The New York Herald Newspaper, June 6, 1876, Page 3

The Ex-Speaker Tired of Waiting For a Report From the Committee. ——$—$——— A DIRECT APPEAL TO THE HOU The Famous “Private Letters” Submitted fo the Country. DRAMATIC EFFECT OF THE READING. Pee EL Nothing In them Touching the Point of Investigation. AN EXCULPATORY DESPATCH FROM CALDWELL. Reply of Messrs. Knott and Hunton to the Strictures on the Committee. Wasuincrox, June 5, 1876. Im the House to-day Mr. Blaine, of Maine, rising to A questio: of | rivilege, proceeded to speak on tho sub- fect of the investigation into the Union Pacific and Northorn Pacific transactions, in which bis name had become involved. Heroad the resolution offered by Mr, Turbos, of Massachusetts, in which the inquiry is made 4s o when the connection of the Union Pacitic Railroad with the bonds of the Little Rock aud Fort Smith Railroad was commeuced. The author of that reso. lution had at tho time disclaimed any particular allu- siou to him (Mr. Blaine), a disclaimer which he (Mr. Blaine) regarded at the time with some little tn- credulity. It soon became entirely obvious that the fesolution was solely and only aimed at bim, and that tho Union Pacitlc matter or any other ineident to the investigation was secondary, insiguifl- cunt and unimportant, Hedid not complain of that; he was reudy to meet it, The gentleman on whose Statement the accusation rested (Mr. Harrison) had been the tirst man called, and had stated what he knew from ru:nor. Then Mr, Rolling, Mr. Morton, Mr, Millard and Mr, T. A, Scott were examined, and their testimony was complete and conciusive in disproof of tis (Mr. Blaine) having had anything whatever tu do with the transaction, He had expected to have an sarly report from the committee, but it had been pro- longed, and prolonged, and prolonged, and be had been somewhat surprised last weec at beimg tola that the committee would then turn to Investigate the trans- actions of the Northern Pacitic Railroad Companyvon a newspaper report that there had been some effort on his part, with a friend in Boston, to procure tor him some shares of that company, which ¢flort had proved ebortive, He had asked the gentierian from Virginia, the chairman of the sub-committee (Mr. Hunton), UNDER WHAT AUTHORITY be proposed to make that investigation, and had been told that the authority was a resolution offered by Mr. Luttrell, of Calijornia, on the Sist ef January. He thought that that gentleman (Mr. Luttrell) would bo Surprised to find out that the first they did under that resolution was to bring its force to bear a & hte transaction in Which had never to be a tt lion = at alll mvestigation was begun and three witnesses bad testified just precisely as the circumstances were. He had no sooner got through with that than, in another part of the Capitol, without the slightest notice or Waruing to him, the Committee on the Real Estate Poot bad entered on an investigation specifically aimed, at him; #0 that there wero threo investigations going. on ut the same time, without any of them being com- pleted. He understood that the gentleman trom Vir- ginva (Mr. Hunton) proposed this morning still another inquiry about the Kansas Pacitic Railroad Company, a transaction which was fifteen years old, even if it cx- lated; and this was also aimed at him. Now he would say, und say it boldly, that under these general powers to investigate specific raliroad companies the whole inquiry of the committee was aimed personally at him. Why did they not organize ® committee to investigate James G. Blame. He wanted o meet the thing squarely. He did not wish to stir up avy biovd ou this question; but he would say thatever since a certain debaie tock place in the House 10 January last it had been known that there wore gentiemen bere whose feelings had been exas- perated against bim, and it was to be remarked that while there were seven democratic members of the Judiciary Committee, the cha:rman of that committee (Mr. Knott) selected on the sub-commitice, ty which these watiers bad been referred, two members from the South who bad been in the revel arniy, Mr. Kxort, of Kentucky—One word, Mr. BLaink—Atter a moment. Mr, Ksorr—Allow me a word now, Mr. Biaiwx—Well, go on. Mr. Kxott—fbe matter of that railroad investigation was reterred to the sub-committee before I ever heard your name mentioned in connection with it. I had no act or part im inciting any investigation implicating you at all. Mr. Braink—Then the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Hunton) iwsiated under that resolution, which was vb. op its face, limited tw the $75,000 with the Union Paeitic Mail- Company, on going ‘into all of the affairs of the Little Rock and Fort Smith Railroad Company as incidental thereto, and pursued it to such an extent that finally 1 had mysel!, through my colleague (Mr. Frye), to make an appeal to the full commitiec, and the tull committee decided that the gentleman (Mr. Hunton) hag no right to go into it, But when he came back be resumed the examination exactly im the saine way until he'was stopped by my colleague (Mr. Frye), weling Dot us my attorney, but as my frend, and when Qually the witness, Mulligan, came here ioaded with Miformation iu regard to the Fort Smith Ratiroad, the gentleman (Mr. Hunton) drew out what knew’ had Be relerence whatever to the question under investiga- Won, and thea and there insisted on all MY PRIVATE MEMOKANDA ‘Deing allowed tu be exhibited by this man Mulligan, which had ve more convection or rejation with this “Wnvestigution than with the North Pole. rhe gentle- man tried his best also until, I believe, that idea has been abandened, to capture and use and control my private correspondence, this mun had se.ected, out Of a correspondence running over 4 groat many years, letters which he thought wouid ve pecubarly damaging to me. He came here loaded with them. He came here for a sensauon, He came here prin He came bere on that particular errand, I was advised Of it and | obtained these ietters nuder circumstances have been vowriously scatiored throughout ‘i nited States and are known everywhere, 1 lave them (bolding up a packnge). -I claim that I bave the entire right to these letters, vot only by natural right, ‘bu: om allt ents and principies of law. The man whe pons them in his power held them wrongfully, the committee which attempted to Sar tater oath from this man for use against me ly. It proceeded in the boldest and Most detiant viviatwa of the ordinary personal and vate rights that belong to every American ertizen. Fon willicg to meet the Judierary Committee on that point 1 wanted that committee to introduce it, 1 Wanted the gentieman trom Kentucky (Mr. Knott) and the gentieman from Virginia (Mr. Hunton) to intro. @uce that queytion on te flvor, and they did not dot. Mr, Kxorr (in his seat)—Oh, no; you want to be mado ® martyr of Mr. Biarxe—Yea, and you didjoot want it There is the difference. I wili goa little further and way that you did not dare to do it. Me Kxorr—We wiil not talk about ‘dari Mr. Hamiutos, (dew. ) of NX. J.—1 rise to a question of order. Is the gentieman’s language parliamentary? Me. Buaixk—Yes, enurcly so. The srxaKkxn pro fem. (Mr. Cex, of New York, in the Whe chair)--11 1s for the Chair to-decide. Mr. Braine—I understacd that ie Judiciary Com- mittee has abandoned that tes tme; bet there bas that beoause I , i Teould pre vent It, irom holding as a menace over my heed my private correspondence, there must be something in it ir Most deauly ive to my reputation. 1 ould = like «any ntieman on his oor (ai alt of them are presumed to be m of affairs whose business has been varied wi whose been large) to stand ap bere aud say that he ts willmg and ready to have nis private correspondence for the last ten or twelve years banied over and made public. Does it imply gui? Does it toply wrong-domg? ite imply a sense of weak- ness that a man will protect his private correspondence”* No, sf [tis man's first instinet ty do it, and it 1s ‘the last outra; ny than to Violate it, 1 have defied the power to iake (hese letters trom me. 1 do it stl, Teypeak with ail respect ior this House, T know iis powers, and T trust that I respect them, But I say ‘that this House has no more j ower to order what shail be done of sot done with my private denes thag it has to order what I shail av with the nurtare and admonition of my ehildren—not one riicle more. But | am now resay to stow the leuers * feeling m uy in highend). 1 ihank God almighty 1am not asbameu to show them, here they are; INR RAMPANT. | ‘ there is the very original package. With some sense of humiliation, with a morudicauon which 1 do not Hrerend to conceal, with a sense of outrage which | think any man in my pesition would feel, te the caniidence of 44,000,009 of people, and | will read these letters. (Applause, which the Speaker pro tem. en- deavored to suppress.) Many Of these lettcrs have not the remotest Deariny on the subject, but some of them will require a litt expianation, Some of them may possibly mvolye hu- tiliation, but I would a good deal rather take that than take the evil surmises and still more evil ifer- ences that might be drawn it I did not act with this frankness. READING AND KXPLAINING. Mr. Blaine thereupon proceeded to read and to make paxsing comments upon and explanations of various poms iu the several letters, The allusion to the Spencer coutract he explained by saying that in the eummer of 1861, two years before he first camo to Congress, he bad been asked if be could not getun opportunity for the inventor of the Spencer repeating ritie to bring that new arm to the attenuion of the Secretary of War He said he thought be could and he hud come on to Washington and had an imterview with Secretary Cameron. Mr. Cameron had n orders to have it tested by the Ordnance Bureau, t bad been thoroughly tested and the experiments were so satisfactory that a preliminary order tor 20,000 rifles was ipade. The company had immediately pro- ceeded to erect an armory in Boston, He had been paid = =not ap extravagant, but @ moderate tee for his services, which he bad just as much liberty to take us any lawyer or agent had to take a { Sub- sequently be bud taken and paid for for $10,000 worth of stock in tye company which has simee been merged in the Winchester Ritie Company. That was the whole story. There are the tive letters; there are the whole ol ‘Bim and bere 18 Muthgan’s memorandum, I keep it ag « protectiva for ny-clf to show the identity of the Jotters in every respect. Mr. Guiovex, (dem,) of Mo,—Will you have that memorandum read? Mr. Buaixk—I will do so, Mr. Hiany, (rep.) of Me.—Docs this exhibit cover every paper that came from Motligun? Mr. Buaixk—Every solitary serap. Mr. GLover—Let that meniorandum be read at the Clerk’s desk. Mr. Biaixe (sending it to tho Clerk’s desk)—Yes; I bad got up with great solemnity on bis countenance 8 ee, “Mr. Chairman, I am very sick.”? (Laugh- er. Mr. LAWRENCE rose to explain, Mr. Hunrox—I hope the gentleman ts better to day. (Laughter. ) Mr. Lawnexck—I esk my colleague whether, when I went into the committee room that morning, i aid not suy 1 had been exceedingly sick, 1 was so sick it was very difficult for me to sit there at all, and at about bali-past tweive, at the time the committee usually ad- Journs, I suid | was quite unwell and moved that the committce adjourn, I have been quite unwell ever since, (Laughter on the democratic side.) Mr. Huyroy—That is exactly it occurred, The gentleman trom Ohio eame in in the morning sick, but ho went to work in the most vigorous style for two hours; and when the letters came the gentieman be- camo sick agaiu, and somebody else become sicker. (Laughter. ) Mr. Lawrexce—It ought to be said, in justice to Mr. Blaine, that as to bis indizating bis purpose for me to move to adjoura, it was mot vecuuse of any fear of what wus going on. Mr. Hounrox—I never intimated any such thing, (Laughier.) ‘The gentleman 1s raising 4 man of sraw just to knock him over; but I do uy that afier t letters were mentioned incidentally the gentlem: the suggestion of Mr. Blaine, moved an R and put it on the ground tbat he was sick. An ad- jourument was had, us we did not lke tu Keep our colleague m= misery and distress, When Mr. Mulligan was put on the stand ext morning he proceeded to make a personal explanation. (Mr. Hunton here recounted Mr, Malh- gan’s explanation substantially as it hes been already printed.) Mr, Hunton (resuming) said who bas a riyht to complain, the zentieman trom Maine or the eom- mittee? the centleman trom Maine or the House? ¢ Was & Witness suinmoned Irom Boston whe did not appear as a volubtary witness, but came under the compulsory process of the House. | He was Led. 10 the protection of the House, ‘fnis 1s a question hb concerns the House mere than the commatige. 1 claim that, according to the well settled principles of law, those letters Leiunged to Warren Fisher trom tho Ume. What he received them until he delivered them to Mr. Mulligan, and trom that time forth Mr. Mulligan was entitled to the ownership of them, Mr, Bimne had no more property in these letters than ho had im on ‘will be glad to have it read. The memorandum was read. « Mr. BLaisz—Now, | would be obliged tor any gentle- man when he reads these letters, to xee the obvious in- teut in which tbat inemorandum was made up. desire also to call aitention to the fact that these were letters for which I was ready to commit suicide and sundry nd divers other desperate things in order to e them, I have one or two other observations to make. Tho specific charge which went to - committee was whether I was @ party u interest to thi $64,000 transaction, and T it that up to this time there has noi teen one cle of proof to connect me wih it, ‘These letters Were picked out of a correspondence extending over filt@en yours, The man (Mulligan) did bis worst, his very worst. They were picked out of the most intimate 38 correspondence of my life, 1 ask you gentle- nd Task with sume feeling) if any of you couid ‘Q closer scrutiny, a more rigid investigation of rrespoudence. Now there is but one piece ot imony wanting; there is but one = thing to close the complete circle of testimony, thefe.is one witness wnom I cannot name, but to whom the Judiciary Committee votcd to send a cable de- \—Josiah Caldwell. I usk the gentleman irom 1 ky if that cable despatch was sent? Kyotr—The gentleman from Virginia (Mr. tonyand I nave both epdenvored to get Mr. Caldw audgess and have not yet got it. Ma Buarxk—Has the gentieman from Kentucky re- eorved a cable despatch.trom Mr. Caidweil ¢ Mr. Kxorr—-I will explain that direct! Mr. Buainx—I want a caicgorical a re. Mn Kyorr—l bave roceived a despatch purporting to be from Mr. Caldwell. How did you know I got itt Mr Bain (advancing down the asle)—When did you get that despateh? Mr, Kyort-~I want you to answer my question first. Mr, Buaixe—l never beard of it til yesterday. Mr, Knorr—How did you bear it? Mr. Buains—I heard that you got adespatch last Monday morving at gight o’c from Mr, Josiah Caldwell, exoncrating me completely .and absolutely from ths charge, and (with great vehemence of man- ner), you have suppressed it. (Loud applause and cheering on the republican side of tho House and in the galtertes, wh caused the Speaker pro tem. to lecture the galleries and to direct the doorkeeper to clear the floor of all unauthorized persons). After some time spent in Laving order restored, Mr. Blaine again returned to the charge, and demanded of Mr. Kpott an upswer to bis quest ¢: Mr. Kxort (contemptuousiy)—I will answer when I get ready. Go on with your ‘speech. Mr. BiLaisx—I ofier the following resolution, RESOLUTION BY MR. BLAINE. Resolved, That the Judiciury Committee be instructed to report forthwith to the Howse whether, x under the resovution of the House of May 2, relative to the purchase by the Union Puettic Railrond Company of seventy-tive tand grant bonds of the Little Keck und Fort Smith bhailroad Company, said committee hax sent any telegram to one josiuh Ouldwell, in Eu pe, and received w reply thereto, And if xo that the committee report suid telegram and reply, with the date when xaid reply was received und the reavon why the hax been suppresses thor the com- d, or whet mittee has heard trom the suid Josiah Caldwell in any other way and what, ‘The gentieman (Mr. Knott) intended to convey the iden that! had some illegitimate knowledge of how that de was obtained. I have had no communication ow relesiah Caldwell and no means of kuowing rom the telegraph office when 1 wus received; bat 1 tell the gentieman from Kentucky that ‘‘murder will out’ and that “secrets will leak.’ I am prepared to state to this House that at cight o'clock or thereavouts last Thursday morning the gentleman trom Kentucky received and reeeipted for u message addressed to him from Josiah Caldwell in London, — entirely borating and sustaining the testimony of Mr. which Mr, Caldwell had just read in a New York newspaper, and entirely exculpating me from the charges which I am bound to believe from the suppression of that despatch gentlemen are anxious to fasten upon me. I move the previous question on the resolution, Mr. Hotmas, (dem.) of Ind., suggested that the reso- a could only be voted fur under a suspension of the ra Mr. Braise—Not at all. Tho resolution embraces the highest of privileges and tnvolves the good faith and honor of the Judiciary Committee. Mr. Joxxs, (dem.) of Ky.—The question put by tl gentleman from Maine to my colleague is a proper qu tion and ougut to be answered, and I have vo doubt will be avswered, . Mr. Buarxe—I thank the gentleman from Kentucky. REMARKS OF MR. HUNTOS. Mr. Hustos, (dem.) of Va (who is the chairman of the sub-committee), stated that he would make a short statement of the matter. to which the gentieman (Mr. Blaine) bad wed, and he trusted he would do it calmly, dispyssionately aud turly. The House Dad Witnessed this morn- ing a remarkable, not to say an unexampled, scence. During this session two resolutions had ucen adopted vy the House, exch of which ordered an in- Vestigation, each of which had been referred to the Judiciary Committee vy the House and cach of which had been by that committee reierred to a sub-com- mittee, consisting of Mr. Ashe, of North Carolina; Mr. Lawrence, of Ohio, and himself Before that com- mittee had reached any conclusion or had finished tak- ing testimony an eflozt was made by the gentienan WhO Was supposed to be most deepiy concerned in those investigations to take the consideration of those ques- tions from @he or of the House aud to report upon them im person, He need not Temiud the House what sort of a report would come from that committee if the gentleman frow Maine were ailowed tu make it, Alter the House bad ordered an investigation it was not only unexam., pled, but entirely aguinst legislative practice, tor a ye Ueman to use and undertake to anticipate the couctusions: of the committee, oF to state what the action ol U committee had been. When the the sub-commitice ‘was organized the gentlewan from Mame had expressed himselt not only sutistied but pleased with its personnel, and now that gentleman complained that two members ol the sub-commitiee were ex-Confederates, At the instance of the gentleman from Maine a day had been appointed on which the committee was to enier upon its duties, and now the gentieman told the House tuat he had learned first from the sub-committee that be was the patty to be investigated und not the Union Pacific Katirond Company. So far from that being 80, the first that be (Hunton) bad heard = tiom any member of the House or of the com mittee on the subject was trom Mr. Blaine himself to the cifect ihat the resolution offered by Mr. Tarbox attached to hin, and that he wanted the ine Vestigation co and proceeded with wit as nach despatch as possible. On the very day fixed the investigation had begun, and from that day to this every hour that the committee couli de- vote to it had been devoted to It, except when the gen- tleman himself prevented i. More than two weeks had been lost to the committee because of the conduct of the gentieman irom Maine, and = now that ileman tried to make the impression that it was the purpose of the the imvestigutiou.tur some sinis+ ht just us well have satd thet st w committee to postpone 1 until after the idth of June. Every member of the com- mittee would bear hin witness that the committee had worked in seusun and out of seagon, sitting ou une oc. casion nearly the entire day, i order to get through with the investiggtion prior to the I4tu of June. Every dciay that had occurred had been euher because the gentieman trom Maine was absent or requested an adjournment. in regard to the Northern Pacific and Kansas Pacitle Failroads investigation he had told Mr. Biaiwe committee would take up first the matiers which touthed hito, it he desired it. Mr. Blaine had desire: the conumitice to do so, and yot he seemed very mu Surprised wow to tind that an imvestigation was tv bo underiaken by the committes that involved au exan mation into these Pacilic réifroads, and it was pro- Jonge, aud prolonged, and prolonged, while the com- niiivee had agreed for hi skip all other inquiry under Mr, Latirell’s resolution antl the constas tse disposed of tat whieh seemed to jatne, Nid not Mr, Blaine object that uader Mr, of «stock transaction between lwo iexron—1 think mw very MU Lhe question of Jurisdiction was left to dt ane there would be a great many questions ral out, but the committee bud to dectie the question of Jurisdiction for itseli, and it had decided that it hud ju- Tisdicsion. THE MCLLIGAN MATTER, Coming down to tue Mulligan matter, Mr. Hooton spoke of Mulhigan as a Boston gout ter Was nimpeached and wumy that Mr. Fish stand what x9 reply Was subst was er kuew, aid Mr, Ath substantially the same w |. when under ex- | and the menuon | to dove au itmedmte effect | upon Me. Blane, who anmedietely whispered wy Me. Lawrence Wo wove ap adjourument, aud dir. Lawrdnee | Question tm:ght have come up. sake old fur bis purpose to | my wateh or in any other pieco y property. Mr. Frve—id not Mr. Bian iter to submit these Jotters to be exammed privately, and did not Mr. Hunton say that be would uot examine them pri- vately?. Air, Huxtoxy—I retusod to receive them pryately. Isaid to Mr. laine over and over again, “1 do Bot want to see your correspondence cither publicly or privately, I have gotwo rightto see it except af & committeeman, and thuse gentiemen who sit either side of me “have the same right ae fF have. I do not mean to receive any papers which my colleagues on the committee cannot swe ated inspect with me.?’ d the honor of 2m inti bat LT replied in the sane ww T have no right 1 ge into your house as a privute citizen and read yuur private correspondence, If 1 have a right to look at it abou it ix a8 chairman of the committee, and it I have wo right to look at it m that way I have no right to look at Aatallund I shall not doit,’ Itistor the House to deterinme whether the committee did right or wrong. It 1 have erred it bas been an error of judgment, und Tsay to-day that it i a job 1 never fancied. Mr. Buaixe—Does the geptiemun trom ist = sf br: ~geaoerae received {rom Josiuh Caldwell ip on ‘ Mr, Huxtox—My friend, the Chairman of the Judict- ary Cominittee, wiil reply to you in fuil on that siibject. Mr, Biaiyk—Thon 1 ask yuo to state whether on Thu sday morning lust the gentleman from Kentucky (ir, Knott) did not call you out of the commutes Toom and ucquaint you of that tact? Mr. Huxrox—It my triend trom Kentucky does not answer you in tuil I will. Mr. BLaisx (contemptuously}—Ab ! SURECH OF MK KN: Mr, Kyorr, of Kentucky, chairman of the Judiciary Commitee, said he bad listened to imput«tious upon himsel! within the last two hours which, coming trom a diferent source, he inight perhaps auswer very dilfer- ently from the manner be should now attempt to un- swer them. Those who were tatimately ucquatuted with him knew that he was the last man in the world to seek a personal controversy, aud he assured the House that of all men in the world the gentleman from Maine (Blaine) was the last man with whom he wopld seek such a controversy. That gentleman was entirely too immense in his proportions. “Why, map, be goth bestride the narrow peity world, We waik between his huge legs and peep about to tind our- selves dishonorable graves.” Personul controversy seemed to be that gentleman's forte. He reminded him Of Homer's description of Diomede : Dire was the clung, and dieadfal from afar, The armed Tydides rushing to the wat As a friend of his would say, the gentleman was en- Urely too bumptious and tvo usarptious for him (Laughter from the democratic side.) Two thirds of the lime the. gentleman was in the House he did uot soem to reahze whether be wus Speaker or simply a mem- ber, and, to a stranger, it would be au insolt enigma to know which he was, The gentleman had quite unnecessarily lugged him (Mr. Knott) mito this personal matter of his own, In the tirst ce, be had insinuated that Mr. Kuott), a8 chate- ad appointed on tn sub-committee, which In of these investiga. tions, te geutiemua from Virgivia (Mr. she iA from some unworthy motive he the gentleman trom North Carolina (Mr, Ashe), swer to that he had to say—first, that cher of gentlemen was his (Mr. Biaiwe’s) peor in any sense of the word, and that im point of honor it’ was no dispar agement to the ec from Maine to say they were his superiors. (Hisses and other marks of disapproba- tion from the republican side of the House. ) Mr. Kyorr—That is all right, There ore three kinds of animais in the world that hiss—vipers, geese and foola (Laughter.) In the second piace this sub-com- mittee was selected long before there was any tusinua- tion, public or private, that the gentleman trom Maine was in aay manner implicated in any of the alle; fraudulent transactions on the part of any of these corporations; und it did seem to me (when the geutle- inan flung his imputations wt me) as a little strange that he could aseribe such notions to me under the circumstances, even granting. that. the gentleman from Virginia and the gentleman from North Carolina were his personal enemies, It does seem a little remarkable that you cannot touch one of these railroads but the gentieman from Maine will squeal, aud I have no doubt that 1 struck Mr. Harrison as a litule remarkable that when that $75,000 bond transaction was mentioned in the meeting of directors, the treasurer of the Union Pacific Railroad Company should say:— “Do not say ‘anything about that, it will involve Blaine.” Bat this coimmitice was raised long belore I had any intimation that Mr. Blaine was invoived in it in any manner. 1 went to his personal friend and colieague (Mr. Frye) and asked bim to take @ position on the ‘sub-committee, which he deciined. So much for the appointment of the sub-committee, The gentieman from Mame seem to insinuate that i is tue sottied purpose of the Judiciary Committee to do something or other which might, peradventure, prevent tim from receiving the bomivation of his party at the coming convention at Cincinaati. 1 bog the yentieman to be- lieve that, so far ax 1am concerned, we are perfectly Willing be should receive that nomination. I, in the pending campaign, we cannot defeat the gentleman from Mame, then our cause ia entirely hopeless. (Laughter on the cemocratic side) If be shail rece the nominaion, und be elected by tho Amel can people ‘in the face of ail thi facts, then ail Tecan say is, “May the Lord haye mercy on the American’ poople.”? (Shouts of laughter.) [take occasion 10 say that +o Jar as these letters are concerned they were legally the property of Mr, Fisher, und were legally in the pos- session of his bailee, Sir, Mulligan, wnd that Mr. Bluine had no more right to their possexsion than | had, TheJudieiary Committe bax done the gentle- man no Wrong; ithas not even decided what shall be done with these letters. The commitice has not taken any — action the subject at all, and the gentieman ought to be tn- furmed that to-morrow mofning the question was to be brought up. Yet, in detiance of all parliamentary law. an ex-spenker of the House comes here on the pretext 0} @ personal explanation aud takes the matter away from the jurisdiction of the committee. That 18 the condition in which tis Uhing stands, It is a mat- tee stul sub judice—pot decided at all; and there was no imteniion thata seluary word of one of those Jetters would be given to the public, bat the gentleman waa vory positively assured that he would hot be martyred by the Judicury Committee. Now, why ail this noise for so littie wool? ‘Ibe Judicury Committee, oo which the genUeman has made such a vielentassauit, has acne him no wrong, on uy trary, it has extended to him every concei courtesy. ‘There was uo disposition manifested by any- body to do anything that will militate against bis intcrests in the slightest possible degree. Every re- quest that ho has ever made to the committee has been complied with, and every postpouement which he bas asked bas been granted. Everything has been dune to protect the geutleman; for, God knows, we want him nominated, He need not be afraid there will be any opposition to his bommation from this side of tle se, (Laughter. Now thee might have been—I do not know that thero would bc—a grave question presented to the con- eration of the House growing out of this thing, and that question is woether aficr the House has commit- ted A question for mvesugation to a committee the authority of the Hoase can be trifled with by having the witnesses who are summoned belore that commit- tee met by the wayside, pumped dry, their document ary evidence im their sion obtained from thein surreptitiously and w contemptuous refusal made on the aemand of the committee to deliver it up. That I do not say that it would have, Aw to THY CABLE DESPATCH from Josivh Cadwell, lt is true that last Thursday morning I did receive a despatch. The geutieman trom Maine (Mr, Blaine) seems io know precisely the hour at which I received WW wad its contents. He seems thoroughly posted on the sabjecit, bat permit me to shy with regard to the iusinuation that that telegram bas been soppressed, that any high of low. whoe he vo wiil else: e make such an insinuation, take the consequences. | burl | jalso tevih of any mao who makes a sug- ay be, will have to hood by p hot suppress it atall, In less than thirty minutes after T received it I read it to several gentiemen, But there ‘was no particular address in London from which it pur- ported to come, and | did believe—am not aitorether certain yet that | do not believe—it was a tixed up job. (armors of dissent trow the repubtican side.) Mr. Hate, (rep.) of Me.—The despatch purported to come from London and did not that indicate tu the gen- Hieman trom Kentucky where to telegraph to Josiah Catdwell? Mr. Kyorr—I had information [tary building railroads there, it Caldwell was in ad not in London. | There being no pot in Loudon’ designated in the des spoteb it struck me as bemg a little simzutar, 1 should bave Leen expected to address a reply to London, where there are three of tour millions of people. | might as Well have gone to hunt Jora drop in the ocean, Mr, HaLk—Does not the geutiewan know that the NEW YORK HERALD, TUESDAY, JUNE 6, 1876—TRIPLE SHEET. tyiv telegraph office in London would have forwarded the dezpaich to Mr. Caldwell’s address, that 1s the a ad method of ascertaining the adurcss of per- Mr. Kxorr—The gentleman knows ‘ore about | - than I do, Mr. Hate—I know enough to know that Will the gentleman read the despatch, in order to let the House see what is in it? Mr. Kxorr—Wheu I get ready I will, Ihave asked the gentleman from Maine, who seests to be so thor- oughly posted about it, how he gov his information, and he has declined to tell m Now, let tbe matter rest right there, Mr. Frye—it the gentleman from Kentucky refuses to produre that despatch, 1 will be entirely satistied that Mr. Blaine has not learned the whole of it, and I desire to ask it there is not son-.thing cise in that de- spateh which 1s kept back ¥ Mr. Kyorr—No, gir. Will that satisfy you? Mr. Garvittpand several other republicans—'Read it! Read it!" Mr. Kxorr—Will the gentlemen possess their souls im tience? I despatch here. It ts at my e substantiaily as Slated by (Mr, Blaine). I do not at it in exact terms. The purport of it is that Mr, Caldwell had seen Thomas A, Scott's testimony in the New York papers, and that it was substantially co: rect; that ne had not let Mr. Blaine have any bonds, and that he would send an affidavit to that eflect, bub ‘that he was engaged in railroad enterprises over there and could not come to give his testimony without seri- ous pecuniary loss. This is substantiaily what is in it, and if the gentieman had only waited that de the gentleman from Man know that i can rep patch would have been presented to the com- mittee for whatever use the commit mi reo proper to make of it I had no sire to iujure the gentleman from Maine personally, und especiully not politically, but [ desire the- truth way be told. As for mysell, 1 had no knowledge of any transaction by the gentleman from Marne incon- hest personal integrity. 1 do not desire that he suouid be injured in the least, bu I do desire that if any person 18 guilty of wrong ‘we shall turn tho gas on und let the people gee bim. (Laughter and applause. ) Mr. BLaixx moved the previous question on his resolution, and attempted to make further remarks, but was prevented by loud calls “to order” and by the Speaker pro tem, ruling that be was not entitled to the fic or fur that purpose. The House retused to second the previous question, | and then, on motion of ifr, Baxsixa, of Ohio, the mo- tion of Mr. Blaine was referred to the Committee on | the Jadiciary—yeas 124, nays 97. The Ho alter a day of great excitement, ad- Journed at six o'clock, THE BLAINE LETTERS, The following ere among the most important of Mr. Blaino’s letters to Mr. Pisher:— [Private and personal.) Avausta, We., Augnst 31, 1872, of Tate My Pra that Tdid r Lhave been al sant. so muel ive your luxt letter uvtl it last wrote you L was expecti cul confererice about this time, but 4 and it ix uvw' impossible fF aur election, which occurs | miny week, t mseon the 10th possible moment for that’ purpose, T cannot, How a remork in your letter to pass without’ @ wsay that you have been trying to yet a xetth me for fitteen months. You have been trying to induce me to comply with ¢ rtain demands whieh you mude upon me, without takin: oot not fill my idea both sides. settlement fuse it. Axone ot the elements sh to take into account is the note of 810,000 in 1853 tor Spencer stock. [codre that you will with the items of interest on that note that you ald not charge mo possibly or two years, I will Higed If yo ation on thix point. for T intend to submit id explicit settlement. und in making it tI should have this intoe- . Pl mptly ax you may be able to give itto me. In haste, very truly yours, J. G, BLAINE, Wanruss Fisner, Ju, Esq. Avausta, Me., Oct. 1, 1871. My Drar Ma Tam doing all in my powor to ex. edite and hasten t ry of the stock. “The delay hax en, occasioned by cireumsiances wholly beyand my con: trol 1 reach 4 conclusion within w few day mal Sellvens. It will be an ita relic! my hands. = T fur greutet than for you receive It. have strangely misunderstood Mr. Caldwell in regi his paying thes» notes. He has paid me only just $6,000, leaving $19,000 due, which I am carrying here at eight and eight and w half percent interest, aid which emb:rrasses me beyond all imagination, I do not really know which way to turn fof relief, am so pressed and hampered with the Little Rock and Forth Smith mat- you cannot I do uct know Politically I am churged with being a . and personally and pecuniurily I am laboring arful embar 18, sugthe atest of all embarrns whien 1 handed ove: ders, and net one dollar of which I have received. Of the $25,000 original debt, Mr. Caldwell has paid $6,000, und 6,090 only. Can you not give me some hope of relict in this matter? It ly cruel beyond measure to leave me x0 exposed and ru muffering, Yours, truly, J. G. BLAINE. Avausta, Me., July 2, 1869, My Dean Me, Frau if lam sutisfied with the offer you made me of course T am I think it a i at all it i from considerations ed with | the racter of the offer. ‘of deal. with. movin ai ony " [tg @ivht years has uot passed without my full appr Hon, | What I_wrote you on the 27th, was inteuded to bring aldwel! to n definite proposition. w: T go to Re thi letter and will at your office to-morrow at tw if you don’t Avcusta, Me., Oct. 4, 1: angel idwell's statement in regard to his 82, owed money which I lonned the com- pany through him and you lsat January. Mr. Caldwell paid ine in June $3,000 and in July 82.500 more, xecepting wt the same tine a draft for $2,500 July 10, ton days, which draft remains unpald. 1 have, therefore, well, leaving $19,000 besides the interest due me. ‘To-d for that $19,000 I am individually held, and considering the circumstances I think that you aud Mr. Caldwell shou paying rd it as an jebt, and you should nut for money ‘which I raised under Cu eos; and) thon again have been used with positive cruelty in regard to the nds. 1 have your positive written contract to deliver me $129,000 land bonds and $32,500 first mortgage bonds. ‘The money due you on the contract was all paid nearly ® yoar and half ago, O' whole amount of ‘due me T hav round — numbers—and $ we willeall it square. Mr, - well has repeatedly assured ine that T should be pald alt the bonds due me under contracts with you und outside of that $20.0) dus me trom him. I voluntarily offer to make avery large ecduction if Texan have the matter closed. I ithout doub:, the onty person who has _pald without receiving that, and I think with me that hi It would be au iinmewse, im if Teould receive the monoy int to pay off next six weeks, so thet I with the load ‘taken off wns placed there in the fullest faith and ou nnd Mr. Caldwell would not let me cling to that faith und coufide © my shoulders. I confidence that suffer, and 1. stil will mach oblige me by showing this letter to Yours very truly, JAME: Wasmixarow, May 14, 1870. My Dear Ma. Fisner—Tthink onthe whole that [had better not invest on the $10,000 ndditional bouds at the samo rate. My engagement’ ix bienk out of it with honor. 1 seen to be ex felt that Mr. € manly apirit toward me in tho ona, On the wh perhaps, to let thins remain ag they are, but I will your Judgment in thia matter if { ean find what itis, Yours, ke. J. G, BLAINE, EXCHANGE ELECTIONS.’ Tie annual election of officers of the New York Produce Exchange, held yosterday, resulted as tol- lows: posit PRESIDENT. ition, LJ w. Blane’ Opposition. Teg W. A. Colo see 1,197 W. A. Cole, + 836 C.Spear....... VICE PRESIDENT, or , TREASU Regul posit ion. lar. B.C. Bogert......++6+ 765 W. H. Phillips, « 432 | MANAGERS. ayes | Opposition. lar, 8. A. Sawyer, + 1,183 Samuel A. Sawyér,. 1,183 | John @, Dale.....+s. 1,178 Jobn G. Dale, 1,178 James L. Flint...... 1,128 James McGee 418 E.R Livermore... 1061 James [,, Flint. 1,128 Fred. Sherwood,.... 850 Samuel Freoman.... 300 | Samuol Dally....... 825 Thomas Bamber, Jt, 396 K. Van Taasel,...... 709 Edward Hinckeu 409 | J, A. Amelung, i. 426 | Horatio Reed. “ 387 Frod, Meisatier..c.0. 772 1,061 Geot a . 389 431 Tho annual election of the olficers of the New York Cotton Exchange, to serve during the ensuing year, was heid yesterday on the main floor of the Exchange, in Hanover square. The bal!oting opened at ton A. M. intil two P. M. At the close of the poll favor of James F. Wenman for Presi- D. G, Watts, Vice President, and Walter T. Miller, Treasurer. The gentlemen elected have been, since the organization of the Exchange, amoog its prominent members. The Board of Managers will be announced to-morrow, GENERAL M’CLELLAN ROBBED. Of late General George B. McClellan has paid frequent visits to the Central Offico to consult with the Superin- tendent in regard to a robbery recently committed, by which it 18 believed he jost considerable property. The nature and extent of the robbery ure kept a strict secret by tho police for the present. NATIONAL PRISON CONGRESS. The fourth National Prison Congress of the United States will convene to-night in Steinway Hall. There will be ward of 160 delegates {rom all parts of tl Union, Among them will ve Professor Fi land, of Yule; Rev. Rovert Coliyor, United States Sen- ator J. M. Harvey, Hon, Joveph Burnet, President Board Prison Commissioners; Chancetlor Biot, Wash- ington University; United Senator Bogy, Hu Horatio Seymour, and others, of this city. The open- ing address will he delivered by ex-Governor Seymour, und other addresses will be deiivered by William Callen Bryant, Mayor Wickham, Hoo. Kicvard Vaux, of Pean- a, aud Mr, Z. i Brockway, of Michigan, THE KERR SCANDAL. Harney's Testimony Coutradicted on Material Pointe, AN INDIGNANT BOARDING HOUSE KEEPER. ° The Effort to Trace the Authorship of the Anonymous Letter. COURSE OF BLISS AND DARLING. An Explanation From the Speaker of the Appoiniment of Greene. Wasuixetos, June 5, 1876. Tho Committee on Expenditures in the War Depart- ment to-day coutinued the investigation into the charges against Speaker Kerr. Mary T. Murray testified that she resided on Capitol Hill since 1865 and kept boarders there. In Deceim- ber, 1865, Lawrence Harney hired a room at ber house; in 1866 be also had a room there with his wife, and both took their meals there, Mr, Danford ruised the point as to how far the com- mittee would go into this partof the matter, taking the ground that the witness could not be contradicted on an immaterial or a collateral question. Mr. Eliott, counsel for Mr. Kerr, replied, taking the ground that it was competent to show by tho anteceden.s of the witness that he was not a competent witness, Mr, Biackburu said that if Haruey hud delivaracely swor. falsely as to bis married ify the committce was entitled to how whether such was the fact. Mr. Danford repeatelf his objection, and asked whether this committee wampot bound by the same rules that a court would enfogce and whether a witness would not be entitled to pro: tecticn. Mr. Blackburn said the ‘committee was not bound by the strict technical rules that govern courts the question was as tu the date of Harney’s marria; and if it could be shown that he had perjured himself it would impeach his credibility as a witness, Mr, Elliott referred to the testimony taken on the 2d inst., in which Harney said he was married in July, 1867, to Annie Prior, and that he had no wife when he was here as an assistant doorkeeper. Mr. Elliott quoted Judge Story to show shat if a witness does not testify correctly in relation tow fuct about which he could not be mistaken, he 18 not entitied to credence. Mr. Clymer also took ground that it was competent to pursue a question so us to show the character of the man; for if Harney was not married atthe time he boarded with Mrs. Murray be lived im adulterous in- tercourse with a woman there, Mr. Clymer asked the question of Mrs, Murray:—‘Did you have any doubt whether the woman who lived with Marney at’ your house was hisjwife?? ‘+I would not have boarded them had 1 thought they were not married, and if I had found out that they had deceived me, I would have got rid of them. I keep a respectable boarding house, and would not have boarded 4 man and woman who were Dot married for $100 a day.”” TESTIMONY OF GREENE. General Augustus P. Greene, recalled, sald he nevor heard any conversation between Harney and Kerr out- side of the introduction of him by Harney to Mr. Kerr, He was satiailed that Harney was too far off to hear their conversation. Mr. Kerr did not say that ho must obtain additional recommendations from democrats. He on that occasion said he would like to have recom- mendations of prominent men addressed to him per- sonally. He (witness) never accompanied Harney to Mr. Kerr’s room. He never authorized Harney to buy a commission for him as an origiual proposition, The proposition must have come from Harney, because he didnot thivk he could have ad ‘prdpositicu to Harney to corrupt a member of Congfoss. He never mentioned the money transaction with Harney to any- body. Harney said to hin that the payment of money would be a sperdy way of procuring the appointment of second heutenant, and, of course, wanting to be appointed, he accordingly made his arrangement with Harney. He told Harney be had $450, which he would give for the place. Harney never sent to” him for the difference between $400 and $450, The witness ap- plied to Hon. Morgan Jones for the appointment, but that geutieman did nothing for him. After further testimony, contradicting Harney in some particulars, the witness said he did not believe that Harney ever paid Mr, Kerr a cent of the money he paid to him. ‘TERSTIMOXY OF J. 8. MOORK, J. 8, Moore was sworn and testified that Speaker Kerr infurmed bis that he had received an anonymous note to the effect :— Aramor is clreulating in New York that ono Harney. in the Appruiser's office, paid you in 1866 $450 for tl ppoint- ment ot A. P. Greene to # second lieutenancy in the army iarney my be summoned. Doos not want tobe. Has uot be ‘The Speaker related to Mr. Thompson, of New York, and th@witness that in 1866 a young mau applied to him for an appointment in the army and stated the at- ten laut circumstances, At the suggestion of the wit- hess the Speaker made acopy of the anonymous note and the witness proceeded to New York to investigat: the matter, both agreeing not to take notice of tho mero rumors, Goiug to New York he saw Harney, and taking trom his pocket the copy of the note he in- formed Hurney that be had just come trom Washing- ton and was a trend of Mr. Kerr, Harney shook a Inule tn bi id when it was shown to him. Harney did not loox at it more than ten seconds. Harney said he did not send it to Mr. Kerr; had not inspired it, and knew nothing about it Harney did not want to talk about it, and told the witness to go to his lawyer. In reply to the question why he stould go to_ his lawyer, Harney said his own lips were sealed, Witness then reminded Harney of the seriousness of the charge uguingt Mr. Kerr, and said:— “Ifyou cannot substantiate it you and your fellow conspirators will have to go up the river,’ Harney showed great reluctance to come to Washing- ton to testify in the matter, and in further conversa- tion Harney reterred the witness to his lawyer, Wit- ness finally went to Harney’s lawyer, Judge Ditten- hoffer, aud said that Harney had sent him there. Tne Judge, after reading the copy of the an¢nymous note, said he was the lawyer of William A. Dar- ling, who was in troubie about the Third Ave- nue Savings Bank, but was not Harney’< lawyer, bat Harney thought he must take care of him as he was a kind of protégé ot Bliss. Darling had « enpla ned to the Judge that the newspapers had been pe rsec"ting hin, and said he now had something to shut them ap. The Judge asked Darling what good a scandsl agninst Speaker Kerr could do hh nd reminded bim that that was not the way to he wus going to hi published i all ¢ sant he knew about the subject. ~The witness testified that at a conference in Representative Morrison's room there were present the Speaker, Senator Meclsonvaid, Hoa. Scott Lord and Mr. Thompson, ot New York. They came to the conc.usion that, as the writing and sending of an anonymous letter was an indictable offence in New York, they would © a lawyer to trace and find the writer it and bring the matter before a crimu court, which woud bi the effect of putrishing a con- spiracy. The witness was advised by Speaker Kerr to return to New York and engage Sidney Webster to rosecute the matter in the most vigorous manuer. ‘he next morning he went to New York, waw Mr. Web- ster and gave him the anonymous note which Mr. Kerr had received and on which Mr. Kerr had put a private mark to identity it. Mr. Webster went to work and sent out detectives in order to find the writer of the Thu vould no 4on bad letter and bring the matter to an issa doubt huve been done if the present invontiga: not interfered with it. In further testimony Mr, Moore said Harney, while in New York, remarked to him that, now that Darlin; had gone away there were remaining George Bhs Jobuny Davenport, who were bad men and scoundrels, and hewn Aaene he, too, wanted to gu away. The wit- nes told Harney that if summoned he would have to testify before the committee, The witness axked Har- ney whore Greene was, and received as a reply :— “1 have not seen Greene lately. He has gone to the ‘bad’ and took to drink when I left off,” aud Harney repeated to him thi LISS AND DAVENPORT wanted to make political capital scandal, and were damned scoundrels it of the Kerr st rascals. The Speaker came inte the committee room quite feeble, and presented the toilowing statement, which was read by Mr. Eliott. ‘THe SPEAKER'S STATEMENT. Ise u e way 1 did wot understand that done under the prov sions uf any pre-existing In department regulation wut! eh taw, was being don upon him by law, like cadets to the weademles, but father «pi him. by the War Depurtin T remember public preys xome department order un the sunject, terms of whieh 1 do not remember. It is well known t regarded the # Intent us due ty my district or Stat co to all, others if application were made, ly that L offered the recom different tines in 1s wither whowe name I fee! as Morcison, both of whom had im the volunteer army. 2 am eing in the ject, the mek eon confident was Major Thom rendered gallagt service 3 iinet nin icine pat in doubt as to the tender of the place | Morrison by fuet that be, we TF learn tl | my law partner ‘thinks shut the of appointment was made ‘to him in 1867 Lostead of i, I am mistaken at all it iy omy, sto tie na | it wots reeullectivn that L uffered whom I regarded a» worthy aad jewen however, both declined. at any demeratic suidier ever applied to 1 iy Know that T held the ape dh duced to me by Harney, but if be was | have no. reeol- lection whatever of the tact. This only T know, that T did ees OF AL any period of my Tif " T never tulked wi mid have zone beyond ta of the day, He never was ati o anywhure, T never talked with merest expressis He uever visited any pay) me one iu the world, utterly and wickedly talse 4 have talked with him volving honor, official decency and personal sai have retained a vivid recollection of the fact. i oduced in some way to Mr Greene, and my reeol- hat the first interview we had was on on of the hall of the House during # sexsion of the Hous witnessed hiv anxiety to get the enthusiasm with which He exbibi any purpose that subject is he | ted pup er, but 1 do y.crealtahle to hie. in substance that 1 rem this soldierly build ‘ him, wre copa stranver to me. of these Kentiemen whose recom dations you produce ure strangers to me, If you can eet some recommendations from persons in “New. York in person or by repu lined to consider Hi He answerag atfirmatively, that return to New York and get them . How long he was gone Ido. not know, to Ox any time I would say it could hardly ji Sinu a week. He did return with sev e001 T should think not lens than half a do trom perso the kins I had indicated, who did recommend him, both om personal grounds und asa soldier. I regard mendations, together with othe-y I had seen, as cloarly plac- him within the requirements of the law or the regula- i upon 1 gave him the ndatios me time that I had application from A thought it quite safe to us sume at that late day that would be none, Mr. Greene states that I smi iz to him at the si letter. T feel quite clear in the impression that I req faked Mr. Greone to Ro to the department. and get tho precise torm of words that woald meet the requirements of the department for me to indorse ou bis application, and that 1 ‘dla simply copy that fori on the back of hix application. It is possivic, ever, that I may be mistake nin beielly to ‘steps L did i 10 comm why it was reference Harney and recowm| army, whe had been appoii 5 recollection — whatever of. Harney. know, therefore, how to interpret the ie, except by the assumption that ckrail, in which opinion my friends almost universally |) Mr. J. 8, Moces happened to be in this eity wb dinuly friendly tor Our relations had been exeve y wind at onee turned ty him, ku othe New York House, Id likely secure some intormatior von ufter the receipt of this note 1 nse Department that Mr. Greene had been dis: rvice, on the verdictot # court martial, fi It occurred to me that he might since have ® wreck onduct and characte 6H men for lawless to ascertain not only w get his return to New York as lu m1 used mittee to the testimony of Mr. Moore, whieh [ think is very substantially correct and tuil on tho-e points, ‘The recom: mendation of Greene tor the appointment was made on th 12th of June. and the time allowed for presenting these ap: lications exp.red on the 23th of Juiy, teould m it nay the time that that rig expire unt a sn Kd muke specitic regulations abo persede the others then © By the Chairman—Q. is this (producing a scrap of paper) the anonymous note that you received’ A. ‘This is the identical note that was received by me un- der cover of an envelope postmarked New York [tore off that envelope as I generally du and threw it on the floor und gave no thought to it afterward. Be- fore I yeut this to New York for uae by the detectives, under direction of Mr, Sidney Webster, 1 put a private murk on one corner ot it, The employment by me of Mr. Webster was made through the agency of Mr. Moore, who, on account of his close connection with economic matters, the tari and so on, hud becowe not only intimate with me, but very frieudiy years velure in those old tarit! tights, I telt, therefore, free to entrust to tim this matter, under the advice of counsel iu New York, 1 wanted steps taken there te protect ine against any danger that might be threat ened, 1 did not know wiat imigut be. I remember only the appointment of Greeus, I knew nothing about Harney, I was advised that an attempt to biack: mail aby one under the luws of New York was felony, aud I promptly determined to jerret this thing out, U neets be, to the extent of mw cram prosecution against tho man Harney, or wheevet tho person might be, 1 desired full 1usormation about Greenc—naturally, | thiuk—because be had peem dis iwissed irom the army, aud 1 never had seen bim sims his appointment, except for, possibly, two mimates at my own oifico ia the city ot New Alvapy, Ind. when he called tv bis respects, and lerview then was ¢xtremely short and ‘merely formal. 1 did not know but he might have become a very debased mun,.capable auy- thing. IT bad had some grevious ex; of the degradation which men could reach New York—poxsibly there a little more than ” the cuuntry—und 1 was desirous of gutting oe information I could about Mr. Greene. required by the committee, | desire not to into details of what was dove in New York. is more fumiliar with the proceedings there tham 1 have had nis statement; | know what bis is in substance, and Lum’ willing to uccept it om point, It has been suggested by curious persous, my last visit to New York, when I-had ten ! leave: of absence from the House, was on this bi Is was, | muyt a 4 the literal truth that visit was, on account of health, I haa reached a crisis and hadte do somothing, und 1 route ser Y ; fr aa. vice; 1 was very sick all the t was there; while thero I did not wee any person from iyo information had been obtained, take uny steps or make ai ure aguinst Harney, except that on iho might of the day betore returned from New York my attorney, Mr, Webster, called at my room; the only other gentleman there was Mr, Marbie; I saw none ot the public men of New York, politicians or others; ut that interview betwoen these two gentiemen and myself our conversation was general, pertaining a good deal to my health and somewhat to the conduct of affairs in the House, but not for more than two iwiputes shout thi matter, and even that brief conversation happened this wi Mr. Webster, after bo bad risen to leave, giving me his hand, said: “Ldid notcome to you to talk business. I know how feeble you are. But in reference to that matter I want to say to you that you must not let it worry rout ‘That and a fow more words of tho same sort is all that was said on this subject at that time; I talked with Mr, Moore, however, more at length about the matter, iving me some facts, but that was not the object for wuich { went to Now York; L have now said all I desire to say, and I am ct service of any gentleman who desires to interrogate me. Mr. Danford—Do you now remember how late that session of Congress lasied ? Mr. Kerr—I really cannot tell you, Mr. Danfora. Mr. Danford—That law passed on the 28th of July. Mr. Kerr—Sol am iniormed; I have not locked it up; I have not been able to search the records. By Mr. Eltiott—Q Do you know tho Hon. Morgan Jones, ot New Yorky A. Ido Idesire tosay tothe committee that this morning 1 was toformed by @ member of the House trom New York who returned from there last night, that the Mon. Morgan Jones, wha was a inember at the time these transactions occurred, called on him while he was in New York and said tha¢ be had read the statement of Harney in the papers and knew of at least une falsehood in his testimouy—viz., the statement that he had never talked with any other member of the House on the subject of this uppuint- ment, Mr. Meade tmformed me that Mr. Jones then told him that he bad. a converstion with Mr, Haroey, in which Harney expressed his great desire to ar at FE appomtment for Grvene, and had asked Mr. whei! had made his appointment and asked big assistance m the matter, adding at the sam time (this {3 was stated to me) “It 1 can appointment it — wil secure me a handxome present,’ Jones rephed “Yes, | have made ny ap; 1 have nothin to do with your prese “No, I have not made my termined m my own mit Mr. Jones further said, as 1 am informed, that at one time belore this appointment was made he was in a lit. tie meeting of democrats, in the nature of a caaens, in a committee room, and that, after the caucus was transacted, he ted =omy tention and said to mo that he would be glad if { could uid this Mr. Greene in getti intent ; ng he believed him to bea worthy and m Ot course I apprecime the fact that this is not sirictly competeat testimony, and I reterred to it only to say that | was well acquainted with Mr. Jones, and bad frequently had conversations with him, avd, al- though I du not distinctly recall that conversation, nod 1 iw by no means improbable that 1¢ occurred, and ti he made to ine such a tion, Mr. Biackburn—May J ask you, Mr. Kerr, whether any citizen of your district ever application to you for that place? A. I say anqualifiediy that no one ever did; these offers were wade On occasions of per sonal inte! ire between the gentlemen to whom bor anda young man ot brightuess and ability; stadying law, but he had recently come it oF the army, where he held the rank of Colonel jor a while, and he naturally had some military ambition; jaw in iny office, ae of our frequent views I lightly cot enter the | bet hl Me tr and : idate for the republican nomination in iny succeed me. Mr, Morrison, the other whom I offered it, was theh a co-operating with the democratic this sort, Whether m thie appoint pin here Enid ton usenitemadiern v what are sometimes cal usually Indicated a way in which ihe denied otc i might be attained, which was an absolutely imi mA way, and whoever the su was got it without reference to politics, ast mi Jet was the gon of a republican, ts not teriai to the question here. trating what | bave said as my these matters, ‘The committee them adjourned till to-morrow.