New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1872-03-22


met this morning. There present Messrs BAR
Chairman. Sargent, Peters and Warren, MIR. voorhees,
being absent Indinna Secretary Robescn and Charles
Dans occupied at the table Near Mr. Dana sat his
counsel. Mr. Willard Bartlett After the usual prelm-
snares Mr. Bartlett and said that he appeared as
,unael for Mr. Dana editor The York san, and
that Mr. Washington in response to an in
vfon extended by the Committee. and that the ques
tion "A to whether not he would take part
IN the proceedings must depend on the rights
or privileges which the Committee was willing to accord
hin in the investigation; and in order to prevent mis-
conception he would state that Mr.. Dana desired TO De
present the investigation. both in person and
nv council and TO PROFOUND such questions. either by
irct or Examination, he might desire TO any or
al tho witnesses.
MI Sargent asked whether he understood the party
VA. to make statements coming within his own knowl-
edsoi
MI Bartlett remarked that Mr.. Dana was here by his
own yolt,cn in response TO an invitation OF the Com
ittee but Witness that he declared his readi-
ness and willingness and anxious TO substantiae
she charges In the way he had suggested.
Mr. Blair said perhaps 1t was desirable for the Com
ni:tee TO take the suggestion into consideration among
themselves and woud be courteous 10 ask secretary
Rohcson whether he desired TO make any Suggestion
secretary Eobeson replied that he had no suggestion
to make.
NJ sargent remarked that Mr. Dana who appeared as
,s-e.nor should be ;hc first witness. lie wished to
ar, what Mr. Dana knew Of his own knowledge ana on
b,l authority ne made statements against secre-
t.ry lopcson After that he would have n" oojecuoh
~, the examination OF witnesses should be reasonably
extended. -.
Nv Bartlett responded that Mr Dana appeared as the
prosecutor OF no person save IN the manner az" vi '
ambitions ne had Indicated
Mr. Sargent said il should be determined that Mt Dana
state on what authority he made the charges
" Blair remarked the simple question WAS whether
che Committee would allow Mr.. Dana TO stare MS
barres This did not involve the question as TO Whethef
they should call him as witness. ~ o.a.,,,,.
Mr Sargent said he found many things spechfca9ly
stated which could be OF Mr.. Danas own knOWIeuee'
ie should like to know who Dane's infHmers were.
M Blair remarked that # Mr.. Dana desired to make
statement In his way, the CommiEee eo.u 'nen Il"
1uire how much OF IL was of his own InOwIcuE ~; ~
Mr. Sargent would like TO see some TespohsloIe Peiso"
Mr. Blsr concluded that the Offer was that Dana
would establish the truth Of the ch,rges oy evidence
knowledge OF all the facts but offered to prove them p
testimony Judging from ms exeiencf ne ,b S e,,
poycd counsel II the accuseI had counsel the accused
Mr. sargent did not object . counsel but thought the
Committee ought have something more spechc TO go
Mr. Elair said ii the secretary of the Navy any
else desired 20 employ counsel nothing would be more
Mr. Bartlett observed that II the Committee should
pursue the he had Indicated he would furnish me
names of witnesses frou day to day Dut before Lrs
the Names he wanted 10 know what course the
Committee was going 10 take.
Mr Peters expressed desire that secretary RObeson
employ counsel, TO relieve the Committee from emhar'
Robson
plo, counsel unless Committee made such request
lie here ready 20 be examined.
Mr. Blair said the Committee could hardly concur in
making gucb a request, hut he believed il would be
agreeable to the Committee if Mr.. Robson should EN-
p'0y counsel.
Mr. Robeson said he was charged with certain gross
abuses Of his office, and desired, first to know from
satiOns IN Responsible FORM He understood there
charges GU which Investigations could go on as
vet In a common police court every man accused is
arragned charges of SOME responsible person
If the Committee think 1t were better should employ
counsel will do desire this matter To be con
cuded practicable. as it interieres with my
Mr. Bartlett remarked-If such charges are here it
Is the fault OF the House who raised the Committee
charges before the COMMITTEE g.. % ,rca,oo s,o,
proof as applies TO irregularities the Navy Depart
ment. There is nothing calling on us to make the
IN the newspapers. We are ready to sub
stantiste them. The House has no power to
call IN for v'nat IL published in news
papers, but anybody claims ne has been thus
& he Of eh e H E to- Of
lArites in the Navy Department Mr.. Dana has been
placed the position of accuser and he viii substanate
ese charges allowed the legal methods Of procedure
out otherwise he will not do 90
pad that charges in The Neo York Sn were aban-
uoued and that any person aggreved by them could
Mr. said that the resolution OF the House under
winch hr Committee appointed referred to charges
IN the newspapers. II did not specify any particular
newspaper but newspapers OF large circulation III New
Mr Bartlett said the resolution by means spoke of
IR> Neo York Sun.
paper which contained charges Of corruption against
the Secretary Of the Navy. .
Bartlett said the resolution spoke OF charges OF
Irregularities
Mr.. Robeson called attention to the language of the
Charg- have spPsard IN newspapers OF large circulation
| lie p1,si on Of The Seca Of the navy and cast doubts
1p A integrity Of the standardization Of the Navy Department there
fo>1 Tsi OF members be appointed TO in
% so set. and sDor, III s.me 70 the Hoa.s
gf4ryR
honesty the ground on which the subject was 10 be
ngesugsted. Neither Nj. Dana any other gentle
man got investigation the general administration
his Office. But attacks were made on his personal
Integrity 1t became his duty and privilege 10 ask for
received a note from the Committee inclosng
a CODY OF the resolution, and informing him
that the charges would be made the subject Of
by the Committee, and inviting his attendance
st@ the charges he has now an opportunity Of doing
50, He Secretary RobesCE) did not suppose the Com
nftee wanted general investigation, unless specific
charges be made here. II the charges be made. he
were the specific charges 10 be investigated.
NJ, BARTLETT said they had no intention TO present
ferIed " 10y the resolution:
Mr. Sargent remarked that II the party do not intend
70 pen charges Of cOrruptiOni was the duty OF the
Committee 10 proceed and call Mr. Dana 10 the stand.
ne should have opportunity TO show whether the
Mr. Bartlett repeated that they came substan
tae the charges of irregularities IN the Navy Depart
Mr. Sargent said the charge that the Secretary OF the
Navy concerned In corruptOns 10 the extent OF
IulOD aud half OF dollars, something more than
irregularities; such charges Of corruption challenged
inYest cation.
Mr.. Peters presumed If there were evidence TO
n th"ee charges Of corruption, they would al to the
ground Let the names OF the witnesses be gwen, and
Jet the Committee them with reasonable dis
After further conversation, Peters proposed and
submitted the following resolution which was agreed
i.ost edOr be allowed TO have pro-
1ud before the witnesses he
manned and eIsmiDe
.capt Of The inquiry Committee
6a The Secretary he allowed
b st. that preference Of the COMMITTEE. bcb
a.. parte bD either person counsel onda the
AAs ,I'ss' ts@nsaOu Of witnesses