New-York tribune., 1874-05-20
THE DISTRICT INVESTIGATION.
REPEAL OF THE PRESENT CHARTER TO BE RECON-
MENDED BY THE COMNITTEE-AN AUDITING COM
MIssIoN-DETAIIs OF THE STREET FRAUDS.

REPEAL OF THE PRESENT CHARTER TO BE RECON-
MENDED BY THE COMMITTEE-AN AUDITING COM
MIssIoN-DETAIIs OF THE STREET FRAUDS.
BY TELEGRAPH 10 THE TRIBUSE.l
WAsHINGTON, May l9-The intention now Is to
close the District investigation if possible by Satur
day. Judging from expressions of opinion from
members of the Committee, there will be a unan-
inOus report in favor of abOshing the present form
of government. This will involve the entire repeal
of the present charter The exact form of
to be recommended has not been determined, but
the probabilities are that whatever shape it finally
assumes, one of the bodies appointed will be an
auditing commission to take charge of all books and
accounts advertise for the submission of all claims
of whatever nature, and determine the entire in
debtedness of every class and report in detail upon
the exact financial condition of the District to the
next Congress. The chief opposition of the present
officials will be expended this proposed feature
of the reorganization, but there seems to be no
doubt but that the Committee will recommend it.
sEMI-oTFICIAL DETAILS OF THE EXAMINATION
GENERAL PRESS DIsPATCHl
WASHINGTON, May 19-In the District investigation
to-day, W. w COrcOran the banker, testified that ex-
Senator Harlan, OF the propretors Of The Washing
ton Chronice offered to pay his tax bills at an abate
ment Of ten per cent less than allowed by law.
Ex-senator Harlan called, and explained the cir
cumstances attending the ofer by stating that The
Chronicle Publishing Company had some claims the
District Government, for which appropriation had been
by the Legislature. When the bills were presented,
payment was made because the District out or
funds. He was told IL he could get somebody's
taxes TO pay he could draw the appropriation. Tho
debt due The Chronc,e amounted to $2o,oOo,
and Mr.. Corooran's tax bill footed up about
.22COO Witness called Mr. Corcoran and stated to
him the circumstances, and%sked him as an accommo-
dation to the Company let him pay his bills, and
thus what due The Chronicle. He did not
want Mr. Corcoran the favor without paying him
for It, and offered him ten per of, including
the legal abatement OF six per for cash from the
face OF the bills Al first he accepted but, upon making
second call Mr. COrcOran concluded to pay his taxes
in the way provided by law. Witness did pay
some of the partnership for Riggs Co.. at the
request of Mr. Riggs In ALL he paid about 600 OF taxes
in the manner proposed TO Mr. COrcoran, and then
handed the proceeds as partial offset, against the
claims He also testified that n. g. Ordway had held
mortgage against The Chronicle amounting to $4,000,
and that it was released by Henry d. Cooke accepting
the notes and mortgage held by ordway security for
the amount, which was advanced 10y Cooke He did not
know whether the mortgage assigned over C
Cooke not but knew that the notes were nJt He did
moi know from what source tho money came, but
Cooke gave him to upder.'and that 1t was his brother
laws money! He did not know the advanced be.
longed the poor fund of the city, which is IN part
made up by the Washington Market Company, Of which
Ordway is managing director advancing in accordance
with the charter . annual sum OF $4,000.
Treasurer Magruder called to explain why checks
hSrsemenis submitted to the Committee in the Gov
ernors He said they all did appear but being
he stated would consult his vouchers aud report in
the morniug. He admitted that his disbursements
the date OF payment The Committee thought his
counts were loosely kept.