Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1872-03-20

Q.-What are your politics?
Ans always was union man and q re
publican, and signed the petition for the new
government when brought to me by Colonel
Magruder, but am sorry for it now.
Q.-By Mr.. Darrell:-Do you know of any
member Of the Board of Public Works or the
District governme mt being connected or inter
ested in these works.
Ans-oh, law can't tell now whether You
not see the wind, but you can see the straws
blowing. lRenewed laughter.
General ChiEman-Mr. Chairman
Mr.. Daw.-Wai General Chapman, / want
you all to understand this and put a stop to
these things
MEMEFRs OF THE LEGISLATURE EXAMINED
Join A. Gros. sworn:-Witness Is men Der OF
the District Council; was present when the
Council adjourned over one afternoon un.
til Monday when the Governor called them
together again on the same day to have the
bill passed: it was the $3.50, 900 loan; the bill
was important, and the Governor wanted
passed; he came up stairs just after the Council
adjourned, and the body was called to order
again; one or two of the members had left.
Question by Mr.. Crane.-In your opinion, was
not that violation of the law?
Mr.. Eldridge.-Now. stop, Mr.. Crane, we will
not go TO caterer to find out the law.
j: r. H. HoU, sworn:-Witness was a member
OF the legislature, and was present at the Union
Club House once when a lunch was given to
members Of the legislature; don't know who
served 1T; witness received 800 from Mr.. Kill
bourn to aid in his election; neither Governor
Cooke nor any member of the Board of Public
Works ever promised witness that If he would
advocate their measure his friends should have
contracts; the Board of Public Works had never
given him or any of his friends contracts.
When the last two questions were put by
Crane, the witness said they were insulting, and
he thought the committee should protect wit
nesses from insult
Crane said he did not charge Mr.. Hall with
accepting the offer, but only charged that it was
made.
Witness answered emphatically that no such
offer was ever made.
ZGlmOn Richards sworn:-Is Auditor of the
District; had examined all
BILLS PAID BY THE DISTRICT GOVERNMENT
since June LIST; has no power over the expend-
lures OF the Board of Public Works; supposed
he had power to reject bills offered for his ap-
prevail if he thought them incorrect; knew of
no money paid out of funds Of the District in
violation OF law; could not recommend any
change in keeping accounts; knew nothing of
the accounts OF the Board of Public Works; on
one occasion, after the Board of Public Works
began to draw upon the 81 coo 900, witness made
point that the acquisitions should be drawn
and signed by others than the treasurer of the
Board of Public Works alone; the question was
then settled that acquisitions should be signed
by both the Governor and treasurer; approved
such acquisitions without inquiry into the mat
ter of how it was to be expended.
BY Mr.. Eldridge.-Witness gave bond; has a
deputy and two clerks in his office; the deputy
receives $4,000, the clerks 81 500 and 81 200.
OTHER MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE.
John III. Brooks. swOrn:-Was in the District
council when it was said the council was called
together again after the adjournment to pass .
bill; had no personal knowledge Of it.
James A. Handy, sworn:-Was a member of
The legislature; never attended any dinner at
the Union Club house to consider the 81 900 900
Der of the Board of Public Works in regard to
the passage of that bill.
N. G. Jacobs, sworn:-Has contracts with the
Board of Public Works; they are all in the
name OF witness and his partner, George Fol-
lansbee; married the sister Of the wife of a
member OF the House OF Delegates-J. w. Nc
knight.
Q.-Fas he or any one for him furnished any
money to carry on the contract?
Al decline to answer. will answer that
tract.
MIR. VIM. Dickson, who was present, said he
had not been summoned, but he desired to be
sworn.
Mr.. Eldridge said Mr.. Dickson had addressed
letter to the committee, stating that certain
portions OF the testimony reflected upon him,
and he
DESIRED TO EXPLAIN 1T.
Nm DiclSon was sworn, and stated that dn-
ring this vestigation that man there-ponting
to Crane-actuased by spite and personal en-
nifty
Mr.. Crane.-I desire to reply
Mr.. Eldrdge.-Never mind, Mr.. Crane. We
will hear Mr.. Dick ON. You can settle personal
matters elsewhere.
lir. Dickson resumed, and stated that during
this investigation questions had been asked
witnesses in regard to money furnished for his
district by the Board of Public Works through
MIR. Hallett Kilbourn, and said: l desire now
TO state, sir, that the entire expense i'm my dis.
uict was borne by myself and my political per
sonal friends, and not one dollar was furnished
by the Board Of Public Works. As to my action
on the 81 COO GOO loan, took that stand because
1t was not party question, and took that view
as the correct and proper one. i voted for the
Dill, and L would DO so again. The loan was
supported by the democratic party, and [ saw
that as a member of the democratic executive
committee OF the District of Columbia. At a
caucus Of the members of that committee, held
previous to the election, we came to the con-
clusion that 1t was not party question, and
District could suit themselves in voting for or
against the bill; when the first 81 900. 600 loan
bill was before the legislature, signed the mi
n3f,y report because was opposed to the loan
favored the bill submitting the question to the
people; was anxious to defeat the first bill. in
order that the question might 60 to the people:
the legislature had any right to vote such a
large sum OF money without the authority Of the
people.
Gen. ChiIman.-You were present at
THE LAST REGISTRATION
democratic side?
Mr.. Dickson.-I took an active part against
you in the recent election. TLaughfer]
Gen. Chapman You think this last registra-
ton was fair one?
Mr., Dickson.-we heard that colored voters
were being brought here from Virginia, and
was appointed to attend the registra ton by nv
party to look after our interests; the board
tire ated us in the most courteous manner, and
were disposed to act fairly.
Mr.. CTane.-When did you change your mind
on the 81 ,0CO 900 loan bill?
Mr.. Dickson-I have always been in favor of
improvements, and have
NEVER CHANGED MY MIND
on the loan bill, only wanted the question SUBJ
mitIea to the people, which believed to be the
never assisted me, and I never had single
thereto. S'u
Mr.. Crane-was it not the understanding that
the democratic members who voted for the loan
should be reelected?
Mr. Dickson No, sir, 1t never was.
Question.-Who run against you?
Answer-Capt Moore, who is not democrat
but an old line Wing; he has acted with the
democratic party, ard 10 gentleman whom we
all respect; he ran as an independent candidate
but he does not claim to be q democrat MT.
Duffy was the republican candidate.
Mr.. Crane.-Have you any interest with Mr.
Finley in any contract under the District gov
eminent?
Mr.. Dickson.-As insulting as the question is.
will answer it. Before my maker, have no
interest in any way, or with any individual or
any human being whatever, in any contract un-
der the District 60 government.
Mr.. Crane.-Well, IL has been 30 stated to me.
I received my Information from p. H. Rhen-
hsrdt. clerk Of the legislature. He says he
stood by and saw Col. Magruder draw warrant
Col Ma Orudar Th.xss n IL. Y ,,o,,x