Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1874-05-02
THE DISTRICT REVELATIONS.

The mystery of the two days secret session
of tie District Investigating Com mmittee was in
some part made known yesterday, aud while
the developments have been exceedingly an
noying and embarrassing to Gov. Shepherd,
it Is bu, justice TO him to say that his testimony
upon the matter was received by all fair-miud-
ed men as truthful 10 every particular. 1t
seems that the committee, upon becoming
aware OF krkland's appearing in the city, and
Of the fact that he had stopped at the house of
the clerk, Wilcox, were able through him to
ascertain the names Of various parties who had
met Kirkland, and finally the committee ascer-
taucd that William q. Moore, member Of
the firm of Alexander Shepherd & Co., had
had special interviews with Kirkland, and had
further arranged for an interview between him
aud Mr.. Mattingly, one of<the counsel for Gov.
Shepherd, aud that this interview took place
during the latter part OF last week, at the Eo-
bitt House, in this city. All persons who are
thus asccrtalned to have had communication
with Kirkland we're summoned, and examined
in succession and privately by the committee,
and much valuable testimony elected, and this
will now be made use OF in the further examl-
nation of the various persons whose transac-
tions have thus been placed in possession
of the committee When MIR. Moore, the
for on the first night of the secret session,
he was closely examined for several hours, and
the committee fually ascertained from his
own lips that he had an agreement with Kirk
land by which he was to receive $50 900 10 case
the DeGolyer contract was awarded. Mr.. Mat
tiugly, the counsel OF Gov. Shepherd, was x.
amined privately the next day and statements
We're made by Kirkland to him as to the char
actcr OF disclosures he should make, it put on
oath, were aScertained. KirklaDd's statements
to Mattipgly, if true, seriously compromise
three persons of prominence one OF these being
Col. Moore As appears Fby the evidence OF
Gov. Shepherd, he first became aware of Col.
Moore connection with Kirkland after Nloore's
private examination before the committee, aud
upon a>certaining its character Gov. Shepherd,
in an interview with Moore, informed him that
their business relations must Immediately cease,
and the Withdrawal of Col. Moore trom the
firm was formally announced In the mornings
papers. Gov. Shepherd twas deeply moved
while giving his testimony in reference to his
lie long friend and business associate, and
there was much sympathy in the committee
room while he was upon the stand, but the
straightforward manner 10 which he gave his
testimony aud answered all questions seemed
to convince those present of the truth Of his
statement. There was one point, however, 10
Governor Shepherds testimony, with which
the committee were far from beiug salts
fed, namely: That, being fully aware Of
the fact that his counsel had had an in-
terview with Kirkland, and knew of his
exact whereabouts, the committee was not ln-
formed OF the same but this Gov. Shepherd
explained on the ground that this fact was
given him in confidence by his counsel, and he
had pledged himself not to violate it, and went
as far as could he expected in iDtimating his
belief that Kirkland was somewhere IN the
city. The testimony also disclosed the fact
that the Governors counsel had been made
aware of the presence of Mr.. Kirkland 10 this
city, by George Alfred Townsend, the we'll
known correspondent, better known OF late as
the Poet Laureate of the Board of Public
Works. The further fact was discovered that
When the officers of the Senate were Informed
that Mr.. Townsend had seen Kirkland, and
We're directed to follow the matter up and hud
him, The officers thus sent were thrown entire.
ly off the track, and made to believe that Mr.
Townsend had 10 fact seen another kirkland.
1t is now expected that all the main points
Connected with the DcGolyer- Mcclellan expen-
dl'ure of thirty-two thousand dollars will DC
ascertained to- morrow, or at turtherest the day
after. Colouel More, the partner OF Governor
Shepherd, who figures in this matter has long
been resident OF Washington, was paymas-
ter IN the army, was Secretary to President
Johusop, aud has constantly epjoyed the esteem
and entire confidence Of all who knew him as
thoroughly upright and honest man. 1t is
Dot known whether his testimony agrees with
that given by Governor Shepherd. : Wash.
Cor, Of Bait. Am.