National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-02-05
LEGLSLATITE FEED.
WHAT mn. uAMPBE1L Has TO SAT- on
TUE cYypJE


For the past few days the greatest topic Of local
interest has been the discussion Of the suit
brought by Messrs Godfrey & Goell against Mr.
Peter Campbell, Speaker of the House OF Deie'
gates, for over one thousand dollars, IN aniouns1
1t is alleged, due for refreshments furnishea "
his order to the House Of Delegates during tnen
recent session. Thus far the publication mas oeen
ane- sided. the speaker getting pretty sharply
spoken Of On account Of the transaction. Feeltng
satisfied that there must be two sides to the ques-
siou reporter called yesterday upon Mr.. Camp
beIl Al bis once above willard's hotel. There
he sat. surrounded by bonds, cash, figures, &c,
uursuiny his business with the air Of . man who
was not in the least worried by the position Of de-
Sendapt he had unwittingly been forced to assume.
The object Of the call was now made known,
cigars lighted, tthe reporter smokes,) and con
versation ensued, during which Mr.. Campbell
stated that IN the FIRST place no had
not approved the bill In his capacity Of
Speaker Of the House or in any other capacity;
that during the closing days aad nights
Of the session, when the members, after hours OF
duty were tired and worried he Ind, at their fug-
Eeetion, ordered lunch to be served, which was
done and for which he was willing to spprovethe
bill Is he considered It nothing more than right;
that in these orders ho had not sent for either
liquors or cigars and was opposed in toto to max
ing the people pay for such articles for the use Of
Legislators. The bill ordered BY him was but
small, and no possible objection would have been
made to it. He was. however, surprised at the
close Of the session to find bill rendered against
the contingent fund for the amount named in the
suit He at once Instituted inquiries, and ascer-
tained that certain members and employees Of
the House had been in the habit of getting any
thing they needed In the shape Of refreshments
from "The Chesapeake" and having 1t charged to
the contingent fund, in every case without an
order. The books of tho firm were shown, and
otrino In
being charged to him, but the name Of the men,
Der getting the articles being placed In paren-
thesis.
Mr. Campbell was further surprised to find ESQ
he states) that q bill for refreshments furnished
the day Of the organization of the Mouse was in
eluded in the amount This, he says, was his per-
sonal account, and he had q few days after 1t was
furnished called for the bill and been informed
that it was settled. Thinking that some Of his
political friends had paid the amount, he asked
nothing further about it. .-..
After seeing the books he at once informed the
gentlemen, in the presence Of witnesses, that no
would pay his individual bill on presentation;
that he would approve the legitimate bill of the
House for refreshments but that as far as the
ether items, whether eating, drinking or smoking,
we're concerned, they would have to look for pay
mont to the gentlemen who ordered them. This
they declined to do, and AFTER the lapse Of time
have brought suit against him personally. He
thinks that If the case ever to trial and the
names Of the members, with the items charged in
the restaurant books, are given In evidence, some
people will be hurt Glore than him. He has also
several letters from members, addressed to him
formally as Speaker Of the House, making requi-
sItion for use of committees one Barclays Digest,
q bottle of cid rye headed veal outlets for three
with fxings, box Of cigars &e. Another contains
. call for fried oysters, cigars whisky, and "that
Pack Of cards" "the committee having been up
all night on oficial business and are busted"
The indications are that when the testimony 10
put in there will be some racy developments, and
some gentlemen will get advertised In . manner
they will not much like.