Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-03-28
SIMMONS TESTIMONY
ON SANBORN CONTR ACTS.
WASHINGTON, d. c., March &c.

WASHINGTON, d. c., March &c.
Some of the most remarkable developments
yet made IN the matter of tine Sanborn con-
tracts came out to-day. Collector Simmons
of Boston, late Supervisor of Internal Reeve
nue., testified that he had persistently refused
to aid Sanborn in his contractions until he re-
ceiyed the written direction of the Secretary
of the Treasury to do SO. He gave ac-
count of an interview with the Secretary in
which he protested in strong terms against the
operations carried on under this law, but the
only answer he received from Mr.. Richard
son in reply to his explanation of what was
attempted under it. and the methods by which
it used to influence those attempts, was,
"that if he could attend to his own business,
the department would take care of what be-
longs TO it," He stated that subsequent to
Mr.. Richardson's order directing all revenue
officers to assist Sanborn, the services of
Special Agent Horton were, in fact. placed at
the disposal of Mr. Sanborn, and Horton de-
| voted his time to the aid of Sanborn whenev-
er the Latter desired his help. Mr.. Simmons
gave perfect description of Sanborn, in
which he characterized him member Of
the s'third house." or, in other words, lobby
operator before the New England legisla-
lures. He was known as mysterious mar,
possessing great faculty for working on:
and arranging matters. He (Simmons) had
only assisted him as Tar as he was obliged to
under the written orders of the department.
Two other witnesses, being partners IN bust
ness In this city, and both assistants of San
born, were examined. Both produced an
engraved form OF the commission issued by
the Treasury department, in which they were
styled Operatives in the detective force" OF
that department, with authority to collect
moneys due the government, etc. These
commissions were signed by Solicitor Ran
| field only, and were deemed by the committee
| in all respects most irreg ular, and evident
ly designed for the sole purpose of creating
the impression on all to whom they were ex-
hibited, that the holders possessed special
powers as secret officers of the Treasury De-
partment to compel the payment of moneys
due.
| Both of these gentlemen had also letters,
one from Secretary Richardson, the other
from Assistant Secretary Sawyer, directing
all officers OF internal revenue service to rem
der them assistance. the letter given by Mr.
Sawyer is The most comprehensive document
of the kind yet discovered, and virtually plac-
ed all the officers in the revenue service at
the disposal of Mr.. Presbury. Neither the
communication nor the letter given TO these
gentlemen were sent to the house under its
call for all papers relating the case nor were
they in any manner alluded to by the Secre-
tary. These gentlemen, by the order OF Mr..
Banfeld, were furnished with information
as they desired from the files of the internal
revenue here and without having made any
discoveries themselves, were thus furnished
from the commissioners Office to start out
through the country 10 collect claims for Mr..
Sanborn. just as the committee was adjourn
ing, another collection of Sanborn cores
pondence was received from Secretary Rich
ardson. 1t contains Mr.. Sawyer's letter ac-
crediting Mr.. Presburg to all supervisors and
collectors as person employed in the collec-
ton of claims in favor of the United States
| for internal revenue taxes, while 1t fully con-
veyed the idea that Presbury was employed
by the Treasury department.. As matter OF
fact he was only employed by Sanborn as one
of his assistants. Washington Correspond
! enee Boston Advertiser.