The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-04-16
THE WASHINGTON RING.
General Garfeld's influence Again I'm
the Getting or Contracts-Govcrnor
Shepherds Plumbing Business.

General Garheld's influence Again IN
tho Getting OF Contracts-Govcrnor
Shepherds Plumbing Business.
WASHINGTON, April Is, 1874.
Before the District Investigating Committee this
morning Mr. jenkins was called and testified that
the letters of Mr.. Chittenden were destroyed in
February last. Upon question by Judge Merrick
as to the contents OF said letters the
witness declined to answer upon the ground
that there were names OF parties mentioned who
might be innocent, as Mr.. ghttenden had informed
him IN Chicago that he would not swear to the
truth Of all that was contained in the SAID letter.
Witness stated that lie had no doubt but that Mr..
Chttenden had falsely represented his influence to
them for the purpose OF procuring money ior his
services.
The committee excused Mr. jenkins until to.
morrow morning, stating that they would in the
meantime consider the advisability OF examining
him in private.
A. M. Gibson correspondent OF New York jour-
NAL was called by Mr.. Harr ington, counsel for the
District Upon being shown letter in said paper
In which Mr.. Harmer, member Of Congress from
Philadelphia, and other members OF Congress were
charged with being interested IN the contracts OF
this District he stated that he had got his iniOr-
nation from friends OF Mr.. Harmer, but declined
giving their Names
Pending the refusal to answer the committee re-
rhe committee reassembled at halfpast two
O'CLOCK.
senator Thurman stated to Mr.. Gibson that the
committee had instructed him to say tnat the
question propounded by him in the morning ses-
sion as to who mad given him information that Mr..
A. Q. Harmer was Interested in contracts with the
Board OF Public Works was proper question to be
answered He said witness could refuse to answer
only on the ground ofits being privileged commu-
nicaiion. He then explained to witness what was
privileged communication: that member OF the
public or private life, was not entitled to take ad-
vantage VI privileged communication, else ne
could scatter Hbels broadcast without response
bity. The direct question was then put to the
witness: -
:, " H told you that Mr.. Harmer was interested
To this he replied that while he was perfectly
willing to answer the question he desired time to
granted him this privilege, but reminded INN to
De ready 70 answer at to-morrows session, or by
Friday at the farthest
ttnctly denied that he was interested IN any con-
tract or the profit OF any contract the District Of
Columbia; that he was not q stakeholder IN the
Metropolitan Paving Company, and OF his own
knowledge did not know OF the existence OF such
DR.. Filbert, OF Philadelphia, was then sworn
and testified thai he was interested in the Metro
polttan Paving Company; that said company was
were Lewis CIephane. Hallet Kilburn, John o.
Evans and Mr.. Ball or Hall. He did not know OF
pose Of regulating tie prices Of laying pavements
In Washington; the cost Of laying wood pavement
as from g 20 to So per square yard lnclpdnE
pavements laid without the n00ring would be thir-
ty-six cents less per square yard; had contracts
to the amount OF $700 900 or $500 000 was paid In
money between $3O0, 900 and $4,000 and the bal
ance In certificates and bonds; did not know that
Mr.. Huntington had any interest In any contract
OF the Metropolitan Paving Company.
q. e. Jenkins was recalled-Witness remem-
bered reading letter written by George r. Chit \
Mcclellan; 1t commenced by stating that Colonel
Parsons had arrived; that things are looking bet,
yards; that General Garneld's influence Is work.
Ing well; that Is all he remembered OF the letter;
alter the present investigation began witness
would probably be called upon by the committee
TO disclose all he knew OF the De G0lyer and
Mcclellan matter and requested HIM to tell who
got the money on the notes given BY De Gollyer
ana N Mcclellan .na Hs told me that Parsons got
afterwards acknowledged thar he retained $1,000
OF the Brown money. giving Brown his note Tor