Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1872-04-06
ImnroHed CartrIdges.
robson.
Chas. A. Dana on the Stand.

WASHINGTON, April Sat the Naval
Investigation Committee to night all the
members were present except Blair, who
left to-day for Michigan. Mr.. Bartlett said
that in consequence Of the absence of one
of the committee, the only one who &C
tually desired the investigation, he must
decline to go on.
Secretary Robson demanded that the in
vestigation proceed.
Mr.. Bartlett said they were able TO show
four distinct violations of law, but they did
not want to be hurried, and if the commit
tee decided to 60 on they must take the in
vestigatiOn into their hands.
The committee finally agreed to proceed.
Mr.. Dana was then sworn, and testified
that be had no facts within his personal
knowledge as to the truth the articles in the
San, from Feb. 70 to March Il. He made
the statements on his conviction and belief.
The information concerning Z. G. CatteIs
purchasing coal supplies for the navy, was
communicated to him confdentially. To
reveal the PERSONS name, would do
him injury. His informant was not
in the Navy Department, nor in the service
of the Government. The same person in
formed him that Robson and CatLel were
interested in the iron for the torpedo boats.
He received information from other per-
Sons, but they were all in the same condi-
ton. He added that he procured much
of his information from the public dOcu-
ments acts of Congress and from reports of
the executive department.
He was interrupted by Sergeant as to
other charges he had made in the SIM
against Secretary Robson, and said the
basis Of his articles were from persons in
whom he had confidence. As to his charge
that Robson and Cattel were the greatest
robbers in America, the facts developed in
the last four or five days showed the fact.
1t was stated by a witness that iron could
have been bought for less than was paid.
The charges we're mainly based on public
documents.
In reply to a question by Peters, Dana
said if he had been permitted to 60 on be-
fore full committee he was ready to pro-
duce evidence on various points by wit
nesses and documents. He would furnish
a list Of the witnesses in writing.
Secretary Robson then Intercepted the
witness as to various matter charged against
him, reading from articles in the Sun.
Witness thought he bad proved some of
the charges already, and the others were
sustained by inference. That Robertson had
corruptly received money, he had DO
doubt, but could not say how much.
RObertson-IIave you taken any means
to ascertain whether l am a rich or a poor
man?
Answer-Ouly the general opinion and
belief that you are a rich man. This has
teen circulating around in the community.
The opinion prevailed that Robson spent
more money than be earned. Witness had
no idea how much Robson expended.
Witness was asked for the names Of the
authors of certain letters written from
Washington to the Sun, but he declined to
give them, on the ground that they were
confidential.
The examination continued long time
on specific points, Dana expressing himself
satisfied from the information cOnmunica-
ted to him and from report that Robson
and Cattel had corrUptly obtained money
from the Government. The late h,ur at
which the committee adjourned precudes a
long report Of the proceedings before the
committee.
1t was understood that Dana, in accord
anCe with his promise, would furnish the
committee a list Of witnesses to summon
to sustain the charges contained in the Sun
articles.
The committee adjourned until to-mor-
row evening.