New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-04-07
THE DISTRICT INVESTIGATION.

EXAMINATION OF AN IMPORTANT WITNESS THE
RELATIONS BETWEEN ATTORNEY COOK AND Mr..
sTRoNG-MR. COOKS BUSINESS RELATIONS WITH
PROMINENT CONTRACTORS.
[Br TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUSg.l
WASHINGTON, April 6-The only very important
witness that the District Investigating Committee
examined this morning was VIM. A. Cook, the AttOr-
aey Of the District Government No formal charges
against Mr.. Cook had been fled by the memoralists
but in examining Samuel Strong, contractor. the
other day, the counsel directed their inquiries TO
ascertain whether he bad paid any money
10 Mr. Cook, for the purpose of obtaining
from him favorable opinions, or influence
upon the Legislature. Mr.. Strang had, at that
time, very bad memory on this subject, although
he had talked very freely about the whole transac
ton in conversation with some of the memorialsts
before the investigation began With this explana-
tion tho testimony of Mr.. Cook will be perfectly
Ineligible and all the essential portions of it, so
FAR as it related to the matter under consideration,
are gwen below, verbatim:
BY the Chairman-I VIII ask you a question. Has
buy contractor at time, gwen you any cOmpensa-
zion for opinions rendered by you, which resulted in
securing 20 them additional compensation for this
vorki A. Most assuredy will answer the question as
euaIrating from the Committee No whatever no
Que has had theft IA iacity TO attempt it.
By Mr. wilson What amount OF money have you re-
eeved from Samuel Strong either directly Indirectly,
snce the organization OF tue Board OF Public Works. A
In relation to what
q / ask you wha amount OF money you have received
from Samuel Strong directly Indirectly, since
tAe organization OF the Board Of Public Worksi A. Do
sounquro IN relation TO private busnessi
QIwill ask you further when you answer me that
question. A. / cannot state definitely what sum Of
money have received from him.
Mr. wilson, NAV say to you, Mr.. Cook, that there
have been questions put here, which think it is
but fair 20 you You should have the oppor-
unity TO put your statement upon record In
regard 10. and therefore l put the question
not out anyspositon other than toIdo you the am
Pest Justice and to elicit the truth The witness was
aura not mistaken in the generosity and fairness OF
Tie Committee.
Mr.. Wilson, have no other motive IN view. simply
want 10 get at the facts, for apprehend from your
tstement that you have hesitation in giving all the
;srtA The witness-As far as deem IT proper will
your questions Ihave objection to this ques
tOs
Mr. Wu.on-we as a matter OF course, cannot take
your Judgment as TO what is proper; we have to deter
nine That ourselves.
The wtness-That question will come up In due time.
Mr.. COOK DECLINES TO RECEIVE THE CHECK.
Mr. Wilson here requested the stenographer tc
read the question which he had propounced 10 the
witness. The stenograpber did so as follows:
What amount Of money have you received IRON
Samuel Strong either directly indirectly since the
Organization Of the Board Of Public Worksi The Wit
aess-A few. perhaps $500 or 500.
q ANY more than $500 or slOOi A. think not
q Did you at any time receive from Mr.. Strong q
hheck amounting 70 more than s,OOOi A. check was
left on my desk. 1 had stated to Mr.. Stronl
t6at j had been doing business for him fol
considerable period, since 1870, and that
1hsd been imperfectly aud poorly paid for IT, After
That statement, one day he left check; or when
nane ID letter was handed containing check; IL
~ai relation private business that was attending
~ for him
q What wa the amount OF that check A will de
ZINE answering that question.
Z On what bank was that checkf A. That check
Vas on the First National Bank Of the City of Wash
l0ston
DID you draw the money that cheokf A. viii
Nffine answering that npasliOb.