New-York tribune., 1873-01-25
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE WILSON COM.
MIFrEE.
ANOTHER AMEs WITH wRETCHED MEMORY
ALARMING IGNORANCE OF THE CoMPANY's
FINANCES-N0 HOPE OF PAYING ITS DEBTS
GBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNRl

ANOTHER AMEs WITH wRETCHED MEMORY
ALARMING IGNORANCE OF THE COMPANT's
FINANCES-No HOPE OF PAYING ITS DEBTS.
fBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNRl
WASHINGTON, Jan. 24.-In the Wilson Com
mttee to-day the examination Of Oliver Ames
tinued put it apparent TO the Committee that his
memory hourly growing worse, and that little OF
value be elected by continuing him az q witness.
Although President OF the Union Pacific Railroad for
several years. he exhibits ignorance Of its affairs aud
its business that is appalling. The heaviest transactions
and the smallest all forgotten. II any transac
ton is not wholly forgotten known. it
membered only in such vague manner TO DO OF Nc
use to the Committee.
rather sharp crossexamnatlon was conducted NJ
Mr. sheIlabarger and Mr.. Wilson. which resulted IN
worrying Mr. Ames considerably in relation to ths
$4,000 apart for special legal services The witness
President OF the Union Pacific Railroad the tims
the amount was allowed, and said he tho
account did not know how used. nor who got it,
he said he did not want to know what became Of ths
money He asked why be did not know this.
but be did not answer very clearly.
The inference that he thought it was used i'm
properly In Washington Then said Mr. shellabarger:
Being large stOckholder in the Company. aud its
highest officer would you not think it your duty %
prevent this large expenditure in an improper manner
Ames replied that he had confidence in his brother and
Mr. G. ~ Dodge who had charge OF the business OF tho
Company in Washington. and this reply he reiterated
whenever he pressed closely. The expenditure OF
this money which unquestionaby TO the lobby Is
cleyery hedged that it will be surprising il the
ELECTED, unless somebody with better memory
is found .......
On the subject Of the s2,00OOoO overpayment on tho
contract, making appear that be got s0O0O0 instead
of s2ooOOoo Mr. Ames answered more readily bnt not
clearly and the two Companies the Union Pacific
and Credit Mobilier, mixed up that IL i'm
possible to understand his testimony The question was
asked whether the Union Pacific Railroad would be abe
to pay the note II 1t was presented. This Mr. Amss
thought doubtful unless outside help was obtained He
admitted that the Credit Moblier aud Oakes Ames had
assisted the Union Pacific Railroad When it was tn
volved. fk
Mr. Hoar asked IL the Company able now 10 payit
debt without outside influence. Ames hesitateL a
moment and said: prefer not 10 answer that ques
tion." John b Alley, who sat near by, remarked to
some newspaper reporters beside him "No the road
can't pay Its debts, and never could but it outrage
for committee to expose its weakness to the great in
jury OF innocent stockholders" tt.. |..s
IL was a frightfu commentary the management of
the two interested companies. that while they abls
TO declare millions upon millions OF dividends the Union
Pacific Railroad has the time when It could
pay debts President Clark. vce-President Dursnt.
aud other important witnesses. will not DO examined
until Tuesday No session OF the Committee will be held
tomorrow tr
OLIVER AMEs CONTINUES HIS TEsTIMoNY-A
GOVERNMENT COMMISSIONERS BRIBED WITH
$4,000.
GENERAL PRRss DIsPArcHl
WASHINGTON, Jan. M.-The Wilson lnvesti-
eating Committee to-day in session for sev
eral hours and at O'Clock p. IN. resumed the examine
tion OF Oliver Ames The witness was present on ths
9th OF March, 1871 when committee OF the Board oil
Directors appointed to make examination "a TO
special legal expenses for services rendered to the Pa
cic Railroad he not at that time President OF tbs
Company having retired the sth OF March ne knew
that the sum OF 2sOo apart but he did not 10
sire 20 know how the money spent; ~ was thougns
those in whom tho Company had confidence would spend
1t for the best interest OF the Road witness had not ths
least idea how the money used disbursed never
heard that any member OF Congress received any Oh
the money.
BY MFR. shelabarger-Do you know OF any funds aa'
placed hands OF gentlemen here IN the
interests OF the COMPANY to DO expended IN ITS behat
A. do nor
q DO you know II was not soi a thlak u was not
.