New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-05-04
WASHINGTON.
THE sANBORN CONTRACTS.

THE SANBORN CONTRACTS
NO MORE TESTIMONY To BE HEARD-sALIENf roi -
IN TuE TESTIMONY RFCAPiTULAIEp-eoD9 80
on rup Committees REPoRT-BoUTWELL AND
p,cuIRnsoN ACQUITTED OF DISHONEST lNIEN-
TJoSs-sANBoRN's MYSTERIOUS INFLUENCE IN
THE TREASURY OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
THAT THE LAW BE THEORETICALLY Re
prA1Fp AND THE CONTRACTS ANNULLED
Try TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.l
wIeuINGToN. Nav SIT was the intention of the
ways and Means Committee TO examine Coi' NC
Kay and one or two other friends of Gen. Butter lh
reference to the SanbOrn matter; but In cohse-
uuence of various influences not yet developer no
further testimony will be taken. and the report as
preyiously prepared, will be submitted tomorrow,
or as soou thereafter possible The man feature Vi
the document NAV be judged from the points lhdi.
Gated from time 10 time in the special reports Vi
Tuy TRIBUNE. 1t will refer to the most
salient points in the testimony, and VIII be ihueh
milder than those inculpated might have expected.
Ii will speak IN severe terms Of the course OF san
born and the Treasury officers, referring particularly
TO the law and the contracts aud pointing out where
the law has been evaded and set aside. 1t will refer
20 the fact that the officers of Internal Revenue
assisted the contractors instead of being superior to
them: that lists of railroads were taken from rail-
road guides and were never subjected to eXamna-
ton, although oaths were gwen TO the CON
trarv; that the Commissioner OF Internal
Revenue was disregarded In the business, although
oil the cases related 10 his Office; that certain taxes
were obtained for SanbOrn that had been assessed
before the law was passed. that 5Oper cent was paid
him in cases wherein he performed no service what
ever; that agents of Sanbon having no relation 10
the Government and under the exclusive pay OF
SanbOm were furnished with letters placing them
over officers of Internal Revenue who were regu-
4 htr fha 70 am
gave bonds for the proper performance of their du
ties; and that certain of the private detectives were
furnished with commissions connecting them in the
secret service Of the Government.
The report will express the belief Of the Commit
tee that nearly all ofwbat known as the SanbOrn
contracts were not cases properly subject to con-
tracts under the law and that very large percent
age of the $500 collected by Sanborn could and
would have been collected by the regular officers of
the Revenue; and il will indicate that Mr. Sanborn
had some mysterious power in the Treasury Depart
ment The Committee will speak with great earnest
ness and condemnation of the loose manner in which
the contract law has been administered, and will
express surprise that there did not seem to be any
responsibility in the Treasury Department. 1t acquits
ex-Socretary Boutwell, aud Secretary Richardson
of all dishonest Intentions and the Committee find
nothing impeaching the integrity of these gentle
mOny proving that either of the gentlemen or their
associates were influenced by corrupt motives. The
report will say that in some instances the con-
tractors have been paid by the Government moneys
20 which they were in no way entitled under the
law and will say Also in terms if not in words that
any law providing for any other method of collecting
taxes than through the proper bureau or depart
mCnt is "A reflection on that bureau OF department,
The report will lie accompanied by bill which
will, first repeal without condition, the section of
the act of May 1872 relating TO contracts; second.
declare null and void all contracts now existing
made under the provisions of that law; and third,
provide that the contractors shall be excluded from
bringing suits before the Court of Claims. An effort
will be made to have early day set for the cOnsid
Grafton of the bill. Speeches viii be made by Mr.
Foster aud Mr. Beck, and if the debate becomes
warm it is probable that all the members of the Com
mittee will make speeches as none of them approve
the law nor the manner in which it has been exc
al