The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1859-09-01


would prefer replying to written interrogations
propounded by the Committee.
July llth.-The Committee on Highways ap-
peared before the COMMITTEE who refused to speak
slngly, but desired that all should be present when
the lnterrogatories were propounded to them. In
answer to questions by the Committee they said
that it was their duty to superintend the construc
ton OF the road, and that they were doing so; they
all, except Mr.. Van Nostrand, considered that the
provisions of the ordinance were being carried out
Mr.. Van Nostrand thought the grades of the cross
ings were improper. Mr.. Beacham one of the con-
tractors, stated that bids were received from
any firm in Baltimore for the iron; no proposals is
sued for nails; contract was given to j. Hopknson
Smith; declined to answer with whom Shoemaker
d Co. contracted -..EI -
j. II. Bailey, City Commissioner before the Com
mittee. stated that he had done nothing officially as
regarded the construction of the track; he declined
to act, because he had not been notified officially to
do so; he advised to this course but declined
giving the name OF his adviser thinks City Com
missioner that the ordinance relates to the con-
struction of track has not been complied with:
never received q notice from the grantees or as
signees, to superintend the construction: was
waited on by James II. Wood, who informed him
that some gentlemen were waiting to see me at
the railroad office in st. Paul street. on important
business; went there and was shown some specifca-
tions and samples of iron; don't know if any mem
Der OF the Council was offered any consideration to
influence his vote, or any railway bill.
Gilbert J. Bryson stated to the Committee that
he was the chief engineer of the railway; received
his appointment from the assignees was introduced
ny Mr.. Browning to Mr.. Brock at Barnums; was
then appointed engineer; did not solicit the appoint
ment; at solicitation of Brock went to PHILADELPHIA
to see the tracks there and consult the engineer;
Brock pays; the first ground broken here was on
the Z4th May; had conferences with original gran
tees IN regard to the specifications did not submit
them to City Commissioner, the ordinance was
the guide in all things; am responsible to as
signees; don't know who awarded contracts
Mr.. Shoemaker did not appear before the Com
n of
which required special attention at night
Josiah H. Bromwell stated to the Committee that
he was of the firm of CalIow & CO.; they proposed
to build the road for $4,000 per mile, single track
and $1,000, double track; they had made arrange
ments to send pig iron to Cumberland to be rolled
into rail; 1000 tons to be delivered per week at $50
per ton; made no effort to have it rolled in Balti-
more; thought it could not be DONE
July 4th.-Mr. Willet stated to the Committee
that he had not made much examination of the
track, as being constructed; was a party to the
Brooks bill; William H. jenkins called at his store
to Geo. B. Clarke; Jenkins told him money
would be used In getting the railway bills through
the Council, and if they wanted to use any that
way, they better make up their minds at once Jen-
kns said Clarke could loan $40 at the office of the
Board OF Control and Review, to feel the pulse of
the members; told Jenkins we did not intend to
work that way; were willing to give contracts
to members, if they were as reasonable
as others; jenkins said he intended to
vote for our bill, and also said now mind Mr.
Wlllet, shall expect the paving contract through
Mr.. Holbrook; Mr.. HOlbrook handed me his bid for
paving; Jenkins also said he could control Mr. Col
toms vote, as they had made an arrangement to
vote together all bills (laughter;) Crowley and
Alexander, parties to bill, were in favor of ap-
propriating money for the Council members; there
was committee appointed and they had power to
spend for advertising, suppers &C.; we expected to
get all the money and the iron in Baltimore; don't
Know OF any member being offered anything for
his vote.
J. f. Turner stated he was interested in the ON
nIbus bill; was never applied to by any member for
n consideration for his vote: had interview with
VIM II. Jenkins, thought he would support our
bill; did not sign note to be handed over to pay
members for votes
Geo. B. Clarke stated to the Committee that he
thought the track as being laid did not conform to
the ordinance; thought it a good job he put in a
proposal by another gentleman to build the road;
John Hinesly was in the room; he said there was no
chance for him, as he did not vote the American
ticket; offered to build for SI4 900 double and
$4,000 per mile SINGLE could have given security to
build for that no member approached him with
avOwed expectation of being bribed to his knowl-
edge; had a conversation with Mr.. VIM. IL. Jenkins
At this stage OF the reading, Mr. Talbot, rather
excited, arose and said: .-
Mr. PRESIDENT, must object to reading this tes-
timony;Mr. Jenkins has branded this Mr. Clarke as
graduate of the Massachusetts Peniteutiarv. | ap-
peal to the members of the Branch and to the lobby
whether they should hear what graduate of Pen
ltentiary says about a citizen of Baltimore and
member of this Branch. This has been denied bv
Clarke, but the question has not yet been brought
to an issue. We, sir, know nothing about Clarke,
but we do know something about Mr.. jenkins; we
know that he has been a soldier in Florida and in
Texas and in Mexico, and he now represents the
twentieth part of the city of Baltimore in this
Council. We should be very careful, sir, before
we allow a fellow-member to suffer under the SIAN
ders of one coming from other sections of the
country, of whom we know nothing. The member
from the Sth ward has branded Clarke as a convict;
no dare brand the member from the Sth in
that ha
fore we hear the testimony of this man read here'
The PREsTDENT-(rapping. )-'This is out of or
der"
Mr.. JENKINs.-''I am a thousand times obliged
to my friend from the 9th ward, but would prefer
that the Clerk
The PREsrDENr.-"T -"There is no question before the
Branch-it is out of order"
Mr.. TALBoTT.-'1 make it a question 60 lay this
portion of the journal over; do it for the sake of
the member from the Sth; Clarke makes no mention
OF me in his statement"
Mr.. JENKINs.-"Wu the gentleman withdraw his
motion. hope the putrd effusion will be read;
desire it; am not in the least Disconnected"
Several members commenced talking, and the
President raped Justify.
Mr.. TALBoTT.-''Well, l withdraw; let the Clerk
go on"
The Clerk proceeded with the statement of Geo.
b. Clarke. Jenkins said that these railroad bills
would make stir in the Council; that Capt. James
and Mr.. Glanville were using money for the Brooks
bil that he was going to vote for it, and by Cd
conversation also with Mr.. Wood.
Mr.. TALBoTT, excited. )-''Mr. President, | again
object to this being read"
Mr.. BAIN.-''l rise to point of order"
The PREsIDENT.-''This is entirely out of order;
that is the opinion of the chair
Mr.. TALBoTT-''Thato opinion is erroneous"
Mr.. JENKTNs-'lh hope, sir, the book will be read"
Mr.. TALBOTT-''I object"
The PREsDENT.-"It is out of order unless there
is motion made
Mr.. TALBOT -''WelI l move that that portion
be passed over, unless the gentleman from the 18th
ward Mr. Wood) rises in his seat and expresses
his satisfaction that it shall be read
Noice.-"I second it,
Mr.. TALBoTT.-If the gentleman from the 18th
The PRESIDENT wait till the Chair puts the mo-
tion.''
Mr.. TALBoTT.-'I know my business, and the
President don't know his business
The ePREsIDENT.-"Thatsy your opinion of the Pres
ident."
Mr.. WooD.-''I have not the slightest objection
to the reading of the journal; the only objection
ever had was to printing it; don't care what he
says about me; have inquired about town con-
cerning this Clarke, and all persons who know any
thing about him have said they would not believe
him on his oath; have objection to the read
ing"
Mr. NEwMAN.-"Mr. President am no apologist
for Mr. Clarke, but, according to the common law
OF society, he stands honest man until he is
proved otherwise. He has been charged with hav-
ing been Penitentiary convict, and who, sir,
makes the charge? In conversation with some re-
spectacle firms in this city, they have all pronounc
ed it u libel upon Mr.. Clarke. Things have come
to pretty pass, when mans character shall be
assailed in this Branch, and no opportunity be al
lowed him to defend it. Who makes this charge?
"a man who has himself been defaulter to the
city of BatimOre-a man, sir
Mr.. JENKINS, Violently. )-"lt is a lie"
The President rapping and several members
their feet; considerable confusion.
The PREsIDENT-''Ths IS out of order; the gentle
man will take his seat" (Rap, rap.)
Mr.. NEwMAN.-''I am called liar; can l submit
to such thing from defaulter like that
vOice.-"Name your author"
Mr.. NEWMAN. 81 will name him; Mr. Fleming
told me himself, the man who paid the money to
Col. Sanderson the Collector; and sir, | told
that when making the last assessment, he would go
to parties -"
Here the President raped so strenuousy with
his gaye that the reporter could not hear the con-
clusion Of Mr.. Newmans remarks.
The PREsIDENT.-"The gentleman from the 14th
ward must take his seat"
Mr.. BAIN.-'1 rise to point of ORDER"
Mr. BEALE.-"The member from the l4th ward
don't obey the gavel''
Mr. NEwMAN.-'I ask the pardon of the Chair
| did not intend to be out of order"
The President. Estate the point of order"
Mr.. BAIN.-''The question is upon the motion of
the gentleman from the 9th ward, to pass over GER
tain portions of the journal"
Mr.. TALBoTT.-''I withdraw it, if the gentleman
from the 18th ward desires the testimony read
Mr.. NEwMAN.-"Have not got the floor? ] gave
way to the gentleman from the 18th ward.
The PREsIDENT.-''Nobodyh has got it''
Mr.. TALBoTT.-"I withdraw my notion"
Mr.. NEwMAN.-"Then, renew it."
MIR. BEALE.-"That's not in order.'
Mr.. NEwNAN.-"Oh, you can't brow-beat me;
can't frighten me-"
M Tar Eg I e III r