The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1860-02-16

COMMITTEE ON CORPORATIONS OF THE HOUSE OF DELE
GATES, YESTERDAY, IN RELATION TO THE CITY PAssEN-
GER RAILWAY.
ANNAPOLIS, Feb. 10, 1860.
The Committee assembled in the folding room at
about halfpast eleven. Prior to the examination
of any witness, Mr.. Lawrence Sangston asked per-
mission to make explanation about misstatements
of his remarks the previous day in the Baltimore
American's report. The American's report stated
that he had remained silent when Governor Pratt
had asked him if he knew who was the author of
the letter signed "Obsereer," published in the San;
and also that he Mr.. Sangston) had said that Mr..
William T. Walters distinguished Demo-
crat." The fact was, that Mr.. Sangston had dis
claimed all knowledge of the letter signed "Ob-
serUer" and Governor Pratt said that he knew he
(Sangston) was rot the author of it. Neither had
he made the slightest allusion to Mr.. Walters poll
tics. He had said that he was distinguished
merchant, doing large business with the South,
and was no Republican"
Mr.. Kraft, of the City Delegation, was then placed
on the stand, and asked by Mr.. Hambleton whether
he had ever stated to man named Elliott, that
Cathcart was bought and paid for, and had
right to remove any man. Mr. Kraft had forgot
ten, but if he said so, it under the impression
produced by mere rumors. He had no knowledge
of any fact fixing such charge on Mr.. Cathcart.
If he had said that Messrs. Wood and Talbot, of
the City Council, were bought and sold, it was in
the same way. He had no interest in the City rail-
road He never had anv. Had often asked Brock
for situations for his friends supposed the secret
of his influence was, that he was a member of the
Legislature.
Thomas c. Elliott, sworn, testified that he had
been conductor on the City Passenger Railroad;
Mr.. Cathcart wanted to turn him off; went to tell
Kraft about lit; Kraft said "D--n him, he's
bought and paid for by Brock-what right has he
to turn you Off" Was discharged by Cathcart;
does not know why; had asked for an investiga-
ton; Brock promised him one; never got it; a
named Carroll has his place at present.
Jonathan Brock, recalled. This witness was
sworn yesterday. He called up by Mr.. fam
bleton. In his examination yesterday he stated
that he had paid Thomas H. Gardner, Clerk of the
Criminal Court, 81 500 for his services in procur
ing the assignment of the ordinance to himself and
friends He had seen Gardner in Baltimore, late
in 1858; was introduced to him by Mr.. Clayton;
paid him nothing until after the assignment; did
not remember when, where or how he had paid
him, whether in money or by check. Had given
five hundred dollars to each of the grantees for his
| assignment. He himself had fixed the rate of COM
pensation to Gardner and the grantees; never had
! any previous understanding with any of them
Mr.. Brock IS examination was very long and search
| ing, but Mr.. Brock seemed to have been taking
some mi ricordo lessons. He had forgotten al
| most everything which it was of most Importance
to the community and to the purposes of the inves-
tgaton that he should remember. He was asked
| by Gov. Pratt whether he directly or indirectly
used any bride or corrupt influence to procure the
passage of the ordinance in the Council, and an
| SWered SquaY that ne had not. He was asked to-
day to the rates Of fare other city passenger
railways; thought they were everywhere at least
| five cents, except perhaps, in Cincinnati. Knows
! the practice in Philadelphia they give tickets
from one line to another for six cents One Phila-
delpha road sells twenty-five tickets for dollar.
Don't know what is charged in Baltimore for pas
senger going from Franklin square out Madison
street. Considers collateral routes separate routes,
and each route justitying charge of five cents.
Can't say whether his cars run at the intervals of
time prescribed in the charter-untl twelve at
night. First Gardner in December, 1858, in
Philadelphia. Had seen him before in Baltimore.
! When he saw him in Baltimore, member of the
| City Council was with him. Don't know what mem
Der it was-has forgotten. Don't know how many
miles of road to be constructed i'll Baltimore in
compliance with the ordinance. Understood from
Cathcart there were forty-fye miles of single
track in all didn't know if portions of the route
are counted three times to make forty-fve miles
thinks not. Members of the City Council who pass
ed the ordinance all ride free on his road. 1t
practice for members of City Councils to ride free
| on all roads. Thinks some of the members of the
present Council ride free. The reporters ride ree
the reporters Of the San ride free; intends that al
members of the Council hereafter shall ride free.
In reply to question from Mr.. Morgan, of the
| Committee, again testified on oath that he had
used no improper means to procure the ordinance.
Mr.. Brock then presented a calculation Intended
to show what use he would have for the amount of
capital asked in his BILL estimated the cost the road
at 81 500, 900. 1t would have to be renewed every
eight years; it would take 200 cars, LOGO horses,
1000 sets of harness, six depots at $4,000 each;
forty-fve miles OF road Sl0,500 per mile, renewal
of road would cost $500, 900, then the ground for
depots loss cars, horses &C., &c. Gets all his
facts from Cathcart; does not know of his own
knowledge that there will be forty-fve miles of
road-Cathcart knows. Thinks it will take 200
cars; believes it will. Thinks it requires eight
horses per car, on account of heavy grades. Seven
horses are enough in Philadelphia The are
intended to seat about twentY-two; can't carry
fifty or sixty with ease over Baltimore grades.
| MIR. Sangston here offered a statement, made
out by S. }. Martinette, showing the actual num-
Der of miles required to be constructed by the
ordnance-which the Committee received. Mr..
Sangston has also prepared statements showing
the exaggerated estimates of Brock above de-
tailed
Thomas II. Gardner, recalled states that he has
now no direct interest in the City Passenger Rail
road at present. had interest in getting il
through; had received $500 from Brock for his
services in procuring the ordinance and transfer;
had had subsequent money transactions with
Brock, getting Brock to discount his paper; good
paper; but that had nothing to do with the ord
nance or his services; does not know whether any
other person got discounts from Brock Brock PAID
him partly in money in Baltimore, and he drew OIL
Brock from time to time in Philadelphia
A number of other witnesses were called and no
examined. Mr.. Hambeton stated that his side haC
closed with the exception of examining Mr.. L. A
Whiteley of The Clipper, Mayor Swami, and Mr.
Sewell, of the Council These witnesses are ex
brought to close.
ANNAPOLIS, Feb. Is, 1860.