The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-02-08
SIOUX CITY G. NJ.
Speaker Blaine Again Before the
Poland Committee.
JOHN ]. BLAIR'S TESTIMONY.
How the Railroads Are
Taxed in Iowa.
"THE DUTCHMAN'S SON."
Lively Tilt Between the Speaker and
Stevenson, Of Ohio.
THE BOSTON INQUIR
aTHE DUTCHMAN's SON."
THE BOSTON INQUIRY.
The Books of the Union Pacific Railroad Ex-
amined- Total Cost of the Road.

WASHINGTON, Feb. I, 1873.
or late the Credit Mobilier Investigations have
been rather devoid OF interest; but to-day, in Po-
lands committee room, spectators were first en-
tertaned by the ocose John Blair, OF Blairstown.
N. j., who made quite hit in his original comedy
business. This, followed by another lively scene
between Speaker Blaine and Job Stevenson, In
which the Speaker discounted his opponent,
made up q very attractive BILL Speaker Blaine is q
star performer in the line Of caustic, singing
repartee; and he dashed the softspoken sly Job in
manner that far surpassed the style of the last
encounter.
Stevenson has retired without credit from his
attempt to make capital out of his Iowa investi-
cation. If the mans motive had been good 1t
would have been all right; but the petty malice,
the evident desire he has shown to entrap his
enemy, Speaker Blaine, has made for him most
unenviabe name.
John l. Blair was the first man on the boards,
and by his bright comedy brought down the house
at various intervals. Blair's makeup was that of
an old man OF the Pickwickian type; but behind
his gold glasses. well slid down upon his nose,
there twinked amid all his humor certain
shrewdness that Indicated
THE CHARACTER OF THE MAN.
He was as good as table of references in his re-
plies, and had all the documents with him to sub
stantiate his remarks. His story Of the Iowa road
Is the same as given by Speaker Blaine. The old
man said he had not much to do with congressman;
he didn't think much OF them at best. He en-
bodied his sentiments in an epigram-"Great men
who have talent, but no money, arc but very poor
aid in building railroads" The sturdy old boy re-
pied so frankly to Jobs questions that even the
Ohioan lost all hope Of making out case. Mr..
Blair in his turn, as the burden Of defence dropped
from his shoulders became very discurstve and
complained Of his troubles. He thought the Iowa
men eclipsed everything in the shape Of Tammany.
as they taxed him most scandaousy on his land
grants there. In one county, he said there was
only one family. The head or this family built what
he called schoolhouse, moved into 1t, and hired
his wife at $50 a month to teach her own
children. 'sThe entire expenses" added Blair,
''were taxed Oh the road" Thus did this humor-
GUS old gentleman make the time fly with his funny
discourse until shortly after noon.
STEVENSON AND BLAINE.
Speedily following this stevenson, forgetting In
a measure the drubbing he had received few days
previous, sent for Speaker Blaine. However, he
seemed to regret his temerity when the Speaker
appeared, not In the most amiable mood at what
he justly deemed impertinence on the part OF the
unbeautiful Job. AS soon as 1t began to be nOised
mittee room the loungers rushed there, and In
few mOmen.s there was scarce standing room any.
where in the vicinity: Blaine looked very deter
and glanced eontemptuously ut Stevenson.
Evidently JOB would have to be very careful
that deprecatory; ngfor-the-truth air,
and commenced asking over again the questions he
had previously put upon the subject. He threw cut
at every possible opportunity some allusOn to Mr..
Baine's relations with the C0burns, OF Maine, pre-
viously mentioned before this committee. Steven
son, in his rasping. maddening way, kept asking
more and more lmpertinent questions, until Judge
Poland had the good sense to call him to order.
Speaker Blaine was justly indignant at the persist
ency with which Stevenson sought to avoid the
main issue and to grOpe into
HIS PRIVATE AFFAIRS.
lei fha Enr carh In nd k
energetic manner the words being shot out like
bullets at Stevens0n's head
al do not propose to be catechised by Mr.. Steven
son in what should call outside this committee
room very impudent manner. The proper course
Tor Mr. Stevenson would have been, after intro
ducing his resolution In the House, TO come down
here, give his testimony and clear out. But, in
stead OF that, he throws out a drag net In the
House TO catch the Speaker and then comes down
here as counter attorney, asking me II the state
ments he makes are true. confess, sir, feel in
dignant at this course. ! think 1t is against COM
mon decency."
This took stevenson back as badly as would q
blow in the face. He turned pale. bit his lips, but
managed to control himself. He asked q few I'M
important questions in low tone OF voice and
then subsidized. Now was Speaker Blane's turn.
He wanted to put Stevenson on the stand to show
that he had been actuated by pure spite, and not
by good motives, in the interest of the public
Here stevenson jumped to his leet excitedly and
asked the protection OF the committee, asserting
with an unnecessary earnestness that
HE HAD RIGHTS AS WELL AS THE SPEAKER.
Judge Poland interlered in his mild, fatherly way,
and there was peace for moment, until Steven
son. with the persstency OF baffied malice clingng
to ITS last hope, asked Judge Poland to the
Coburns. This the Judge fatty refused to do. lie
said there had been enough evidence on the sub
ject. stevenson remarked-"My recent experience
teaches me not to rely upon the word of any man."
Speaker Blaine then gave this OHIO sceptic
parting shot, saying THAT experience is so near
home to you that you ought to rely 1T y; at which
there was prolonged laughter.
Stevenson fercey glared at Blaine for this re-
mark, which was almost equivalent to giving the
lie direct He became very pale. His veins swelled
out on his sallOw face as If he were consumed with
inward rage. II looks were daggers Blaine would
have fallen stabbed In every vital part The
Speaker returned this gaze OF hatred with an easy
look OF contempt and then addressed u few words
to the committee as he retired.