The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-04-06
TIE ROBSON INVESTIGATION
The Accuser VANS Full Committee on
the Staud-Knows Nothing But by Hear
say and in Confdence-A Bohe-
man Similarly Situated.

WASHINGTON, April g. lsvl.
Tne Robson Investigating Committee met TO-
night All the members were present, excep'c Mr.
Blair who left to-day for Michigan.
Mr. Sargent acted as chairman.
Mr. BARTLETT counsel for Dana arguea against
proceeding unless the whole committee were pre
sent. Under the circumstances, he Would decline
TO put forward any evidence
Secrctatary robson declared It Sas his desire
that the committee, clothed as it was, with fu
powers to proceed with quorum should DO so. lie
did not wish to remain ten days UIrtner under the
sssputaaons.
Mr. PETERS opposed Mr.. BartleTt's argument.
Further conversation took place among members
of the committee. when Mr.. Bartlett said he would
not put forward auY further testimony the COM
mttee went on.
The committee agreed TO proceed with the inves-
eigation
Mr.. robson then asked that O summons be
served on Charaes A. Dana, when
DANA WAS SWORN
Hesaid he was editor OF the New York Sun, but
had no facts within his personal knowledge as &c
The truth OF the articles in that paper from
February 10 TO March Ia. He made the state
men's concerning the Secretary OF the Navy on
cOnv1cticn and belief. The information concerning
t. g. Catelis purchasing coal supplies for the navy
was communicated to him confdentlally. TO re-
veal that PERSONS name would do him an injury
HIS informant was not III the Navy Department nor
III the service OF the government The same person
RoBEsoN AND corrEIL WE'RE INTERESTED
In IRON for the torpedo boats: nc received iniorma-
ton nom o,ner persons, but they were all IN the
same condition; he added he procured much
or his information from public documents,
acts or Congress and reports OF the Executive
Department. He was interrupted by Mr. Sargent as
TO other charges he mad made In the Sun against
were from persons In whom he mad confidence. AS
10 ms charge that Robeson ana Cattel were
THE GREATEST ROBBERS IN AMERICA,
showed the fact. II was stated by a witness that
paid. The charges were mainly based on public
documents. In reply to question by Mr.. Peters,
before a fun committee he was ready TO produce
evidence on the various points by witnesses and
documents. he would furnish list OF witnesses
Secretary robson then interrupted he witness
as TO the various matters charged against him. read
ing from the articles in the sun
The witness thought he had proved some of the
charges already, and others were sustained by IN.
money he had no doubt, but
COULD NOT SAY HOW MUCH.
ROEESON-Have you taken any means to ascertain
whether am rlcn or poor mann
AEswER-Only general opinion and belief that
you are rich man; his has circulating around
40 the community; the opinion prevailed that Mr..
hooeson spent more money than ne earned; wit
ness had no idea now much Robson expended.
Witness was asked for the names OF the authors OF
certain letters written from Washington " the sun,
hut 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
Information communicated TO him aud from report,
that Robson and Cattell had cOrruptly obtained
money from the government The late hOur at
which the Committee adjourned precludes a long
report Of the proceedings beiore the Committee.
A. NJ. GIBSON
was called by Mr.. Sargent and sworn. Witness
Eldes In W ashington, ana Is newspaper man by
profession; Is connected with the sun; has written
Tor the W0ltd ana HERALD, also for other papers;
has information derived from various persons
winch induces HIM To believe that Cattell had some-
thing to do with the purchases OF iron Tor the tor
pedo boats; aid not write the article signed
nnA
pho;o witness authority for the statement In the
article dated March that Cattell had something to
do with the
PHILADELPHIA COAL PURCHASES
Tor the navy was persons in that city; could not
member their first names; party, coal
chant named Bourdel, Is one WITNESS who Il willing
10 give the names OF parties Tor the committee 10
summon; would give sucn names tomorrow II de-
sired, but cannot remember them now. Concerning
the article referred to- witness said further that he
knew Of his own knowledge OF sundry
TO anything important TO the investigation
contained therein which he could say he knew OF
his own knowledge. IN reply 10 numerous ques-
Mons witness declined TO give the names OF the
concerning the real charges In the letter. Witness
declined because, as he stated, IL would injure
the parties referred TO and also be breach OF conn
lence. witness several times, IN the OF the
severe questioning to when he was subjected,
offered 20 give the names Oi witnesses to be
moned by the committee.
The committee conferred for a few moments as TO
future sessions and In regard 10 witnesses to be
summoned.
Mr.. Sargent suggested that tie Marchand and
Boggs Boards, the Secors, the Naval Paymasters in
Philadelphia Roche, ana, In fact, everybody
ferred 10 Ia the progress Of the resignation, be
moned.
The committee adjourned until tomorrow
evening, al nalf-past seven o'cio5k.