Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1873-02-08

Credit MobiIier.
The Wilson Committee did nothing to
day owing to the absence of witnesses.
western Enterprise.
Al the sitting of Poland's committee this
morning, John j. Blair was examined by
Representative Stevenson. Witness tessi-
fed that he was an origiual corporator of
the Sioux City, Iowa Falls and Dubuque
railroad. He detailed the history of build
ing the road, the legislation by Congress re-
newing the land grants Of 1885 to the State,
ard the legislation of the State giving the
grant to the road. He testified that there
was not single road across Iowa to-day
worth the money it cost to build it.
Question-Do you know of James g.
Blaine, of Maine, being a subscriber?
AnsWer-I cannot say about Mr.. Blaine.
believe he held some stock, which he got
from the Coburns of Maine.
Witness said the county taxation upon
the land grants held by the company were
immense. In one county where there were
about 234 voters, they taxed us on our land
grant and got 100000. They taxed us
for building and supporting school-houses
which they never built; in one case one Of
the counties taxed us enormously for build
ing a school house, which man lived in,
and we had to pay his wife $50 month for
teaching her own children. daughter }
They catch at every kind of taxation to get
hold of our money.
Judge Merrick-Is that in Iowa?
Answer-Yes sir, that is where men OF
enterprise 60. [Laughter.] Why sir, it
reminds me of the Dutchman's son who
went West and wrote home to his father,
aDad, come out West; the mesnest kind of
men get Office out here. [Renewed laugh
teri
Hon. Samuel Hooper then testified.
Job Stevenson and Speaker Blaine.
Jas. G. Blaine was recalled and Examined
by Mr.. Stevenson.
Question-How was the subscription of
Sioux City stock?
Blaine-I don't understand your ques-
ton.
Stsvenson-I will ask it more direct:
Hal you anything to dc with the subscrip
ton of Coburne?
Blaire-I answered that before very
frankly. John j. Blair was here talking
the m .tter over with some friends, among
them Senator Grimes. He mentioned the
subject to me. I said l had no funds;
couldn't take any stock. subsequently
wrote to Messrs. Coburn. They took $780,,
600 worth. Witness did not remember of
having had conversation with Blair. Tie
subject came up in conversation with Sea-
ator Grimes.
SteVenson-You have stated so in yonr
former testimony. Have you it with
you?
Dlaine-No, sir; was deprived Of getting
it several days on account of your OBTAINING
it in cur possession, and could not cor
rect it.
Mr.. Stevenson-You stated in your for
mer testimony that you had business trans
a-tioDs with Messrs. Coburn. Will you state
what these trans actions were.
Mr.. Blaine-If the committee thinks that
il a proper question ard asks me, l will ar
swef; but those transactions were entirely
of a private nature. However, do not OBJ
jact to stating them, if the committee wants
me to.
Mr.. Poland-Very well, we have 10 right
TO inquire into private business not Affect
ing this investigation.
Mr.. Stevenson-I now propose to cross
examine Blaine on his former testimony.
Mr.. Blaine-I would like to know what
new testimony you have been bringing in
now that you wish to cross-examine me on.
Is that your knowledge of law?
Blaine, to the Committee do not pro-
pose to be catechiZed by Stevenson in what
l should call out of this room, a very impu
dent manner. The proper course for Ste
venson would have been after introducing
his resolution in the House to come down
here, give his testimony and clear out. But
instead, he throws out a drag net in the
House TO catch the Speaker and then comes
down here as counter attorney, asking me
if the statements he makes are true.
confess, sir, ieel indignant at this course.
l think it is so against common deceHcy.
SteYenson-It appears to me that have
been arraigned before this committee.
Blaine-Yes, sir, do arraign you.
Judge Polan1-Well, rather think, gen
tlemen, we will have to suspend this
curse.
Mr.. Stevenson-I wish TO ask Blaine
what he gave the Coburns for the stock he
go,?
Mr.. Blaine-I told you before l gave
them S32,500, neither more nor less.
Question-In wha!?
Mr.. Blaine-Partly in money and partly
in bonds. detailed the whole transaction
in my former testimony, and every circum-
stance connected with it.
Mr.. Stevenson wanted to inquire as to
other doings between Blaine and the Co.
burns.
Judce Poland-Well, we can't allow any
inquiry as to ether deslings.
Mr.. Stevenson had nothing else to ask.
Blaine-Then desire to put Stevenson
on the stand. He testified before that his
motive in introducing the resolution was
to catch tie Speaker. Now would like
TO show the animus he had in introducing
that resolution, and, if his relations with
the Speaker were friendly.
Judge Polsnd-Well, we must decline to
90 into that question.
Blaine-But want to show what was
back of Stevenson introducing the res0lu-
ton, the animus he had in doing SO. He
wanted to catch the Speaker.
Stevenson very excitedly-I have rights
here, wish it understood, as we'll as the
Speaker
Judge Poland-WelI, this contest must
stop here.
Mr.. Ste7enson-The Speaker said in the
House the other day that members must
be Loyal to she Speaker.
Judge Poland-That will do. This must
stop.
Bfr. McCrory-L2ughingly to Blaine
Do you submit?
Mr.. Blaine-Oh, certainly, bowing to
Judge Poland. l believe in being loyal to
the Speaker, as Stevenson says.
Mr.. Stevenson asked that tie Messrs.
Coburn, Of Maine, be summoned.
Judge Poland thought the testimony al
ready in covered sll points as to the tran
ssction between Blaine and themselves.
Mr.. Stevenson-My recent experience
teaches me not to rely on the word of any
man.
Mr.. Blaine-That experience is so near
homa to you that you ought to rely on it,
[Laughter.]
The committee at O'Clock went into se.
cret session.