The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-03-28
sANBORN "STEALs AWAY"

"a
The Great Revenue lnformer Suddenly
Finds Reasons for Not Testifying Be-
fore the Committee OF Ways and
Means-A Double Game Of Hoodwink-
fng-Dcparture for New YOrk-ae is To
BE Again Called April 6.
WASHINGTON March 81, 1874.
The Committee on Ways and Means again met
this morning to proceed with the investigation Of
the Sanborn case, the arrangement being that Mr.
Sanborn should appear and make his statement,
suDjecting himself afterwards to the cross-exami-
nation Of the committee. AS soon as the commit.
tee met, however, MIR. Woodbridge, Of Vermont,
Mr.. Sanborn's COUNSEL apolOgized for the non-at-
tendance Of his client and said that when he MR.
Woodbridge informed the committee yesterday
that Mr.. Sanborn would present himself this
morning he had made that statement hon.
estly and in good faith, but that after
he had left the committee room yesterday
he had met Mr.. Snnborn In consultation
and had learned that he was now under third
Indictment for the same offence. and that the case
was set Tor trial on Monday next. He believed his
client to be innocent, and to be the subject of
something very much akin to conspiracy against
him. Mr.. Sanborns counsel IN New York had
sent him word yesterday that he ought not 10 ap-
pear before the committee prior 20 his trial, and
he (Air. Woodbridge had advised him to the same
effect II he was to appear and be subjected to
the rigid questioning OF the committee he would
be placed in very trying and difllcut position,
and then the newspaper reporters were present
to give their construction to the testimony, and,
possibly, to prejudice his case. Mr.. Woodbridge
thought that the committee themselves would see
the Improperly of Mr.. Sanborn's appearing under
such circums sances; but as Mr. Sanborn had no
wish to keep anything from the committee he had
prepared little paper and had signed it, and he
(Mr- Wooobrldgel would read it to the committee
II the committee saw lit to hear 1t.
THE LITTLE PAPER
The CHAIRMAN asked whether 1t was statement
in reference to the ma tier generally. or in refer.
ence TO the proprety OF MI Sanborn's appearing
before the committee.
Mr.. WOODBRIDGE replied that there were state.
ments IN 1t upon both points,
Nj. FOSTER objected to any statement on the
part of Mr.. Harlan, unless that gentleman himself
could be brought as a witness.
Mr.. WOODBRIDGE remarked that MIR. SanDorn
had no desire to shirk any responsibility or to
absent himself from the committee, but he be-
heved under the advice OF eminent counsel In Ne W
York that 1t was not proper for him under the Cir
cumstances to appear before the committee.
A DOUBLE GAME.
Mr. BECK-Wnl you tell US why he had 1t an
nounced to the country that this committee had
summoned him here, and why he gave that as a
reason ior his n0n-appearance at the trial In
Brooklynf
MIR. WooDBIIDGE-I was not aware he had 60
Mr.. BEcK-Do you think this committee ought to
hear partial statement from your client when he
hlmSsf applied Tor permission to come here; when
every witness who has been before the committee
since Tuesday last has appeared at his instance
and in his behalf, and when the committee had re-
ported Dill to repeal the law and would have pro-
ceeded vita 1t but Tor the request OF your client to
be heard9 Do you think that is proper treatment
MIR. WOoDBRIDGE-Under such circumstances
VIII concede that II was a member OF the commit
tee should desire to get all the lnfOrma ton pos
sibly could in view OF the condition OF things.
Mr.. BEcK-We made no inquiry. We reported
bill to repeal the law and we called upon the
Treasury Department lOr Information to lay before
the House-5hat was the extent OF our action until
Mr. Sanborn came himself and requested US to
hear him. We granted that request. He came
and rendered witness after witness for eXamina-
tlOn and the committee has been occupied for
three whole days IN hearing witnesses IN his be-
hall, and now ne declines 70 submit himself to
animation. DO you think that Is treating the COM
mlttee fairiyf
Mir. WooDBBIDGE-After knowing what know
from Mr.. Sanborn IN reference to the indictments
aginst him, and In view OF speedy trial which he
is presumed to have. should certainly soy that 1t
would not be SAFE for him to appear before this
committee
sELF-CRIMINATIoN.
Mr.. FOSTER-Do you say 1t would affect his case?
Mr.. WOODBRIDGE think 1t might affect public
sentiment very materially.
Mr.. FosrER-Can he testify without eliminating
HIMSELF
MIR. wooDBRrDGE-My opinion is that he could
make thoroughly clean breast OF the matter, and
II he could be q witness in his own case on trial,
then should not consider him in any danger
Mr.. NIBLAcE said he did not think 1t unreasona-
BILE, IN view OF all tle circumstances, that MIR. san
born should hesitate to make statement before
the committee.
Mr.. BECK remarked also that II he was Mr.. San
bOrn's lawyer he should advise him to the SAFE
course, and ne did not object to his lawyer giving
him the best advice under the circumstances.
MI. ROBERTS asked Mr.. Woodbridge whether he
thought that the TACT OF Mr. Sanborns making a
full statement would affect his trial, and would al
iect public sentiment
Mr. WOODBRIDGE replied In the Affirmative.
PUBLIC SENTIMENT.
Mr.. ROBERTS then asked whether he thought IL
fair, on the other side, 10 have partial statement
submitted to the committee, which might also
Affect public sentiment and affect the trial?
Mr.. WOODBRIDGE admitted that he did not.
Mr. ROBERTS inquired whether II the trial in
brooklyn was postponed or l.. no result was
reached Immediately Mr.. Woodbridge would adj
wise Mr.. sanborn to come before the committee.
Mr.. WOODBRIDGE replied that he should yield his
opinion In that matter to that Of Sanborns
counsel In New York.
The CBAIRMAN-Let me understand exactly what
you desire. Do you desire that this case snoula
DC postponed TO some future day, or Is IL your
desire tnat Sanborn should make partial state-
ment through you without submitting nmselI 10
cr0SS-eXaminatiOnY .,,.-
Mr.. WooDBRIDGE-An can say ts that Sanborn
states in his paper that he does MOI aesre w SUI
init himself to crosse Examination before MS tria.
The CHAIRMAN submitted the questlon W inc
committee. x,.. .,
Mr. WOOD remarked that In view OF all the circum-
stances it would be obviously Improper 20 let MIR.
Sanborn present his own statement In writing
without the committee having an OPPORTUNITY TO