Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1872-03-25
THE DISTRICT GOVERNMENT INVESTIGATE
Proceedings Before the House Com.
mittee,

sional investigation into the charges against the
Board OF Public Works and the new District
government before the House Committee on the
Districtof Columbia, on Saturday, the examins-
ton Of Major III. A. Hall was continued, and he
tesuned that he never heard of any a. SCISSOR re-
ceiying instructions to make the assessments As
high as possible; believed q proper assessment
OF the property in the District of Columbia
should be at least S125 ,0Oo 900; he knew nothing
about the 81 goo 900 loan, or who furnished par
ties IN Europe with the assessment Of property
in the District.
James Fitsy atyick contractor, testified that he
in which James Walsh was partner; he knew
nothing about any other partner which Mr.
Walsh had.
By Mr.. Chandler:-hIr Samuel Cross nor any
member OF the Board Of Public Works, nos any
ntmber OF the legislature, had any interest with
witness in any contract he had
DCrtd Miller, a farmer, residing in the first
dlAtrlct, testified that Improvements to some OF
the roads in his section had been made, but he
knew nothing about the cost; thought the work
could have been done more rapidly than it was
Leonard A. Stone, a resident of the county
over the Eastern Branch, thought improvements
were carried on in his section i'm a very loose
manner. 1t was the understanding that no one
should be employed on the road who die not be-
long TO the republican club of the District. He
joined it in order to get his team ON the road it
WAS was two-hSrse team; first got q per day for IT,
had nothing to do with the action of the repub-
lican club.
John r. Murray, member of the Legislature,
testified that he was at the Union Clubhouse
OR one occasion when some members OF the
Legislature had invited the Board Of Public
Works there for conference; witness received
election.
Mr.. n. G. Ordway, Sergeant-at-arms of the
House of Representatives, addressed the com
mittee. He said there were some people in
the city who are interested in the letter of j.
Green as to the manner in which the election at
which the loan bill passed was conducted. They
are not connected with the menorialsts, but
they object to the manner in which the en-
plOyees of the BOardof Public Works and mem
hers Of the District government control the
House Of Delegates, an run the political gov
taxpayers, who propose to come before the
committee and ask hearing concerning the
conduct OF these persons. which has become
downright oppression. They propose to show
that these parties control meetings, intimdate
voters, and make nominations to suit the
selves. Mr.. A. M. Green has number Of affi-
uaylts OF several voters in the I'D district that
will show the most disgraceful proceedings that
have taken place there; that men have been in
undated in caucuses and meetings, and told
that If they did not vote for certain nominations
they would be turned out Of Office, discharged
rom their work, and left 10 starve rather than
be sustained in their opposition to those in
power.
Mr.. Eldridge did not believe that this COM
mlttee- room was the place for Mr. Ordway to
bring his dirty linen to have it washed. Ii he
bad his way he would turn all out, and put in
honest democrats. He had seen that he (Ordway)
figured in several political meetings in this city,
and he did not want repetition before them
The committee hadreceived MIR. Green's letter,
and the subject matter it contained was what
they should act on; They would examine into the
complaint carefully, but he wanted it understood
that it would be done without any love or affec-
tiCn for either faction.
Mr.. Starkweather said that they had been
holding long public investigation, at which
every body had been at liberty to come and tes-
tify. Ii any intimidation had been used there
was where the opportunity was given to make
the fact known, and not as the hearing was
closing TO complain that they had not been
heard. He thought also that the letter had
bee referred TO the committee by the House for
All examination 10 be made into the charges il
contained in connection with the investigation.
Mr.. Ordway said that he meant nothing OF
that kind. This investigation was at the sug-
gestiOn of those opposed to the ~ 000. 900 loan
The other hearing was asked for by those who
Vefed for the 81 900 900 bill, and they wished to
come before the committee and make their
state ment after this lave stiga tOn was finished.
MIR. Chandler did not think that Mr.. Ordway
should come in here and tack his statement on
at the close OF an investigation which was about
completed on the side of the memorialists. The
letter Of Mr.. Green had been considered as part
OF the evidence and put in as such.
MIR. Ordway said they had thought of taking
the matter before the Senate District Commit
as was taken in the New York custom-hOuse in
vestigaticn; but if they would be allowed the
same privileges before the House committee
10y them. He was surprised to hear Mr.. Chand-
Ter object. and say he knew nothing about this
investigation, as he (Ordway) had consulted him
on the subject three DAYS before. and under
stood him to say that the Green letter was not a
part OF the case OF the menorialsts.
Mr.. Starkweather read the proceedings of
Congress, showing that the letter was referred
to the committee for them to consider in the
District investigation.
General Chapman thought Mr.. Ordway had no
claim upon the committee to come in now and
10 .vxv s.v.
been referred to the committee by the House.
He has been pretty close obsery er Of the pro-
ceedngs Of this committee from the beginning,
and he must have known that the very points
made in Mr.. Green's letter have been the sub
ject Of examination over and over again. That
he should come in the double capacity before
OF Representatives and q public prosecutor of
the District govern ment, and ask us to prolong
this investigation for the purpose Of airing some
OF his private grievances, regard as little less
sacked TO procure witnesses to establish the facts
alleged in Mr.. Green's letter, and after the
jealous efforts that have been made by the me-
morialsts and their counsel to prove these facts
ar their statement to the committee that thew
were ready to close their case to-day, can see
no reason for granting MIR. Ordway's request.
guilt in not laying them before the committee.
Mr.. ordway.-I do not acknowledge any guilt.
am not speaking officer, but as citi zen of
my ONCE TO be heard, i will do so.
Mr.. Chpman.--That is not necessary, Mr.
Ordway; and il IL were, don't believe any one
would accuse you of possessing such a love for
the public good as to resign your Office for the
purpose OF subscribing it. II is doubted i'm this
community whether you claim citizenship In
New Hampshire or the District of Columbia.
Mr. Ordway-I am a citizen and property
holder OF this District.
1t being nearly s O'Clock, and Mr.. Davis not
appearing, the committee adjourned until this
morning, At 10 O'Clock, with the understanding,
agreed to by the counsel for the memOrialists
that with the testimony Of Mr.. Henry s. Davis
and j. M. Morris their evidence in the case
would close.
1t was also agreed that the testimony of the
board Of experts that were appointed to make
certain measurements should be received rs
they were ready to submit ID.
Mr.. Chandler was asked how long q time he
would wish to introduce testimony for the Dis
trict, and replied about one week.
TS-Aay's ProceeAinxs.
The committee reassembled this morning at
10 O'Clock.
Henry s. Daris, sworn:-Has resided in Wash
ingtOn nearly thirty nine years, and done Q good
deal OF building; mas been dealing In real estate
for the past thirty year., and knows something
Of Its value; property now u assessed over its
cash value; thought the cash value OF property
in this city would not exceed eco 900 900; sold
house last fall for q, 800 which was assessed n
IN lOca I'D hac of he Na<; hcx.l.