New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-06-03
THE IRREGULARITIES IN THE AMERICAN
DEPARTMENT.

OEI AAAmENAs
ACCOUNT OF THE TROUBLES AMONG THE REsTAU-
RANT KEEPERs-sOME RESULTS OF THE INvEsr-
GATION-wHAT THE AMERICAN EXHIBITORS ARE
DOING-A DETAILED STORY FROM An ExPE-
RIENCED oNLOOKER.
To the Editor Of The Tribune,
SIR: The last papers from America bring us
some strongly denunciatory articles on the now
old scandal of the restaurant cOrruptons. have
been a long time in possession OF the facts in
this matter, and an injustice seems to be done to
certain persons in some of these denuncations and
as the story is the story Of the whole scandal IN
brlef viii tell it. Mr.. Jewett of Jewett 81 Tracy,
called on Gen Van Buren, in October last and told
him he had the intention Of establishing Ameri-
can restaurant at the Vienna Exhibition. Mr..
Van Buren, replied that he had had many apph-
cants among whom were Tom Cable and Mr..
Sutherland of Liberty-st., New-Hork but that he
only wanted one restaurant and that good one
he said also that he had already made a partial
promise TO Mr. Hitzel of No. 3Os Broadway and want
ed Jewett and him TO unite their resources. This
finally accomplished and articles of partnership
were drawn up by Meyer, which after some modifca-
ton by Jewetts lawyer, were signed in presence of
Meyer who also signed as witness. These required
the immediate deposit of $1,000 each by the asso-
ciates and another deposit of $1,000 each by or be-
fore June l. 1873; and it was agreed that Jewett
should at once come 10 Vienna to make arrange
ments for the business. Hitzel failed at the last
moment TO make his deposit in the time specified,
from the bankers declining the check he presented.
The partners went to Meyer TO arrange the final
details as TO concession &c. the evening before
Jewett was to sail. At this interview Meyer said
that the expenses Of the Commission were heavy
and that no appropriation had been made by the Gov
eminent, and suggested that they should give him
the check which had not been received at the bank,
as loan for carrying on the operations Of the Com
MISSION Jewett refused. and as Meyer, on various
instances evaded giving the permit and concession
Of space required Jewett was obliged to sail
for Europe without the papers and leaving HitzePs
deposit unpaid. Meyer, however gave him
letter to Baron Schwartz-Senborn, who, on receiv-
ing him, informed HIM that Gen. Van Buren, had
no right whatever to make such concessions grant
space outside of the building for any purpose what
ever. JewetUs concession was however, readily
made and contracts entered into for everything
requisite. involving of about $1,000 including
the legal charge for the space occupied which was
the only expense the concession proper involved.
No brides were asked or offered. Schwartz said
that he had expressed desire 70 hire two more of
the famous American bars but it was understood
between them that no other concession for restau
rant would be made.
On returning 70 New-York Jewett found that
Hitze had paid Meyer 81 900, TO be returned when
the appropriation was made, but had got no memo
randum or receipt for it. He also ascertained that
Cen Van Buren, had made to Messrs Boehme d.
Wiele concessions for two or more bar-rooms, and
was informed BY one of the firm that they had paid
from $1,000 TO $1,000 for these concessions
in the shape of loans and sehool-house
dOnations-and that part of this went to
Cen Van Buren,. As Hitzel had not yet made
the deposit required by the contract, Jewett
made proposition TO buy out or sell out, which
Meyer, Hitzers adviser refused; but be insisted
on new articles Jewett thereon, gave his late part
ner notice of withdrawal gave Gen. Van Buren,
statement Of the affairs and requested that he be af
forded tho necessary facilities for transaeting his
business at Vienna But he was obliged TO leave
America without further recognition. Shortly after
his arrival az this place Hitze arrived with
eession for restaurant given him by Gen. Van Bu-
rem for himself and Mr. Dennison for which they had
given the $1,000 originally paid in by Ht1el, DENIM
son having paid Meyer $780, which the latter handed
over to HItze as his lMeyers share of the original
81 0oO Gen. Van Buren, being in possession Of the
other $500. Jewett protested 10 Baron Schwartz
against the concession made 10 the new applicanta
and il refused, that they not only had no
consideration for their deposit but no concentration
for theix trouble and expense and il is only since
the whole matter has been disclosed ON oath before
the Investigating Commission that attempts have
been made 20 hush up the affair by returning
Hitzeps money and inducing Messrs. Boehme a.
Wiele 10 take him into their establishment
II is known that Gen. Van. Buren, has admitted
know ledge VI these transactions sad recent of mari