The New York Herald Newspaper, April 12, 1876, Page 3

.s >) 4 7 ‘Story of the Conspiracy by ; One of Its Tools. Miles, Alias White, Visited in a Vermont Prison. CRACKSMAN — INTERVIEWED, BABCOCK’'S PART IN THE PLOT. ‘Wrxvsom, Vt., April 11, 1876. ‘The Washington safe burglary’ investigation bas, ‘within the past few weeks, absorbed the attention of the Congressional committee ongaged in it at Washing- ton, and excited the country from one end to the other. Recent revelations seem to implicate in that nefarious $ob several prominent officials of the government at ‘Washington, among others Goorgo E. White, alias Miles, the man recently convicted in Vermont tor bank burglary and under sentence of fourteen years im- Priwsonment. He was the chief operator in the burglary conspiracy, being the person who ‘did the job” of breaking open the safe in the District Attorney’s office at Washington, ‘His place of confinement is in this town, and it bas ‘Deen rumored that his version of the history of the Sonspiracy might be obtained by seeing him. I arrived here to-day at noon and immediately sought superin- \endent Bailey, ofthe Windsor Prison, where Miles is Confined at hard labor. 4 VISIT TO MILES. ‘Taking a team and driving about three-fourths of a mile through the mud and slush Windsor Prison was Beached, Making myself known to the Superintendent, Lexplained to him fully and freely the object of my visit, stating that I would like to be permitted to talk with Miles on the Wasbingtun safe burglary, and that it Miles would doasent toan interview of brief duration 1 would only Question Bim upon that topic, covering any points which he might wish to talk about. The Superinten- dent said that Miles was at work in the shop, and that My request seemed not to be unreasonable. Several weeks ago, it seems, Miles, in a strictly confidential manner, had intimated that he knew the whole history of the affair from its inception, and had made some very astonishing and scemingly truthful statements to him. These statements, which Miles made weeks ago, (he Superintendent informs me, corroborate substan- hally che facts as presented to the Congressional com- mittee by Whitley and others, and which, if trae, im- plicate General Babcock in tne business, Gi THE INTERVIEW. ‘The Superintendent and I entered the prison door Yeading into the domitory. The prisoner was sent for. Superintendent Bailey met and greeted Miles as he en- tered. He was cleanly shaven, his hair was short cut and he wore the prison regulation suit. I sat some fiheen yards from the doorway where Miles entered. ‘The Superintendent explained tully to Miles the nature of my visit, and for several minutes Miles was in sarnest conversation with him. Finally he consented to be introduced to me, and the formality was soon Marough with, Miles remarking, ‘I have changed my tlothea within the past fortnight.” The prisoner then took’ a “chair, the Superintendent another, and, all being seated, the following interview transpired:— Reromter—Miles, I have callea at the prison to-day to get permission from Superintendent Bailey to talk with you about the Washington safe burglary case, (Miles smiled.) I presame you have learned from the Buperintendent the object of my visit, and before we go any further in this matter I wish to say that 1 shall keep in good faith any statements you may make if you do not desire them to go to the public at this time. Within the past week the bottom has fallen out of the whole conspiracy and the parties implicated have been fiiseovered through ex-Detective Whitley’s evidence, Supported by documentary evidence very damaging to cortain high officials and ex-officials of the govern- ment, Mies—Well, go ahead with what you want to ask me, Here Iamin prison, and I think the time has tow come when I should wake known just how I stood \m that safe breaking job. Reronter—Were you employed in the so-called safe burglary job and did you do it? Mitrs—Yes. Reroxrer—Are you the man Benton, as it is claimed fou are? Mitzs—No, sir, Me Benton! Why, no! Benton is Biman J employed, howevor, Goahead. We will got to that directly. 4 TRE IMPLICATED PARTIES, Rerontax—Who employed you to do this job? Mires—Well, | was bired by Harrington. As the wequel will show, General Babcock and Evans, the con- iwactor, knew all about it, Rerontex—When and how were you frst approached out this business? Mitzs—I was sent for by Colonel Whitley to come to tis office at No, 69 Bleecker street, New York. { bave known Whitley quito a long time iad know where he lived Cambridge, near Boston. In response to Whitley’s message that he wanted to see me at his office I called on him. Ho said, when I asked him what he wanted of me, “George, there is an investigation on foot at Washing. ton which will eventually implicate some of the prom- juent officials of the national and District govern- ment. The officials who fear that this investigation Will prove disastrous to them want to have the force of the mvestigaticn broken; and, Miles, you under- stand whatI mean. I want youto go forthwith to Nestlesbip and Jearn tho particulars and explanatory detatis. There have several plans been suggested, but nothing has been positively determined upon as to which of them is best.”” Rerorter—Did you callon Nettlesbip and tell bim what Col. Whitley told you? Mi.es—Yes, | did, Rerontex—What did Nettleship say? Mi.ss—He stated that the investigation promised serious consequences to certain oficiais; that thera were several plans suggested to break down (he force of the mvestigation, and he thought Miles the man to engineer it. The pian most likely to be pursued was to get certain books and papers belonging to the Dis- net Attorney at Washingion into the possession of Dolumbus Alexander, a prominent man, who was pushing the investigation. Rerorter—Did be say how you were to go about fetting possession of these papers and books? Mitzs—At this interview with Nettiosbip tho safe breaking job was not mentioned, Ne "qm PLAN OF THR CRIME, : } Bavoatsa—Wheo was it Grst mentioned'to you that THE WASHINGTON BURGLARY, te get at these papers and books the District Attor- pey’s safe would have to be broken into? | Mitxs-—Well, I bad several conversations on the sub- Jeet of obtaining the books and papers, and when I was nearly ready to leave New York for Washington Net- tleship told me, for the first timo, that tho plan as agreed upon was to break open the District Attorney’s | ‘saf, abstract the books and take them to Columbus Alexander's house. Reronren—Then Nettleship maie the safe breaking euggestion to you? Mites—Yes, slr. Rerortsr—Then what did you do? Mies—This somewhat surprised me, But after I got | the full details trom Nettleship about breaking into the safe I went off in search of Benton, and after finding Benton I told Benton what wus about to bedoue. We struck a bargain. 1 employed Benton to assist me. About six days before the job was undertaken I | went to Washington first and Benton followed in a day or two, Rerortsa—Wher you arrived at Washington whom did you see? M1.es—Nettlesbip introduced me to Harrington, and after this introduction the details and suggestions about the job came from Harringtou. Now, right here, let me state the part Mike Hays was to take, Hays was to | engineer the leading of Alexander into the trap, which was being set, Rerorter—Then you and Harrington talked it over and understood each other thoroughly? Muzs—Yes, Reporter-—Now will you tell me precisely what Har- rington suggested? Mitxs—Yes, Harrington and I talked over the whole thing. He suggested the plan of breaking open the safe and taking the books and papers. Rervortex—Did Harrington in this conversation state to you explicitly why soch a scheme was set on foot? Mirxs—Yes; he told me one of the reasons was that the memoriahsts were Jows and penarious people, and ‘were opposed to improvements at Wasbington, and | this investigation would have to have its force broken to throw a stigma upon those pushing the investiga- tion. Rerozrsr—This cenversation was with Harrington, was it? ‘4 Mitrs—Yes, 4 TALK WITH BABCOCK. Rerorrss—Did you ever havea talk with General Babcock ? Miczs—Well, I willtell you how matters stood. ‘When I had been in Washington a day or two! saw ‘that Nettieship began to show the white feather. I did pot like the thing. 1 grew anxious about the looks of things, and I .went up to Harrington's to tell nim how I felt in the matter. Babcock was at Harrington’s when I got there. We three sat together, the same as wo three sit here this afternoon. Har- ripgton and Babcock both heard me through, and Har- rington assured me that everything was straight and he would see me protected to the end; whereupon General Babcock spoke up and assured me that what- ever promises were made me by Harrington would be strictly adhered to. Reronrez—Then Baveock was present at Harring- ton’s and heard what you told him about Nettlesbip and the doubts you had about straight sailing? Mitzs—Yes ; he heard all about it. THE SIGHT OF TER BURGLARY, Begrortsx—Then you went on with the intention of doing the job? Mites—Yes, it Was arranged that the job of breaking open the aafe was to be done at nine o’clock at night I went around to the office where the safe was, and; adler eateriiiy, 1 looked about the room. In doing so I opened the closed door which was in the room aud to my surprise I found two men concealed therein, This again intimidated me. 1 then deter- mined to go around to the Metropolitan Hote! on Pennsyivania avenue, | went and mot there a prominent official who knew what was golpgon. I told him I had just been into the office to break open the safe, and that, in prospecting about the room, I accidentally discovered two men in the closet, | and things looked dubious. This official assured me everything was all right, and I returned in about two hours to do the job, When I returned these two men were gone, I began the job about midnight and got through as quick as possible. AN UNSAMED OFFICIAL, Rerorrar—Who was this official you saw at the Met- ropolitan Hotei? ‘Mi:ks—When we began this interview I reserved the right to refuse to answer such questions as 1 choose. Now I will tell you who this official was I saw at the , Metropolitan Hotel, but do not publish it at present— promise me. Revortsr—All right; tell us Miles hereypon told the name, but I will not divulge it at present. | Revoxren—Did you recognize either of tnese men you found tn the closet ? Mitxs—Yes, I recognized one of them. prominent contractor at Washington Rerorter—And the other? Mitws—Weil, let that stand for the present, Rerortex—Now, Miles, you bave given me the namo of General Babcock us being cognizant of this plot. Do you think President Grant ever knew of “Bghoock’s doings in it? i THE PRESIDENT’S SKIRTS CLEAR, Mires—No, I honestly believe that Grant was en- tirely ignorant of the whole thing. 1 think it has al- ways been keptas far irom him as possivie, and Grant has now to be dragged into this matter of which I know he knows nothing. Reronten— You speak honestly about this, do you? Mi.us—Yes, and most solomaly. Rerorter—Where and with whom do you think this job first originated? Miues—I candidly believe the job was originated by Babcock ; that he manufactured the plot and got the Is was oe others into it by hi Reroxter—How much were you paid to do this job? Mitks—I don’t wish to state the amount just sow, but | tell you it was hard work for me to get what I | did get. | Kerorter—Who gave you the money? Micka—At some future time I will state. | ANOTHRR TALK WITH BaBcocK. | ReroxtRr—Dil you ever talk with General Babcock | | | ' | influence, after the job had proven a failure? Mitxs—Yes; I met Babcock om the train between | Washington and New York when the President’s daughter was married to Sartori, 1 talked with Bab- cock and remarked that the job seemed to huve proven a failure. “Yes,” said Babcock, ‘it te abad kettie of fish,” 1 called Babcock’s attention to the fact that the expenses arising irom the job were getting high. Bub- euck said he was aware of that, but 1 would bave to look to other quarters for it. Revonten—This was with General Baboock you were talking? Mites—Yea. Reeonrer—Have you ever talked with Harrington about it since? Mites—Yes; | Lave Lad more than twenty interv.ews | wade | Vrado seemed | and upon vowing and examin | by with Harrington since, and also after the trial at Wash- ington. Harrington sought me numerous times and begged me to keep Benton out ofthe way, and I did steceod in keeping Benton out of the way. Harring- ton gave $5,000 in this job, Rerorter—Where were you when Harrington's trial was proceeding ? Mitys—Well, I was in Washington off and on, I | stayed away trom Washington altogether after Detec- tive Wood and Solicitor Wilson were getting well ‘into the investigation of the case. PERSECUTED BY BABCOCK. ReromTen—Now, Miles, what is there further in this statement you are making that you wish to say at present? Mrtus—There are other things of which I am cogni- zant, but at this time I will say that 1 make thts state- ment because I have stood the blunt and the persecu- tions of the matter all through, and since 1 have ascer- tained from a trastworthy informant that Babcock was making efforts to close my mouth by sending me to this prison! now make this statement public for the first time, and ft is true in every particular. Thero are other matters connectod with the jov and trial, and the men at Washington who Orst got me into that Job, and who made solemn pledges and promises to me that the whole power of the government would be be- bind me for protection which I will not now mention, notwithstanding they have broken these promises. Now, my plan proposed to those ufen was this:—After breaking open the safe and getting the papers and books, to retain them until the next day; then they could be taken up to Alexander’s house; but Harring- ton would not listen to me, The job must be completed that night Hence ‘the failure. Now, since this thing.bas been under investigation and trial, I have been offered $40,000 tor what I have stated to- day. I refused to say one word. I do not expect any sympathy from the public. I am here for fourteen years and I propose to begin to unload. Rerorter—Have you fluished? Mirxs—Y ea, After some casual conversation Miles shook hands heartily with me and left mo to renew his labors, COLONEL WHITLEY’S DINNER {From the Boston Herald, April 11.) ‘The afternoon despatches in the Herald were shown to Collector Simmons last evening, aud be was usked | it he knew anything about the dinner at Coloue, Whitley's house, April 5, 1874, aud he replied that ho Knew all about it, for he was present and remembered tt well; and, besides, he bad a memorandum of it in hie diary. Ho wisbed it stated that the dinner was not “given in his honor,”’ but was given to a few of Colonel Whitley’s triends, among whom were Colonel Jonas French, Mr. Chandler, chief clerk of the Commandant | of the Navy Yard; one or two members euch of the | Cambridge chy government and ot tho Legisla- | ture {rom Cambridge. He suid that tho din- mer occurred on Sunday, April 5, 1874, at Colonei Whitley’s house, near that of Mr, | Haguley, in Cambriuge; that it took place that he at that time was but slightly acquainted with Whittey, hud but recently beeu introduced to hun by Secretary Richardsou and was am A ap invited on the occasion abd nothing more. Deputy Col- tector Huguley, he said, was summoned to Wushing- ton to testily to the tact of this dinner, its date and the presence of Coionel Whitley, and his testimony ‘was true and could be easily corroborated by the gen- tlemem present on the occasion, In regurd to tho date of the dinner (which, by the way, ne said was an excellent one) and the circumstances attending it, the Collector was vory positive, und said that it was simply impossibie thut Cuionel Whitley could have been in Wasbingtou the Monday following tho date on which he entertained bis guests in Cambridge. STATEMENT OF DEPCTY COLLECTOR MUGULEY. Deputy Cohecior Huguley, upon being interviewed last evening, made the lollowing stgtement:—'On the Sth of April, 1874 (Supuay), Voliecwor Simmous, Mr, Curtis Davis (at that time of the Legisiature), Me, Noyes, Mr. Chandler aud ohe or two other persons dined with Colonel Whitley, at his residence im Cum- bridge. This can prove by evidence sufflcient to prove anything. Mr. Simmons consented to inake one at the dinner purty on that occasion 1 1 would come to, Bosten for him with a team. This I did, ana the record: jor the team is Of the books of Mr. Daly, stavio | keeper. Some time attur, having occasion to reter to | the matter, | asked Mr. Simmons if there was‘uny cir- cumstance which helped fix the dato of the dinner party at Mr. Whitley’s in his memory. His answer ‘wus that it was # matter of record in bis diary, and he showed me the eutry, that — April 5 he had dined with me Mr. Whitley's. 'y wile also corroborates at by w peculiar circumstance, equally stroug with the abuve. Besi Bumerous witnesses can teatily of their own know! @ that the dinuer was given at the tune and piace alle Mr. Huguley aleo states that his testimony in tho ‘on trial was not volunteered but called for, LUZERNE COUNTY FRAUDS. CORRUPT LOCAL OFFICIALS IN PENNSYLYANIA— THEIR CRIMES EXPOSED. Witkrsnarne, April 11, 1876, ‘The auditors of Luzerne county filed their repurt to- day in the Prothonotary’s office. Alter about sixty days’ incessant and diligent application about $20,000 bas been thrown out at the expense of ex-Commis- sioners K. Gerschbacker, A. J. Williams and N, Seibert, ‘The report shows that bribery aud malfeasance havo been committed through a system of brokerage, incon- sistent with their official duties and in direct violation of the letter and spirit of the law, Testimony was taken at great length, which resulted in the exposure of the invest baretaced and reckless corruption ever perpe- trated in this county, ‘fhe ex-Commissivners ure all | reputed wealthy men and all amply lable for tho | amount Which the lien Oo their property or persons | coverk It seetus that a system ol keeping creditors | out of their dues for a long time, with a view of extort. ing large discounts, was practived to axreut exten, | avd the amount of discount alterward divided among the Commissioners. Anotier, and,perhaps, the greateat fraud of all, is the county map, for which $12,000 was expended, the greatest portion of which wus paid tw C. M. Cornwail, of New York, for hthograpuing, &c., au arrangement veing entered into by him wud the Commissioners by whicb the latter were to receive m for securing him the contract. Th ave andoubtealy exceeded the I ty in Mapy Ways and have got taem- gelves into a very bud mess ‘There is cousiderable ex- citement in Wilkesbarre t development v essed on ull Bagea eminent counsel for defence, as they are teariul of the worst resulta. MARIANO PRADO. MOVEMENTS OF THE PRESIDENT ELECT OF | PERU—OFF FOR NIAGARA FALLS, | General Mariano Prado, the President elect of Peru, who, with bis suite, arrived in this eity on Mcnday nighs, was waited on yesterday morning at the Ciaren- | don Hotel by several well known New York merchants | in the Peruvian trade and most cordially welcomed to | the metropolis. Among the early callers at the Clar. | endon were Colonel Freyerc, formerly Peravian Minister; Sedor Pazos, I. M. Munoz, Sefor Ville! nd Mr. William R. Grace, The last namea geutieman placed bis carriages ut the disposal of General Prado and party and extended every possible couriesy, Kx- pressing a desire to see some of the principal hotels wod their method of operation, the General was grautied in this respect, and observed that he was glad to see the stat iment of experienced travelers in reterence to the superiority of New York hu.cis so truthfully ilastrated, Mr. Grace then ac- companied the distinguished visitors to the Reservoir, With the fuil operativus of which General Prauo was quainied. The party baited at the new St. Yateick’s Cathedral on Filth avenue, aod General | to tuke great imterest in ex- amining the surfouudings of the magnificent structure, which he prenounced thus = tar tohe uustrpaed im point of architectural bea As sight-seemy would be nothing without ¥ ug v I Park, br, Grace gave the purty a spiendid drive, exp.atuing as be went along the various features of in- cior Which the favorite reso widely known, General Prado tue Hust Ollive, aud wus then conveyed to Broonly the great pier ¢ covssal Uriuge Uhut is Lo be, concurred im the opt { umny others that such desirable und og id have been commenced und completed years ago, The General and party then took a pleasaat arive trough Prospect Park, retarning by the way of | Chines in | New clock carriages were | in waiting, and Genoral Prado aud suite, accompanied | dir. Charies Flint, drove to the Graud Ceutral depot | end vovk the eight ocwck tram tog Niagara Fails. | Mere the wil remain for abyut a day, retarn way of Philadelphia, where u will examine the Centennial ngs and | other oujects of interest in the Quaker City. It ii od that General Prado will arrive iu this city ‘Friday night or Saturday morning, when bi programme will be urtunged. Bere leaving | the General (envered his thanks to Mr, W. K. Grace and the other merchan s for the tesy they Lud so tur displayed im bis regard, | pone,’ soon atter his (Simmons’) confirmation as Collector; |) } Grant to demand of Mexico formal leave to send our | he procured to be pardoned out of the Penitentiary to | punishment tor the part he took im the But Whitley now comes forward his confession to Proctor Knott's committee swears thet what Hayes testiied WASHINGTON. Interesting Developments in the Safe Burglary Conspiracy. THE DELANO WYOMING CONTRACTS. Weakness of the Present Revo- lution in Mexico. HOW 10 PROTECE OUR FRONTIER. ; The Senate Committee Adverse to the Pro- tection of Witnesses, FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT, Wasmxotox, April 11, 1876. ‘THE CONDITION OF AFFAIRES IN MEXICO—SMALL HOPES OF SUCCESS FOR THE REVOLUTION- IsTs—HOW TO SUPPRESS THE BORDER BAIDS—WHAT THE CITIZENS OF TEXAS DE- SIRE. Agentieman woo has long been very familiar with Mexican politics and who 1s recently from Mexico, speaking of the revolutiouary movement thero, to-day remarked that he was certain it bas no strength or substance, and that while it might for awhile trouble the government to put itdown it was not likely to Spread or to get any firm hold, except on the border, | and atsuch a great distance from the capital that the goverument could not reach the revolutionaries with ats troops, He remarked that if the Church or reac- tionary element could not maintain itself in the country or master it, with the help of Maximilian and a French Army, it was very unlikely to gain much headway now, with | no backers except a few discontented politicians, who | are without means to pay troops or to buy arms and | ammunition, and are incapable of carrying on a rezu- lar campaign or of offering resistance to regular | troops, such as the government would bring against them if they should attempt to attack the interior | As to tho troubles on the border, of which an ac, count appears in to-day's papers, he said that the ag- gressive acts of the revolutionists upon American citizens would not be defended by the Mexican govern- ment, nor was that likely to object to our govern- ment’s prompt and severe punishment of the border outrages. “If there was peace on the Mexican side,” he said, “that government might hesitate to authorize the Uuited States to pursue border raiders and cattle Stealers across the line into Mexieo, but in the present condition of the bordor the authorities in Mexico wilt not complain if the United States forces punish the revolutionists or notice the fact if General Auger ‘should send our troops across the border for this pur- He thought it would be injudicious in President troops across the Rio-Grando, because it would thus re- quire the Mexican government to publicly humilia itself by authorizing an invasion of its territory. But be was sure that such acts, if done un- der the spur of necessity by judicious offi- cers of the army, would not be resented | by the authorities in Mexico, which would not make | them a matter of public notice, but could afford, in the presont disturbed condition of the border, to overlook them, being assured that the intentions of the United States are friendly. The Texans here are unanimous in declaring that they and their people do not want awar with Mexico; do not want to acquire any Mexican territory, and in their demand forhe!p to put down border outrages have no ulterior objects, They simply want to be pro- tected against the raids of Mexican desperadocs, wd 'they belicve, as do the United States officers who served.on the border, that this can be offectively dono only by authorizing the commanders of regular troops to pursue cattle thieves and otner outlaws across the line and punish them at once wherever they are caught. It is not believed by those here who are mos, familiar with the present rules of Mexico that any com. Plications are likely to grow out of our prudent adop, tion of this policy, which would be welcomed by all the orderly part of the Mexican people living near the border, FROM OUR REGULAR CORRESPONDENT, Wasutxotos, April 11, 1876, AN INTERESTING OFFSHOOT OF THE BABCOCK- WHITLEY SCANDAL—THE ALIBI ESTABLISHED BY THE GUESTS OF THAT DINNER PARTY IN THE LIGHT OF THE DETECTIVE's CONFESSION— AN EXPLANATION FROM COLLECTOR SIMMONS IN ORDER. The collateral scandal involved in the confession of Whitley on the subject of the safe burglary conspiracy, affecting the reputation of such men as the Collector of the port of Boston, A. W. Simmor ind his Deputy | Collector, Harrison W, Huguly, is likely to create as much, if not more, of a sensation than the origina, or main branch of it implicating General Bab- cock. When Waitley was on trial here in November, 1874, under an indictment for complicity in the conspitacy, he came near being convicted on the | testimony of Mike Hayes, a professional burglar, whom conduct the burglary, but who turned Stato’s evidence and swore toall the circumstances of an interview at which Whitley gave him bis instructions for comimit- ting the burgiary. Not only did Whitley contradict on oath all that Hayes gaid and protest his innocence of this charge, but he produced a series of witnesses to prove that, at the time of the alleged interview spoken | of by Hayes, no was absent in Boston where he gava.a dinner party to Collector Simmons, His counsel, jn his prelimivary address on opening tho case for the defence, referred to his intentiep of prov- | ing this alibi, saying, under the appropriate head o! lus argoment, that the defenco would show by com- petent witnesses that on Sunday, the Sth of April, 1974, Colonel Whitley was in Massachusetts; that on that day he had a dinner party at Cambridgeport; that at that dimner party several gentlemen were present who will be here lo testify; that it was a dinner party of geatlemen, among whom was Mr, Simmons, Col- lector of the port of Boston; that Colonel Whitley remained in Cambridgeport until Monday morning, and leaving for New York on ‘the ten o'clock train trom Boston, In substantiating this line of defence for himself and to prove the alibi Waitley brought forward the Deputy Collector of the port of Boston, Harrison W. Hugely, who swore that he was present at the dinuer party which was presided over by Whitley, For some rea- son Collector Simmons was not summoned to come from Boston to give his testimony, but he knew, doubtless, the object of his deputy’s attendance at the trial of Whitley and sanctioned the latter's abseace from his oMecial duties, The other witnesses proving the alibi were probably agents sub. ordinates of Whitley himself, The four | men—Tilley, Hutchinson, Applegate and New. combe—doubtless Delonged to the Secret Service | corps of officers, of whom Whitley was theehief, In- deed, Newcombe js known to have been a government detective. One other witness was Bates, who recently held an office of some kind tm the Boston Custom House, Here are seven persons of more or less promivence before the public upon the testimony of six of whom Whitley established his alibi and evaded ja other words, that the abbi was a sham add that he (Whitley) was in New York instead of at the dinner party to Collector Simmons, in Cambridge- port, ou the day stated by Hayes, and, with the latter, concerted the plan for carrying out the safe burglary. If the alibi 18 @ sham what becomes of tie testimony o the six mon who demonstrated it? What says the Col- lector of the port of Buston, who must bave known at the time from the newspapers the natare of tne evi, dence upon which the alibi was established, bis name | Congress trom Massachusett “NEW YORK HERALD, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12, 1876—TRIPLE SHEET. 3 being openly quoted by his deputy as one of Whitley's | full feather and felt well satisfled with his experience invited guests? As may be imagined, this matter has stirred up the indignation of the republican Represensentatives in between whom and Col- lector Simmons no love has ever been lost, It 1s nats to the Massachusetts democrats, who think they see the pitch brush coming home to the radical office- holders in their favorite and immaculate Hub, All sides overlook the fact, however, that Whitley, in his latest réle of witness, may be as far from telling the truth as he now confesses he was on the first occasion. ‘The situation of affairs is at the least interesting and Suggestive amd will bear further investigating by the Congressional committees. THE REED-DELANO SCANDAL—KNOWLEDGE OF THE WYOMING CONTRACTS BROUGHT TO THE DOOR OF THE WHITE HOUSE—INTERESTING DEVELOPMENTS PROMISED. In connection with the Delano-Reed scandal conce: ing the fraudulent surveying contracts in Wyoming some new facts have leaked out. Reed’s secretary, Stevens, 18.an honost man, and when he found that John Delano was, as ia al'eged, defrauding the govern- ment, he sent copies of letters and drafts bearing John Delano’s name to Secretary Bristow, who submitted them to the President, It has been proved that some Rast, He is working like a beaver night and day to “organize” a nomination. GENERAL WASHINGTON DESPATCHES, Wasmuxerox, April 11, 1876. THE PROTECTION OF WITNESSES—-ADVERSE RE- PORT ON THE HOUSE BILL BY THE SENATE COMMITTEE AND THE REASONS THEREFOR— VIEWS O¥ THE MINORITY. The adverse report of the Senate Judieiary Com mittee upow the House bill to protect witnesses who shall be required to testify before either house of Con. gress or apy commiuttce is rigued by Senators Ed. munds, Conkling, Frelinghuysen, Wright and Howe, | They say this bil is open to many fatal objections, one notified John Delano ot what had been done, | and # is said that some one at the White House conveyed the information young Delano, The banking business was done through Merriam, of St. Paul, one of the notorious Smith-Delano Indian Ring contractors of the North- west, Merriam isan important witness in the caso and Mr, Mitchler’s Interior Department committee have summoned him to appear before them at once, John Delano is sick in New York and the time for his appearance on the stand has been postponed. It is Tunored to-night that ex-Secretary Deldno has also been summoned to appear tortbwith, but the report does not soem to be substantiated, The chairman of the committee has got some new witnesses and the | developments of other frauds im the Interior Depart ment promise to be large * THE CIVIL SERVICE IN CALIFORNIA—-DEMORAL- IZING INFLUENCE OF SENATORIAL POWER IN MAKING APPOINTMENTS-—AN INVESTIGATION AND REPORT LIKELY TO ASTONISH THE NATION. ‘The report of Special Revenue Agent Phillips in ro- gard to whiskey and custom frauds in California called for by the Huuse will make considerable stir. He went to San Fraucisco with the following instructions from Sohecitor Wilson :— T hope you will be thorough, impartial and pay no attention to the interests of any faction, clique or com- binations, but have regard solely to the best interests of the government and of the public service. Mr. Phillips says tho State ig remote, and the gen- eral understand! tatives have absolute control of the offices, and so those who hold tliem are only loyal to Congressmen, Hence the civil service is utterly debased, venal and purely personal, No sooner had Agent Ciarke, a per- fectly honest officer, arrived in San Francisco than Senator Sargent tiled charges inst him, The affida- vits were of a character that would havo precluded thei: use, Clarke was above suspicion and beyond purchase, Supervisor Hawley reported in full on this matter, The attacks on him were tor the purpose of securing the removal of an honest public officer who was prov- ing troublesome to reveuue officers and distillers engaged in plundering the goverument. Relying on Senatorial und Representative omnipotence efforts will be continued to crush all who try to exposo them, and this will continue till the protecting hand of Sena- torial power 1s removed. It is regarded now as an invasion of Senatorial rights in California for any one to suggest the exerrise by the Executive head of the nation of his just consti- tutional powers in either appointinents or removals. In California taxpayers and private citizens are cumb. There the regal hand of Senators and members bears sway. Distillers, wholesale liquor dealers and revenue officials do as they please, being protected by this im- perial and despotic powor, After prolonged investigation evidence bas been dis. covered of frauds in 1865-6 and 1868-9 amounting to $1,500,000, port on the condition of affairs among revenue officials in San Fraucisco was of au excoedingly .unfoyorablo character. ‘ Tae THE STEAMBOAT BILL YAsSED THE HOvuSE—1Ts MORE IMPORTANT PROVISIONS, The Steamboat bill passed the House to-day by a large majority. It was prepared by Mr. Sayler, of Ohio, The hability clause provides that for damago ol ined by a passenger to his baggage the total lia- bility of such owner or owners shall in no case exceed the amount or value of his or their interest in such vessel and freight then pending, and any persun sus_ taining losa or injury through tho carelessness, negli- gence or wilful misconduct of any master, mate, on- The men thus caught furmshed some of | the affidavits filed by Sargeant against Clark. The re- | to | based both upon constitutional considerations and expediency, and present an argument of neurly ninety pages in support of this view. Senators Thurman and Stevenson briefly submit their views as a minority of the Judiciary Committee, They, say that they tear that the bill awit passed the House is broader in its scope than public policy and the ends of justice required, and that it might im prace tice be liable to great abuses; but they do not agree with the other members of the committee that the bill should be “indefinitely postponed,” On the contrary, they believe that it should be amended and passed, and they propose an amendment in the nature of a subati- tate to limit it to cases that seem to need such @ law. Tho minority maintain that such a law would be beneficial, and would not practically be Hable to abuse, They proceed to argue in contravention of the position taken by the majority that the pardoning power is |. vested exclusively in the. President. They show thas his power dvcs not extend to impeachment cases, and | therefore claim that no such objeciion can be sustained against this part of the bill which relates to proeged- ings in the House or before its committees with a view to prefer urticles of impeachment. They argue further more that as Congress has power to pass amnesty bills and statutes of limitation affecting all criminal cases without infringing ou the present power, it cannot be justly held that this bill in any of its provisions is ob- noxtous to any such charge. A SENSATIONAL STORY REGARDING MR. BLAINE AND THE QUIETUS THEREON, The story accredited tothe Iodianapolis Sentinel of yesterday bas been in circulation for some time past in private political circles, Mr. Blaine was made acquainted with it and promptly denied it, stating that it is entirely sensational and unfounded. The story, as reported in Washington circies, was thata draft was paid for Mr. Blaine’s benefit by Messrs, Morton, Blis# & Co., of New York, and was afterward takeu up | by E. H. Rollins, Treasurer of the Union Pacific Rail- gineer or pilot; or his neglect or refusal to obey laws | goverving navigation, such steamers may sue such master, mate, engineer or pilot, and recover damages for any such injury caused by any such master, mate, engineer or pilot, and such officer may also be imprisoned not exceeding three years, The clause in regard to transportation of cotton merely provides that it sali be in good merchantable condition, Throughout the bill moleties are gener- | ally abolished; all patent right contrivances are left | out, and owners are {ree to use them at their own dis. | cretion; any life-saving apparatus may be introduced by the Board of Inspectors after receiving six months’ testing upon three vessels and upon approval by tho Secretary of the Treasury; certificate of inspection is made prima facie evidence in court of facts which it sets forth; engineers and pilots are recognized as olfl- cers, aad only citizens of the United States can be licensed; all boiler iron and steel must be stamped by the manufacturer; all foreign veesels, except government vessels, are subject to the navigation Jaws of the United States; of! and spirits of turpentine and all varnishes may be carried in good metallic cases or in barrels securely bound with fron; friction matcnes may be carried when securely packed in strong, tight chests or boxes and placed in vessels at a secure distance from any fre or heat; petroleum must be in hermetically sealed metailic cases, securely packed in boxes or casks orin iron-bound barele at such tem- perature as it will not ignite lower than 150 degrees | Fabrenneit; if in iron-bound barrels not lower than 110 | | degrees; if in hermetically sealed metallic cases it may | be carried in such parts of passenger steamers as the local inspectors shall designate in writing, THE RECUSANT WITNESS KILBOURN— POSSIBLE CONFLICT BETWEEN THE MOUSE AND THE COURTS, Haliett Kilbourn, the recusant witness, is ordered to be brought before the local Supreme Court in the morn- ing on a writof habeas corpus, but tne Sergeant-at- Arms iv charge of him will refase to obey the writ and make report of the matter to the House at nvon, This will bring the case to issue between the House and the Court, and Kilbourn'’s lawyers will carry the contest up to the United States Supreme Court. There is no doubt the House will stand by its present determina- | cock and the whole administration was tion Ju insisting on jurisdiction over contumacious _ witnesses, AS a leading member of the Judiciary Com- —“'The Supreme Court is the high eat court in the iaud, but Congress 1s @ higher tribu- nal.” THE INDIAN BEEF CONTRACTS—DISGUST OF THE CONTRACTORS AT THE AWARD. Some of tho leading members of the old Indian beef contracting ring appear to be disgusted to-night be~ cause the contracts to-day for supplying Red Cloud and Spotted Tail agencies were awarded toa man named Mabry. It i@ said that Mr. Hayt, chairman of the Purchasing Committee, would not award to the former contractor even at his old rates, $2463 per 100 pounds, Dut declared in favor of Mabry at an advance above the old prices, the new prices being $2 63 per 100 pounds, Bat it ts diMcult to tell who are the real bidders, as the Ring contractors have clerks to bid for them in different parts of the country, . MR. BLAINE'S KFFORTS TO SECURE THE PRESI- DENTIAL NOMINATION—A FAVORABLE LOOK- our. Mr. Blaino held a perfect lovee in the House to-day, as he quietly sat on one of the sojas, and, to an inter- viewer who came to talk with him and offer congratu- Iations, he said that he hud no reason to feel other than encouraged, although the estimates of tho Presidential chances given by some of his newspaper friends are perhaps too generous in some of tho States they con- cede to bim and not correct in some which they do not give bim, His whole manner indicated that be was ip | road Company, in taking measures recently to correct | it, Mr, Blaine received the following letters:— g is that the Senators aud Represen- | er ee New Yor, April 6, 1876. Hon. J. G, Biase, Washington, D, C. :— Deak Sin—In answer to your inquiry we beg to say that no drait, note or check or other evideuce of value has passed through our books in which you were known or supposed to have any intertst of any kind, direct or indirect. Very respectfully, MORTON, BLISS & CO, Also the following:— Ovvicz Union Paciric RatLaoap Company, Borrow, Muss, March 31, 1876, } Hon. J. G. Buatxe, Washington, D. ©. :— Déak Sin—In response to your inquiry I beg leave to state that | nave been Treasurer of the Union Pacitic Raiiroad bars A since April 8, 1871, and have neces- sarily known of all disbursements made since that date, eee that entire period up to the present time Lam sure that no money has beeu paid in any way or to any person by the company tn which you were interesied in auy mannor whatever, 1 msko this statement in justice to the company, to you avd to myself. Very respecttully, KE. H. ROLLINS. THE MORRISON TARIFF BILL. The Committee of Ways and Means completed the Morrison Turiff bill to-day, and ordered it to be re- ported favorably to the House, The motion was made by Mr. Morrison, in committce, to reduce the proposed duty on coffee to two cents and on tea to ten cents, but this was disagreed to by @ vote of 5 yeas to0 hays. The tea and coffee clause was then struck from tne bill by a vote of 7 ycas to 4 nays, Mr. Morrison gave notice of his intention to offer in the House, pend- ing the consideration of the bill, an amendment taxing tea and cofiee, The bill has been materially altered since its introduction. 1t was ordered to be reported favorably to the House by the following vote;— Yras—Messrs. Morrison, Wood, Thomas, Hill, Chapin and Tucker (all demucr: ¥ Nava —Measrs. Biaine, Kelley, Garfield, Burchard of Milinois (republicans) and Hancock (democrat)—5. If the committee had retained the duty on tea and coffee Mr, Wood would have voted against reporting the bill to the House. WHISKEY WILES, EX-COLLECTOR WILKINSON'S SsTATEMENT—HB DECLARES HIS INNOCENCE. ls San Francisco, April 10, 1876, Colonel A. C. Dawes had an interview to-day with Charles B, Wilkinson, ex-Collector of Internal Revenue for the Western district of Missouri, arrested here on the 8th inst, for the embezzlement of stamps and con. spiracy to defraud the revenue, Wilkinson asserts that he is guilty of no crime. As to the ap proval of United States gaugers’ accounts, he says Bittenger was electod to the Legisia ture and employed Beigenser to do the gauging The bills were approved in Bittenger’s name by orders from McDonald and Joyce. He 18 convinced sinc learning tuat Bittenger pleaded guilty that the con- spiracy to defraud the government extended through. out Northern and Western Missouri, and that Joyce, McDonald and Bittenger shared the profits; bat he maintains that it will be shown by evidence that the distillers and members of the ‘‘ring’’ were instructed to withhold all knowledge cf the conspiracy from the Collector. From fugitive distillers whom he met ip Melbourne he learned that Joyce represented to the distillers of Northern Missouri: that the assessments on ‘crooked’ whiskey were lovied for party purposes aud remitted to Babeock in Washington. It was the custem to pay employés §5 per stamp for steaming stamps trom old barrels and using them on new ones, He says he has information that the eleven United States Senators signed a petition tor Bi J rhe] jucluding Messrs, Har and In, of Kansas; Cockrell, of Missuur Morton, of Indiana; Spencer’ of Alabama,’ and Hitehcock — and Paddock ot Nebraska. Wilkinson says be bas suffered | all the agony possible trom the consequeuces of his moral cowardice, and had determined belore his errest to meet the matter and will not ask bail on his return, At the time of bis leaving St. Joseph, Sto., he saya, ow, ing to the wiuskey fraads excitement be could not have obtained bail under the imdictment which, without just! threatened him, but acted suicidaily in leaving } ite did. Wilkinson will probably go eastward im custody on Thersday next. ANOTHER CONTRADICTION OF BELL'S TESTIMONY, Crxcrnxatt, Obio, Apel 11, 1876, In an interview with Colonel Lewis Weitzel, Revenue Collector, concerning the charges of implication is whiskey f{rnuds with ono Hogue, of Xenia, Obie, Colonel Weitzel states:—1 have nothing to say except | that, so far as I am concerned, there is not one grain of truth in the statement of De, tective Bell Up to the time Hogue went te St. Lows I believe he was an but he there made to believe that that while money was going he might part of the “swag.” Senator Mortow seit in the case, bellevin, as soun as he found out tl Indiapapoiis to ascertain What value the telegrams Mentioned would have. THE CaSES OF FRAUD IN CHICAGO, Cuicaao, Ll., April 11, 1876, In the United States Court this morning Mr. J. D, gave bail in $15,000, Philip Wadsworth, ex-Collectos of Internal Revenue, also jed not guilty. Mr, Boutell, for the government, conciuded bis arge mont in the Freisinger amd Seaverens case and the Judge with a briet charge gave the case to the juss with tustractions to doliver a scaled verdict CONVICTION OF FRAUDULENT CONSPIRACY 1% MILWAUKEE. Minwackes, April 11, 1876 The jury trying the case of Nunnemacher, charged with fraud apon the revenue nepragtoor rd *= whiskey tax, loft the court room noon to-day y thie evening. rae ee ny on the four coun, charging couspirucs.