The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1853-03-01
Enormous Frauds.

An investigation is going on before COM
mittee of tho United States Senate, relative to
expenditures of the Capitol Extension. 1t al
ready appears that the Treasury has been de-
frauded of the sum of 100000. In giving
the following testimony it is proper to remark
that SAM STRONG, is a well known charter, in
Now York and Albany, ,and began some time
ago to work his way into the National Treasu-
ry. Those who thought to use him have dono
so at a fearful cost to the publc:-
Isaiah Doan being duly sworn, testified that
Strong sent for and employed him on tho pub
lie works at the capitol; that he is no regular
mason: worked on the north wing for fifteen
and one-fourth days; got from Strong his tick
ct on the paymaster for $40 so: Strong, after
he drew the money, asked him show much he
got: and told him on drawing it "not to allow
any one to see it." he took tho money after
wards from witness. and no (witness,) got back
pay at the ratio of s i,50 per day for Is days,
Strong retaining the balance: this was in Sep
tember last: next month, worked twenty two
days, and was paid, on tho order received from
Strong, S57 37h gave back the whole to
Strong and was paid back again by him (Strong)
at the rate of 81 80 per day: he tStrong) kept
the balance: the next month was paid $50 25.
returned the difference as usual, and was paid
at the same rate ofl 80. this month (January)
was employed also. and during most of tho
time was occupied in building house for him
self, only worked during tho month for ten
days, and was paid, however, S58 so onStrong's
order. Strong demanding and receiving tho
difference as usual, at 81 so; next month work.
ed fifteen or sixteen days; was paid $40 so:
kopt that sum and left the building, because
was in expectation of being discharged; was alb
sent four days and was sent for again by Strong
was employed with tho understanding, that
was to refund Strong part of the money ro-
tanned: did so, and was allowed for the four
days that was absent: | continued on tho
work in this way until the present month; on
ly worked one day and was paid for three.
james Duffy testified that he worked thir-
teen DAYS in September, 1851 on tho work:
was put in thero by John Kinsoy, timo-keep-
err; got S57 for some cents: paid Kinsley Sl5
for Strong: is n regular mason; got his ticket
for S56 when he worked but thirteen days;
was paid on tho ticket or order from Strong.
by the paymaster, at the rate of 80 25 per day
and agreed with Strong TO receive out of
81 10, giving him the balance.
Timothy Gleason corroboratcd the former
witness: got 80 25 per day, and was allowed
but so by Strong for the number of days he
was employed: this was according to verbal
agreement, made between Samuel Strong and
myself; the agreement was signed by Hobert
Strong, the brother Of Samuel.
Patrick Cussic testified that no less than nino
or ten men were paid on charges for truck hire
on one truck four men would be sufficient on
one truck.
TThe difference in this way Of the charging
for truck hire, il was estimated would take no
less than $50 or go per day from the govern
ment.
Witness stated furthor-From fifteen to
twenty men were employed on the capitol who
were not masons, but laborers: they got 81 20
per day: saw one of thom receive at the ratio
of 81 25 per day from Strong: heard him say
he gave back at the rate of 8 per day to
Strong keeping the remainder, 81 25 for him
self; tho pier at the south wing gave way thrcc
times and was pointed up again Ito conceal
the sct,lement) three times; Michael Goulden
was there for three weeks grouting and plas-
tering the cracks: saw Walter. the architect.
near them but did not notice him looking at
tho defects.