ‘Winess—No, sir; | do not recollect thet I have. By Mr Warter—Have you heard any member say, during the preeent Congress, that be had any other inte. rest in ‘ho pessage of auy Dill ten @ general tatorest, ‘auch as would arise from the increased value of property io the State or veighborhood where the railroad passed, or to whicn the bill referred? Witrers—1 bave not. By Mr. Warner—Have you over heard # member of Copgress say, during ube present Oongress, thet any third person held a0 obligation by which, if any one of these bile passed, be was 10 be bepefitteat Witweas—No, sir. By Mr. Warner— Have you ever held any such obiiga- tion at the irstance of a momber of Congress’ Witnese—No, sir. Hy Mr. Warner—Do you know of anybody who has? itpese—1 do not. WHAT (8 A YERSONAL INTEREST INA RAILROAD MILL? By Mr. Orr—I unaersiand you to say that the benefit or advantage which members have admitted to you would inure 1o them from the pareage of certain bills, was only tbat interest which was common to the community—not ry ) Imtereet of their own, indepencent of the gene- rat interest, Witoese-1 do not understand what would be a per- acral interest. jchie—An Interest that would acorag to the imee!f, independent of @ general iat Witness—| co not yw of any such instance. There may be soch instances, but | do not know of any, of my own knowlecg JONORANT OF ANY OFFERS TO M. ©.'8, EDITORS, REPORTERS, BTV By Mr, Warner—Do you know of any member of Coa- great having promise’ any outeider, editor of « newspa reporter, that if he would advovste the passage of Ceriain bilis be ehould receive a com ? Witness—i do not of my own knowledge. I have beard such reports, bat I Go not know whether they are trae or By Mr. Orr—Have you ever heard a member of Con- Gress say tat he bad’ Witpess—I do not recollect that ! have, By Mr, Werner—Have you ever deen present when a demand was mado upon any member or members of Congress by a third party, not ® mombor of ( tor — for advocating the passage of or bille? Witress—I1 do not know tbat | have. By Mr. Warn-r—Hare you ever heard » member of —_— sey that couch a demand had ceen made upon him THE WITNEES MAS MEARD A GREAT MANY #TORIGA, Witness—| bave beerd a great many stories, By Mr, Orr—fhat is very indefiaite. Wtness— | cannot come any bearer to It. By Mr Warner-Heve you ever beard » member of Congress say 10 you, of to euy third party, thar if a cor trip measvre pending before passed, bo sould be benetl ted by 1h? Witnert— | cannot resollect. | could sot say whether | beve or not By ‘ir. Warner—What ia the best of your recollection about i? ongress, any dill SEVER HEARD OF A CARP OF CORKUTTION. Witresr—| bave oo instance of the Kind now upon my ming By Mr. Warner—Jusi extend your recollection back, and tee |f you cannot bring it to mind. Wirpess—| cannot recollect of any ume. By Mr. Warner—Have you beard it at any time? Witncst—I co not recoliect any imstance; still there been. I cannot say. y Mr Orr—Do you know or have you heard any member of Congress say that be owned stocks iu any of the railroad bills of the Inst session’ Witnets—! did not bear of any such casos, the) I ro jt. TRE JOWA, WINOONSIN AND MICHIGAN ROADS By Mr. Orr—Do you know of amy member of ©: ene who owred stock in any of the prejocted roed= in lows Witoonein or Michigan, whom you bave beard expross the opiuion, before the bill parsed. that the Sate would give the inne to the company ia whicu be was interested Winess—-No, air By Mr. Orr— You know, then, of n> membor who re cetved stock or cer ifeates of stock in any of those roads duritg tde inet seenion of Congress? Witnerr—I 00 Lot KNOWS NOTHING CF TIN PACH 600.000 acres By Mr Orr—None in Witoonsia, lows or Michigan’ Witners—I do not By Mr. Orr—Do you Know apy tuing of 600,000 acres of land having beep set apart by parties interomved in the Pavitic 1a. iroad to secure ite passage? Witners—I do not : By Mr Orr—Do you keow of any number of acros sot svart by putes inierestec? 1inewe—I Go not By Mr. Orr=Do you know any member of Congrem Who was to receive any lands wader shat bill if h parsed Witness—No, rir Mr Orr—Or cortifiontes of stecks’ itners—No, sir. By Mr Urr—Do yon know any perron who was to ro. ceive such iand cr Cortifloate of elock in trast tor the be eft of a member of Congress’ Witnere—! a0 not KNOWS NOTHING OF TRE DES MenwRS [PROVEMENT Pit By Mr Orr—(o you know aay momber of Urugrom ‘who negotiaved with the parties ip interest to Reoure say Intorest ior themsrives in the pill for oonsiructing te Les Moinee Grant Improvement Dill of « preceding Oongress? W itneas—1 know nothin MR SW! JR Sweeney, to make the following expianation vo vioumly given :— At the time, I eupposed the anrwors were correct to the questions as put. Now, however, on hearing tne quesions and my aLewers read over, end, oa retiection, 1 Uhipie it nooersar) vo make an expiaca iva, cepecially ae the questions seem to mo to bave & wider application than when they wore verbally pus. KAPLAN ATION®" /1¥ FY DOLLARS OR 80” TO GET A BMALL CLAIM OF A WIDOW WOMAN’ THROCU ‘There was a claim juvoiving @ emall amount of money pending before one of the committers of the House, whieh [ desired # bave favorably reported, sod so stated to the member to whom the were re ferred for examination. He said to me that he had no doubt himself that ft was a meritorious claim, bot that some of the committee sorutitized such matters closely, or words to that effect; and that he would have to wait « favorable opportunity, or that, perbaps, |i m ght beoome —s to ase & /ittle money, fifty dollars or #0, to mane right, This is ail I remember to have been said between us relative to the subject; Do money was paid or demanded, unless that be construed Into s de- mand By Mr. Warner— What was the nature of the claim? ‘The witness refered to answer apy quemion as io iho RALROAD OR OF THR ing been Te callod, was peri bus tostimoay pre ‘ nature of the clatm or the name of the member, unless | ™. 3. BABOOOE, EUIERIVTENDE*T OF THY FOLDING ROOM, the committee construed such 8 refusal as a contempt of ‘MR WELCH, OF OUNSRCTICUY, THR “yIFTY Doi (\K"? MEMUES conaRaes. By Mr. Warner—What was the name of tao mombor! Wiinesr—William W. Weilcb, of Conn ssiicat. By Mr. Warner— Has that claim beea rsporiad Witness—it was reported upon tte mariis, without ao/ other consideration, as I understand. ‘not know that I made any reoly Jed to the subjeet be:ween vursolves duals; one was a member of Congress, and tne other 5 gentleman outside. AY, Jam. 20, 1856. ‘Tuxsp. MR. TRIPLETT, RECALLED. F. F, ©, Triplets was re-calle¢, and made the ‘ollow Dg explana'ary statement:—Upon further ref oil, | ecolleot ocnversation and facta which tt beyond » gene tal my mind brakes eps whom I S04 x to receive a ¢ Contract about which have been speaking. SL ELCH AGAIN IMTLICATED, By Mr. Orr—Wha; was the name of the member? Witness—Dr. Welch, cf it. ? MR CHASE, RECALLED. George W. Chase, recalied. ER HIS Soper REVIVING, . Warner—Have you any knowledge whatever, elther trom conversation with a member of Congress. or members of Congress, or otherwise, that he or they were directly or indirectly personally interested in the passage of any billor resolution heretofore or now pend. ing betore the present Congress? ‘Witness—Only from report. By Mr. Warner—Have you heard & in conversation witb members? Witnees—I: is pretty bard to tell what I have heard. By Mr. Warner—Can you say on your oath that you bave no recollection of hearing apy such conversation? Witners—I bave had so much conversation not now recollect. By Mr. Warner— Have you beard any member or mem bers say tbat be or they wore or expected to be person. ally mterested in any contract or agreement mado for the purpore of securivg the passage of spy bill or reso- jution throvgb the present Congress? PP eames de Bet recotiect any conversation of that By Mr. Warner—Have you any reasons tor believing ‘that such is the fact? WHEN PRRSSED DR3LINES ANEWERING Witness—) do not know that I want to give my reasons for e. whether | have any or not. I decline answertmg the question By Mr. Orr—You have made no complaint to any mem. ber of bis not having carried out any agreement that he had made wi b you in reference to the pessage of any bil! ouring the pre sent Congress ? DMPUDRNCE OF TAR COMMUTER. Witress—1 accline to answer teat question; I do not tbiok the commhttee bave the right to inquire into mat ters reiating to my own private conversation. DOBS ROT RECOLLECT THOSE 610,000 ACRES. By Mr. 0 ag oad ever tell any of the parties tn terested in the Noribern Pacific Railroad, that you must bave the control of 600,000 sores of imnd to secure the vo'es of certain members to pass thas bill ? Witners—1 do pot recolieot that. did. By Mr. Warner—Will you say that you did not? Witness—] cannot say whether I did or did not. By Mr Ritchie—There js no possibility of your failing to remember a oonversation involving hundreds of thou- tands of acros of Isnd. You either did have the conver sation or you did pot Witners—I shall decline to answer if the question is Pressed. I do not recollect of spy such conversation. By Mr. Ritehio—Or that any number of acres shoald bo Place d at your disposal tor that parpose? Witness—i do not say anything about it I do not know what I msy Lavosaid. I never made any such demand ‘with any serious tpiention By Mr. Orr— Dia you ao it ta jest? MR. CHASE YOND OF JESTING. Witness—1] co net know tbat] bave. | have ta'keds good cea) about these maters. | am very fond of jesting sometimes: By Mr. Orr—Do you know, by conversation with mem ders oF other wise, that aoy member owned stock in any read which has recei\ ed grants of land under any bill of the present Congress’ Witness—| do not recollect. There may be some of them who bave. ot obliged to answer that question. THE IOWA NILL—IMPROPER QUESTIONS OF THE COMMITTER By Mr Orr—Have you apy knowledge of the fact w ther lands donated by the lows Dill have been given to Previous to the passage ‘tpese—! do not know what yon have got to do abou! that bere. am willing to apewer all prope By Mr, Crmbeges ‘know tbat fact in reference to any one of thove roads Witners—I dec'ine to anewer the question. gress that passage of apy meas.re in the present Congress? MORE JRETLNG whether | did or not. Witness—I do not not do it seriously, if at wi By Mr. Orr—t{nd yon do it in jest? Witnekte! do not know, for, as I told you before, lam somewbat given to joking. MR. SIMONTON, RECALLED. James W. smonton recalied. ‘WilaT MEMEER APPROACHED Bim? Py Mr. Orr—The committee havo determined, by a uns nimous vote, to recall you, for the purpose of insisting upon an answer to the ‘ollowirg qucation, which you de clined to artwer upon your previous exawination:—** You sta etbat certain members bsve approached you, and ow if they could not. through you, pro ir votes upon certaia bills. Will you Ubose mombers ” MB RBYUSRS TO TELL IN Til FUR SKVNREST PENALTY. Witnesr—Before stating the detera ination \o which I bave come on this subject, I desire to say bere dispuie the powcr of the commiites, an heretolore declined vo suewer thet question upon acy fveh grouns? I bave all rerpect for the commitioe and the Bouse, Ido decline bers; my doclination was based upon my own oonvic fduty. Mnoe | was last before the commitiee, in deference to their judgment and wishes, I hare examines ibe case of Avderson va. Dusn, to wolch Idia my deliberation upon toe gud) -ot has been to coviirm me in the opinion that ever yooalty 1 may euler I cannot anewor qnesiion. I beg the ‘itee 10 understand that I iy bo other motive whatever in declioing bat the sim ne that | bave stated before. that 1 do sot ree bow epswor it without cl/honorable broach of cond The answer to the que.tion « be euprered to fume that ust insist upen deciia'ng to aoawer that qu HON. R. T. PAINE, M. C. FOR NORTH CARO. LINA, ON THE STAND. Hon, Robert ( Palse sworn —ay Mr, Orr—You will please giate #beiher you know o! any ctfort to secure ‘votes for apy bil! now pending before tlie Howse by & pro mise of @ consideration for rucx vot’ If yea, by waom was the offer made, to the sum to ve paid—all the Gets is of the convers ose THOTRAS BNCSPRED DOLLARS OFFERED FOR Me roTr POR THE HONNDSOTA NIL( HY THE ROW FRANCIS ®. mMWwARDs M © OF SEW YORK—i9DKUNETION OF AN HONEHT MEMNEK OF CORCE RS ‘W) pere—in answer to tbe intorragatories propouad eri by the commitioe, | etate (hat | co knew 6f-an elfort to pro cure a vote for the parsexe of a bill now pending bet the House by boiding oot a couriseretion for the supp-r of 11 1. Such & opeideration wat neld out by the Bon Franti 8 Fdwarde, « ropresentative from the atate of New York, to me, and tho consideraiion samed was ‘* that making a grant or public sede fer (he construction of a rat! ritory ¢{ Mionesota. The oti! was then be iiteo on Public Lands. The details of the are, wo the bom of my recollection, as follows On Tuesday, the 20d 0° Deo inst, uring the semsion of the “Foose, as | stood bows the poat of Mr Ea warda.he asked me pernt'ng © the Hom T. L. Clix gman’s seat, aT itor a brief commovpiace con: qrired bow I waa disposed to derstanding him to rover to bille Making granie or oonstic Ned \bat | wae altogerd age of such biile | had yotod id shat he, anc | think he said brother. Owned OF were \oteremted in lands up there, hich would be greatly enbanced in value by the pas rage of the Minnesota bili, tbrovgh them: to whis comm: am to me something ia cond ied, yes: and he said he was authorized to aay that $1,600 woul be guaranteed for the aa)port of the bill, i! it would be any inducement: | replied in stantly that fitern m’ would be no inducement for vote: and ¢xpresing my indignation, | ieft the seat and went iinmeoiately to the soa: of the Hon. W. H. Saeed, of the House @; SDAY, Jan. 21, 1857. RAY. SING TO ANSWER morning reported to the Honees W. Simonton jor s centempt of #10 ANS wer questions put to They aie) reported & bill which has sinos become a le Misdemeanor, punieradie wita fine and im- . TOF & withers 10 refuge io obey the summons of either House of Gongress, or to ill vo anewer ques ons propoun Tuvrspay, Jan. 22, 1857. The members of the Committee were ai day in the Hore, atiending to the amporition of Mr, Simonton’s care, and of the bill reported oy them yesterday Frivay, Jan, 23, 1957. DARINE PRERD, AN BXAMINIR IN THE PATUNT OFFIGM, ON AD Destet Breed, Crave! comrameuriox | ed, #Wore—l am an Assistant & in Pe ty on ti ceminor By Mr, Orr—e you know of any eum of money hav- ig contributed by the Examiners or Asstetan) Ex- }- —~y J 0 Kay Lay JAice, to secure additional oompen feenion of Cong: ese? Witvear—t tae contribute a certain per contage as x person who hed been camloyea ao ontur 10 et it ‘the matter before Congress No money was tomy ‘oa com; ensation 19 members for voting for ‘ oie KNOWS OF NO CORRUPTION. petioy of making grants of public lands to ald im the con- HB Bebdecck sworn—I am supzrintendent of the Yoecien of restenes. Ee replied, that he was oppesed foloing room of the House of Reprecentstives. 1 have | te , apd hed, im all cases ann, vated sanees no prrsonal knowledge of any member of Oongrese being | ‘Rem He a Saverenent iwteremed 1p apy of the rallroad or otuer bilis, during the | ‘he making of grants for purposes, he was willing preeent Congress. I know of no arrangement or under that the friepos of the measure should have a fair chance, standing by wDich any member of Congress was to ro- | SP? tbat in severai ceses be bad voted for # suspension co ve or did receive any auch compensation Ido not | % the rules of the House, and for the provines queneans (bow of avy agreement of the sort with reference to the | 824 ‘heb, om the faa) passage of she bills, against ‘“wetiop of pripter or apy Other officer of the Houee. | ill pe Rr enseeia torrie vere ami GuKEN, UMFAIO. N.Y. ns 4 UAMILDUN GeEEN, OF bap nyt ¥., AND THE NEW YOR! wlicd, that he ola not know of an gs Ite Bamilten Green aworn—I reaice in whe city of Batfeio | Stated that I understood suok a bill was in ‘contemplation, NY. Tbave bad m charge during the preseas Oongrer~ tne Dill known as ibe New Yore Are bill, 1 haven: knowlerge ct anv aprecment or understanding, @riite ore |, by which avy member of Congress was to re rive apy pecuniary compensation in the event of the oo eof thet bil oF (hat any memner of Onngrees \« Interested in ite ‘Witness that two on! 5 Wezeporaft and Moore—pad mand had ot- fored for a imeration, to votes for the passage of the bill, but tnat he refused to eater ‘pro apy aveb arrangement, stating that if the bill would oe upon ite merits, he would not undertake to bu) 1b thon, Goncn MARRINOTOR, OF WASHINGTON, THINKS THE FIRB BIL! George Harriogion swora--1 reside ia this olty; 1 have owe i bern an ngans Ov tie.gurrene cf * the bill ‘as the Now York Fire bil; Theve 50 knowledge 0° mber of Congress being interested, mor te " apy member A ages Lam ge F me Nae at present or persage > i SarvrDAay, Jan. 24, 1857. KNOWS , Washingion; I am not York (Baptst) Examiner: formerly, and I presume is now, the corres F. Yan CORRESPORDENT OF TIT NEW YORK KXAMUER WRITES ALL ABOUT CORRUPTION BUT KNOWS NOTHING OF rR, Wooo sworn:—By Mr, Orr—are you the author letter in the New ¥« over George Wood, Loar eo Med of the Washington the tpitisls of ‘R, W ”? in which mention ie made of thr existence of a tariff of bribes agreed 4; thirty members of the House, pled ‘vore altoge'her, ran ing irom $80 10 $5,000, according t the magpitude of the acta and the beneilts conferred upou the spplicante? Witness—I am the author of that letter; Ihave n: other knowledge of tho facts referred to in it than tha: met General Tench Tiighman, of Eastern Monpay, THE HON. W. W. VALK, M.C. OF NEW YORK, ON THE Me. Jan. 26, 1857. STAND. ‘Hon. Wm. W. Vaik #worn:— By Orr—Do you know of your own knowledge o! any offer op the part of any member of toen otber member, to secure for him a valuable considera tion om coné)tion that be would vote for or sgainst any perilsolae Dili now pending, or ‘that bas passed the presen’ reas itnees—I do not. ELECTED AS 4 KNOW NOTHING AND STIOKS TO HI3 PLATFORM By Mr. Orr—Hevo you beard of no offer made “ member to another of a valusbie consideration in expeo tation crim Witness— _—_ to vote for @ billy jo, sir. By Mr Orr—Have you beard any member admit that be bad made such a propostiton to any other member’ Witpess— No, sir. By Mr. Orr—Heve you any knowledge of any such 0’. for paving been made by any third person to any mem ber of Congress? Witness -1 bave not By Mr. Orr—No admission from any member that such an offer had been made to bim? Wiinets—None. By Mr. Orr—Do you know of avy member who is pecu wim ily Interested in apy bill now pending or that bas passed the present Congr ers? Witpest—I co not. By Mr Orr—Did you hear any member say that h- was ipterceted tn the passage of any bill’ Witness—No, sir. By Mr. Orr—Bave you heard any member say that avy velvabdie ccreideration couid be had or wouid be give. for bis vote? MAKES A CLEAN WRVAST OF IT—THE MINRESOTA BILL=JUDO® a EDWARDS’ BROTRER STILL. OWN# THAT LAND. iners—No. ir I may, perhaps as weli tell, withou: further queatic what Jadge Kr wards sa'd tome. Per bape tem deye from tbe commence ment of the p-esent sos mop of Congress be asked me how | felt towards the Min pesota Lana bj ink, ag wearly asl can recollect | re Piied thet 1 felt hoetie to the principie of the bil near o8 I cap reeoliect he ‘said tbat he or bis brother —I capnot pay which—owned consideravle land wea: where the road would pase, and that it would be euLsac ene lands very mnch if that bill coal you. I replied to him the ‘ook into the merits of tho bill, bot thet rpsic itas I ibought Jost. conversation which I hela « ras ican recollect Itbhink he \ word to me as iv wiih regard to apy measure belore Congress T—Do you know of any combination amonx ere of Congress, or between mem vers an: which corruot means bave deen used to se © oF defeat the passage of ay measures now pend! or that have parard tne prosent (fe cosa? 7 Witness—No, mr; 1 know nothing of the ki: Ordered by te committees that s 00; of Mr laine and of Mr. Vi *pd furnished to Mr Fy MR. CHESTER, CORRESPONDENT OF THE PENNSYLVANIA INQUIRER ON THE STAND. Jorepy 1, Ubeswr, awo [This witness afver havicg been summoned to appear beiore the committee, went to Philadelphia, whore he was arresied and brought back by the Sergeant at Armr end brought before the var of House for con‘empt — ducharged and came beiore the Com mitiee, Ry ¥r. Riichlo—Are you the author of the letter pub ished in the Pennsylvania Inquirer, dated Washingwo Janvary 9, 1857, signed ‘-Conoecticut!”” Witness—! om responsidie for it. SEVERE ATTACK GN TWO NEW YORK PAPERS—RICH DEVS LOPEMENTS PROMISED. By Mr. Ritobie—in that letter there is this paragraph: — Two of the leading New York journals have been making « at tuss over A mare's nent ticy profess to have found in present Congress, in the shape of 8 corrupt organ ved of sundry members and lobby agents. and, from the ter ol thelr articles, ope would suppose that they ’ 1d all the honesty there is in the country. If these two Lapers are sincere in their crusade, I would suggest to them ‘hat they might evinee greater ‘conaisiency by lirst calling home their own representaiives here, than whom there are bo parties in Washington more deeply interested in the prove cution of claims aod engineering of bills through Ce 1 write only whai f know, foow much “aso about the “corrupt organization” alluded to, and may {ind It pecessary before mary days \o rend you some revelations that will astound ‘he community. In copnection therewith, there will he supdry Jiltie episodes. known only to myself and the par lies implicnted, the recouvting ot which will be aa faial to the individuals exposed as though « beg of gunpowder Rad ex led beneath their feet, land from under when the torch plied. Will you please to state what you koow about the corrupt organization among wombers of Congress, either to pars or prevent the passage of bil « i the preseat Con pret? Do you know of soy mob organization? Witnere—! do not k of any corrupt organization lo whiod members of Congress are concerned om u By Mr. Tutchie—Do you ie corel te: ett no consideration except upon its eboula vote for it or of the testimony it by the clerk SHOCKIDG FALLING OFF CORRESPONDEST'S KNOWS of any case in which » in any b Promised to any member of © e yr bis voto in favor of of agaicwt any measure during the present Congress? Wanese—1 id pot cbie—Do you know *f a case In which member Of tbo present Oongrers has eliher supported or bill before the Hoare, from any motives fash as are obligatory upon every member of im the cincharge, of bie official duty—thet is, other considerations than those of pablic surreneripg,\be epperinal veins Pes by Cox; Les ‘votes Conard lands forsuch to Minne 80) felt felt woule by his, tm co! mp pin OFFERED NO DIRECT PECUNIARY INDCOEMENTS TOR VOTES— MERELY SUGGESTED TO MR. PAINE THAT $1,600 miGHT BE ‘OBTAINED. ‘These were my reasons for inviting Mr. Paine’s cont denoe, as ] saw tbat an consiruction might be Upon my course, i bt it dueto myself to moeke this explanation. conpexion with other simtiar Dilis, it was rumored, s0 as to be believed by many, that considerations bad been awarded in one form or auother for favor deemed necessary to secure their passage; but upon this subject, whatever mighi been i Mons, I bad no knowled, respect to Minnesota, and iv anxiety for the passage of that land bill, J mated ‘o him thas [ supposed if a person wav so inclined he might mike pecaria- rUy by gotog for bill. An inquiry was then made, the substance of which was as to what amount. I re |, | supposed from ten to fifteen hundred dollars. i@ reply to this was, if that was the way they wanted toarrango Nhe would have to do It, and Very soon left his seat. I did not during Q offering, of money, eituer for myself or for = or , for his vote in favor of any whatever. I BO authority from any person o- ons, OF fyom aby corpora’ion, to make any such of. ler or promise. 14di4 not then, nor do 1 new, Know who the individuals are, or any of them, who are to be in terested tn spy grant meniioncd in said bill for said Ter- ritory. No person bas ever soloited me to offer or pro- cure aby copsideration a upon the passage of ‘this or any other bfll now belore Congress. ‘Mr. Warner—Have you ever hoard of any member of Con gress say tbat be was tnterested, directly or indi- , in the 0 of any Cf these billa? Witness] bave not, according to the best of my re collection. By Mr, Warner—You bave never heard any member of Congress say tbat there was any contract or agreement with apy third person by which was to receive any Present or prospective benefit / Witness—I bave not. Chat) man—Have you ever been present whou Mr. Obase had conversation with any other member or members of Congress in relation to their interest in any bil tat was perding before Congress ? PASSED THE COMPLIMENTS OF THE DAY WITH MR. CHARS. ‘Witnrss— No, sir; Ibave merely seen him tn the lobby the bands with him and passed the com- I bave been but once to his room nd that was to inquire about Scertein map from New York, whore to find him the Chatrman—How much interest bad you and your brother in lands through which this Minnesota Tailroad would pass? ‘THE EXTART OF TERRITORY OWNED HY ME. EDWARDS AWD BROTHER. w That, perbaps, reqatres a little explanation; 1m Minnesota Territory, the sum total of the inads owned by wy brother myself is forty sores, that teat a it Oppose La Crosse; we own in Wisconsin, seven from that on the way to Miiwauxie, rome 3 €0 sores, an ie Milwaakie and La Crosse Railroad traverses these Janos; that railroad is oon- structed to Portage city, amd they are not very anxi sus to extend {t from that potat to 1a Crosse, uniess a com munication should be opened til! further west; for that on | felt, perbaps, an improper interest in this graat Territory, to open & communication from Li Crosse wert, which would crcate a necessity for com pleung the Milwaukie and La Crose road to La Crosse By Mr Warner—You were never present when s ooa- versation 100k place between a member of Congress anc Mr. Chase in reiation to the lacifi: railroad, im whica he ‘atned of not having complied with @ contract? No, sir; I never knew anything about tha: beginning to end, All! know is what 1 e seen in the papers. I bave never heard of any ptract, apd do not Hnow apything about it. | have beard various rumors through the papers, but ha: personal Knowleoge whasever on the subject Torspay, Jan. 27, 1857. WM. C. JOHNSON, OF UTICA, N.Y. ON THE BIAND. ‘Wiliam C. Johnson, sworn By Mr urr—Where do you reside? Witness—My legal residence is tics, New York. Mv time is divided between Washington and thatotty. Ip... my winter months here, and my summer months in Ui « By Mr. Orr—Are you the president of am interna! .... provement company in the west! Witness—Yeoo, air. By Mr. Orr— What company is ii? THE DRS MOLNMY RAVIGATION AND RAILROAD COMPANY OF 1OWA, Witness—The Des Moines Navigation and Railroad Company of the Siaie of Iowa. Mr Orr—How long have you held that office? ‘tness—Since the 28:h of August, 1855. Mr. Orr—Do you know of any biil or resolution ba been introduced OF egies daring the present Congress for the bene dt of thas vompany? Witness— Your question makes \t diMicalt to reepoad 1%, tor this reason: There was ® bill jaded with re Moines grant, which wae rather for the State of lows. It might tmure to the in the ond; bus the immediate z dene ‘was the State of Jowa, oar connection with \« being & future thing, whicb tor might Bot happen— upon the action of the Le; of that measurably upon our ¢wn aotion in the coptracts made with that Staro By Mr. Orr—There wes 8 graot of land mave some years tA the Territery of lowa for the improvement Of the Des Moines river? Witners— Yes, sir By Mr. Orr— When was the grantfirst made, to whom, And what disposition waa mace of i? THE OLD GRANT OF LAND TO [OWA=KOW THE COMPANY GOT INTO CO Witnees—The 18th of Avgust, 1846, | think, is the date of the grant. Congress made a grant of certain lands to the Territory of lowa, stoated in thet Territory, for the improvement of the navigation of the Dee Moines river. There wae a long period intervened before our connection Foyt Om the 9th of June, 104, the State of iowa, by propriety ’ which I represent, for the improvement by tne company Witness not. of the navigation cf that river, and the by the By Mr, Warner—Do you know of any agreement that | comoany of the lands of the grant, Shortiy after the bas been made with any outsider, or held by say third | prant wae made, the Sroreta ry of the Treasury, woo was perso, by which mem ers of Oo wore to reorive * | then Secretary of what is 20 the Department of the |n. Prevent OF proepective bevefi for DIDN'T KNOW WaT Hk WAS WRITING ABOUT. Witoere—1 ‘Gnd that since | have returned to at \erstood in saying in that letter, * if their orneade, | would compored of aundry member @0 bot know ‘tn ‘th notation marke, and there, sgain, ficvliy occars. By Mr. Orr—You do not know, then, of your knowledge, of any member who has received say peca- riary beneiit fer apy vote he has giver upon any moa ture before this Congress? Whnem—No, air. 3 Turspay, Jen. 27, 1857. THE HON. FRANCIS 8, EDWARDS, M. C. OF N&W ON THE STAND. Hon Frevcis 5. Rdwarde baving been duly novi the testimony @bich had been given in relating ‘0 bi having been furnished with « copy of such testimony, spreared before ths committer, and being duly sworn, made the followiog statement with reference to the tes). Bs mony im piicating him — MARRS A MTATEMENE RALATIO® TO Hie HR, PAINE'S VORR=RE AND Toe MOTH iN SIROTA, I shovlé, ae preiiminary to my statement, say thet 1 disclaim any refee ton opon the language uses by Mr. Paine (n resiting the conversation between himesit and reforred to, 1 conversation pow parrag previo HI pi ‘mention, nge:t intarest wr Ly testified teiders— Messrs. ed. approached expl ned len: La Cros: i I ci Ld Lak that bill. NOTHING. b ed. pondent | ima In ‘ork fea personal pose 'y 01D, this he ne! Person by y By in the passag’ By the of shook By itness—' 4 th com ond, went the way, : if 4 i ii i! i a i z 7 rf BS \ered into & contract for the pul dollar and ® quarter wa acre, for 1m of $1,900,000—the 040, fi st Gn eriimated cont to oF Shorty aller my accession to the presidency of the of about $3,000,000. bold that tbe grant dic not extena beyond Fort Dew Movnes. fe bad already expended several hundrod ttourand dollars on this improvement; we ha! pearly belt rk under conti decitirn 10 the eoretary of the lotorior, him to the Cabinet. The President referrea of th more lends to ibe state of lows unless that release the iands jn Minnesota the Territory of Minneso's baving been out om what wae formerly the Territory of lows, Be recommended further that the parties sppiy to Congress to cut the ‘‘goreien knot’ 1 think thet = the ern Gehan arcnived vestra riphre By Mr. Orr—And the company not being officially other persou, cire shy or indi r. Jor the member of Congress, by og gress were to recoive any valuable aid in carrying throvgb toat bill? it By Mr. Orr—Did you bave an agent here to represen your claim when you went away? ‘Witness— Yes, sir; iy who is our coun fel, and has been the counsel of the of Towa tn tht matter for cet Sh By Mr. Orr—Did you have any ageat for ihe purpoo of engineering your matter ‘hrougb Witaess—Reveray Jonoson was our oaly agent. By Orr—Was there avy demand made on you b: aay Member of Congress, or in your company, for hi or services in passing such a bill? Not to my knowledge. Mr. Orr—Netiber directly or indirectly? Ne I tome not. 5 an, member or members of Congress, or other son, for the hene(it of avy member Sembee et bon gress for ® certain portion of the lands in the or their voting for the passage of the bill? DID BBAR 4 BUMOR CORRUPMOR. knowledge of jon—an ‘Witness—I bave no personal that kind; I bave bad an im, I bave beard a rumor, and thing of the sort By Mr. Orr—Havo you had any such understanding ex cept upon mere rumor? itness—Not personally. By Mr. Orr—Is there apy such information within you: knowledge 7? Witness—None within my knowledge; if there 4 any! Of the kind it bas been done outside of any! kp je or information that I have. By Mr Orr—Woula any other person in your y Dave the right to make such an arrangement as ‘without the assent or knowledge of the president of tht company? have an executive committee Witness—Well, butI do not think there would be any right upon part of apy member of wwe ; indeed, I do no Thisk that even I, as president of toe company, om m} own motion, would have the right, or that it would b within my power, to impose any such obligation tha would be binding to the comoany. By Mr. Orr—! do not speak of any obitgation b Jaw, for I do rot ‘thas any suck obligation couk ppee be enforced ip Jsw; but I mean such an obligation as yor Would consider as mpralty binaing jess— 1 suppose tbat if any member of the courps: By bad made sucb an arran, ‘the company would My Mr. Orr= Did 3eu have fotlon o¢ arrange. . Orr you bave any such ment, as President, by any member of the exeoutivi MD Wnts thee ‘Was DO proposition made to me to con. ‘vey © any member of Gongaces, or to any other persor for the benefit of a member of Congress, any property a—The terms were, “certain outsiders;”” ‘ Mr" Orr ao" bot abink What is ae . Ir. ‘—I do not & com, ”) question san ias ‘DReIQBS TO TELL EVERYTHING. ‘ Witness— Do you wish me to say what I thought about wer the exprestion ured. There is nothing that | vesire ep from the committee; but at the same tiax 1 ‘that would be too ly to reapune egerd this matter as enyihing invoiving bimeeif an , and I do not wish to sbould fh H g bail Es me Congress, or any tbey allege, by the suthority or sanction of any embers of Congress, wih reterence to the passage of DONT BREAKING IN—ONN MENEER OF CONGR UN THe] scum, ‘Witness—I received ove communication on that sub- Joot, and bat one. By Mr. Or’ - ¥rem member of Congress? Witnese— Yes, sir. you got that communication? Mr Orr—| ‘Npe@ss—Not with we TAR MORAL PLUCK OF THE M. ©, ‘Witpese—Not at ali. | oeiteve ft ts still in 1 will stave, that sbortly = Ln 4 custody. when 19 existence had enn wo to him. the nown—it was tn July lest. | think—I went who had written tt snd offered to return it said be aid not care anything rout it, that he regard tho Iettey as containing aayt that was per, that there was nothing indeoorus in tt, and be was entirely willing it soould remain with me. By Mr. Orr— hat was after = had become public? Witnem —Ye : or Mr. Urr— Did you take any action upon the rece! Po Sy trea . ila Witnest—No, sir, I never replied to it, either in writ- ing or verbally. Ry Mr. Orr— (ta It lead to no aot at all? Witnesr— No, sir | nettoer reptied to it nor noticed it im apy way ex by eff ring vo retarn it Hy Mr. Orr—Who was the member of Congross? © B. MATIRSON TH PLOCKY ACmMER Witnese—0. B Mateson. it signed 0 BM. Ih pen in the handwriting of Mr. Mattson, and not deniod y, By Mr. Orr—o you know of any combinations among any members of Congress to secure the passage of an: measures, Or to defeat the passage of others now i nage have bees peseed during the present Con- rere , Whinesr—No sir e Mr. Orr—Do you know our own knowledge one where any ‘member of Ceogrens has reosited, ee hae the promise to recet re, any Compensation or personal advantage from the passage of any railroad or other pil? during the present Congress? itpers— No, re you here when any of the-rallroad By Mr. Orr— Dille passes Witnese—i was not bere when the lows railroad bilt parted; | was attending t my duties In lowa: I cannet say whetbr | was bere when ony of the other ratirosd Dila pasred or nov for | pay very little atteation to what ip Congress. It is vory rare that I go inte JOUN BRYCE, ON THE STAND, W. Bry ce. awor! By Orr Do yeu know of any combination amongst any membere of Congrors to pase OF provent the passage «@Dy measure or measures by improper oF corrupt in- i verees curing the present Congress ? we by Mr. Orr— fo you know of any members of whe bave received or who are 10 Feostve aay conetfons ton for having owet their votes for the present printer of the House? as one OF THR ORIGINAL K. 8'S. MR. DRYCE eNcKA TO HU? ‘Witnere—I bave no personal know! m ing received, or that they are to reaare’ ay = hay thon as all jsiders- yea penticmen are by_ po livieal parties, to effect if porn! ferang olen tm sherher pari). the election of there stake #7, [have beard ® member say to-anouher member, our officer it yew will voNe for mine,” By Mr. Oven We 80 not inquire in reference to Ste fiery rs wnt aaa wa member? By ir, Warmer"“noy rere petny Seth eeSineat ems —1 Rave vo b bye heals py be patd