New-York tribune., 1874-03-21

magnitude OF the Phelps Dodge x Co. case, the amount
being 100000 when It first brought to my attention
Mr.. Fullerton, OF the counsel OF Phelps, Dodge
Co., in. Others came into the room,
previously stated. and one OF the counsel
said the firm would the amount Jayne said IL was
only approximate; that IL the real amount was more
less, it would he changed. They tn went to OBJ
tain order for suit and TO bring 1t to my house,
but they did come. I understood from Mr.. Bliss
remarks. that some from the CustOm-house came
TO him and told him that II he could tide the
matter over one day, the Zee would 90
TO him, aud therefore he acted in tho manner
he had. think the entire abolition Of nformers fees
not advisable relating TO outsiders, but fees should
be paid to Custom-house officers. think it ought
to be a criminal Ofense for Government officer to in
duce a clerk in merchants employ to act spy. 1t
Is to me 80 detestabe that would have II crimnaly
punished Nobody should be at liberty 10 retain spy
in another's employ, with view to future action but
# and gives information to an officer,
he receive that information without reference
to the motive OF the person.
did recommend the removal of Custombouse officers
twice. and they were removed. Phelps, subsequently
State Treasurer of NewYork was one of them. lie was
tried before Commissioner and acquitted IexHmined
the evidence and, satisfied Of his guilt asked aud OBJ
tanned his removal by Collector Murphy
Mr.. Dawes then stated that he had no reason to
infer that Senator Conlling had any interest in the
case. Judge Davis said:
1t is prohibited by law for any member OF Congress 70
act counsel for the Government but not TO act for
informeror special agent 1t would not be unwisc to
extend the law to such Deputy Collector and
counselor at law the head Of the department for the
seizure of books ana papers, sent TO house
asking the parties to deliver their books for
examination to any officer. This was done, and the
books were taken 10 the CustOmhouse and examined.
The first knew Of 1t from note from the counsel
OF the defendant, asking when the books could be
turned. heard the parties, and decided there was
breach Of the law aud ordered the books returned.
Mr. jayne read at n former meeting Of the Committee,
two letters from to him. They were private notes,
and he had right TO read them The letters showed
my feelings al having been cheated out OF my fees, as
thought bad not been well treated; but since then
have been very glad that did not take the fees.
have not felt at liberty to bring here any letters re-
ceved IN return from him. 81 far know, there was
actual fraud In large number OF Jaynes cases, prob
ably nne-tenh OF them. In very few Of his cases have
heard complaints OF bis conduct. His victims were
generally very glad to set clear OF him.
Judge Davis thus closes his statement. II is prob
able that Jayne will follow tomorrow, and that the
same subject will be resumed by the Committee on
Monday. On Tuesday it is expected that the
Sanbcrn contract business will come up in the Com
mittee, and that slnborn will himself take the
stand Secretary Richardson has asked that
Solicitor Banfeld may be examined with
reference TO the part taken by the Treas
ury Department on the contract system in
general. In the meantime, Mr. Foster of Ohio has
prepared fcrocous speech on the Sanborn matter,
in which he will handle the Secretary, Assistant
Secretary Sawyer. ..and Others, without ceremony
Mr. Butler is deyoting his spare time to the Jayne
matter and is, according to his own word, obtaining
evidence against Phelps, Dodge & Co. that will
disgrace them This is regarded as in the same
spirit a. his clients previous threats against the
same firm.