Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1873-01-16
Credit NIobiIier Investigation.

the result of special agreement with
him in 1867 Brooks claimed more than
hundred shares, and he compromised
with Union Pacific stock and bonds.
Didn't want to give so much Credit Mo-
bilier to Brooks, as it had advanced ma
terially. Prior to Ames' contract, divi-
dends in the Credit Mobilier were very
light. Had no knowledge of Congress
men influenced by Credit Mobilier. The
stock standing in Ames name belongs to
the company, and Durant will sue
Ames to recover it if ever he can catch
him (Ames) in New York. The only
Congressman he arranged to let have
stock were Bayer of Pennsylvania and
Brooks He was not afraid of Congress
sional investigation; thought the road
through with what it wanted of Con-
gress.
At the afternoon session of Mr.. VIII
sons Credit Mobilier committee, the ex-
animation of Mr.. Crane was continued.
On the Goth of January, 1867, the CAPT
tai stock of the Credit Mobilier was in
creased fifty per cent, the increase being
distributed to parties already interested.
The dividend of 10 per cent for two
years was declared December 28th, 1868,
and this dividend was on increased cap
ital of So, 100000.
Question pressing necessity
was there for the increase of the stock
Answer-To raise money to construct
the road, and not to declare dividends.
He did not know for whom Cakes Ames
held in trust 343 shares of the Credit
Mobilier stock. Par and six months in
terest were paid for them. The stock
was transferred TO Ames by Dillon, who
received it from Durant The transfers
were made on the 8th and Goth of Jan
uary, 1868.
Cornelius S. Bushnell, of New Haven,
being sworn gave an account of his con-
nection with the Union Pacific railroad,
having procured the first two mill ions
of dollars for building the road and, also,
a concise history of the road from its
commencement to its completion by the
company. He said they expected such
an increase OF business this year as to
enable it to meet all legal obligations. In
answer to a question, by the chairman,
the witness said that the Northern and
Southern Pacific railroads would inter
fere with the business of the Union Pa
cifc. but the last named would make up
in mineral and other developments OF
the country what it would lose by COM
peting roads. Had never heard Of any
money being used to influence members
of Congress He had recollection of
where a member of Congress came to
give counsel, but it was not Mt the in
stance Of either of the Pacific railroad
companies or the Credit MObilcr, nor
did he know that any such member re-
ceivcd a fee His impression was that
in the year 1867. Mr.. Alley brought in a
member of Congress as his coun-
sci. Mr.. McComb, at tie same
time, brought in Judge Black.
The counsel of Mr.. Alley was now in
Congress, Gen. Butler, but the witness
thought that this was a year before Gen
Butler was elected to the House of Rep
presentatives Witness did not know of
any money being given directly or indi-
rectly, or of any land grants or accept
ances to Senator Harlan. DR.. Durant
informed the witness. that he was going
to assist Senator Harlan in being elected
Senator, by sustaining one or two Iowa
newspapers in his interest. This was
prior to 1870. My impression was that
Harlan was at that time Secretary of
the Interior
Witness was asked whether any Sena-
tor or Representative had been elected
with the aid of funds from the Union
Pacific or Credit Mobilier companies. to
which he replied, as to himself, he had
always literally subscribed for general
political purposes, and his impression was
that. in one instance, he contributed
five thousand dollars to Senator Thayer.
drawn by draft on him. He thought
this was in the Nebraska State election
of 1870, when Thayer was friend of
witness and, in giving money, he thought
it might aid in securing his (Thayer's)
reelection. Witness did not remember
of ever having made any other contribu-
ton for anybody for a similar case. Did
not think he had ever made such large
contribution before. He generally gave
81, 900 or 50, 500 for electioneering pur-
poses, just as he would pay taxes. Every
man must do something to save the
country. Iaughter.) Witness never
heard of any of the trustees having
given money or bonds to influence the
election of members of Congress. If
this had been so, he was in position to
know the fact. He signed paper au-
thOriZing Cakes Ames to deliver 1000
and odd shares of Credit Mobilier stock
to certain members of congress, ana
Ames informed him that he had disposed
or that amount of stock, and members
expected him to fulfil his engagements
/ Never heard Ames say he would place
stock where it would be of the most
good, but that it would be bad policy to
break his engagements, and witness also
thought so. Witness was surprised that
while gentlemen were willing to take
stock at 70 they had not the moral
courage to say they did SO, when it was
worth from 200 to 300 per cent.
The committee, at 6o'clock, adjourned
until 7:30 p m.