Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1875-01-30
Worse than Recusaut.

The Committee Of Woys and Means after
compelHos Donn piatt TO appear before them
and answer certain questions, have doubtlcsa
arrived at the conclusion that it would hayo
been more disniGol bad they let him severely
alone. We give below portion Of bis tcsti-
mouy before the Committee on last Friday.
Il Is from first 70 last sarcastic and the inde-
pendent Dom handles such men as A,s exam
liners without gloves:
Donn Pat appeared, and undaf protest
stated that hc supposed The note Tor $1,000,
given by him for money borrowed from Rca-
ard b lrwin, was paid by Lena Thompson.
Thompson was going 30 California, where
Irwin was at tie time with the note Tho
note was sent on b thi. city % witness. ou-
dorsei paid, aul supposed Thompson paid
IT,
Witness then began to explain bis previous
testimony. He said ho desired 10 correct BE-.
In so doing he glt into 40 argument as 90 tho
powers aDI duties Of the committee, when Ao
wa, interrupted by Mr. Dawes.
Witue.s.-Am right 10 defining the duty
Of the committee
Mi. JAWS Z hAi hA' Do hH"t 10 '' "f.'
to correct your testimony you may doso. We
want no arguments. You can proceed with
your correction.
Witnes. We'll, I wish only 70 mako ibis
correction that think made mistake iu
coming before this committee tO wudlcltc
mysclf before the public.
Wiines, proceeded, anl stated tlat Of t'l
money advanced by Tbompson 90 pay tho
note. some be earned, ald some was 90 tho
nature Of loan
o Wbat was Lena Th1mp5ous business
before Congress 20 1922
A. most positively decline t0 answer.
O. What was publicly understood u be bis
business?
A. God ble+s my soul, decline 10 answer.
Witness did not know where the $1,000
note was paid When Thompson lcft WASH
ington he was % take up The uo.o then bcld
by Irwin in California.
Witness submitted DIS account with TO
Frecdmau's Dlnk, showing tina! be deposited
tie S. 600 aud 81 600 additional viii int
bank. BE also read from the sinbs OF h.s
check-book, showing the payments % be made.
They were l1r paper % puut the CoPtd 90
fJT repairs 70 house; pay oi poets, aiIanroa-
sis family expenses &c.
O. Had you aoy money tra1sactions Wi'h
any member of Congress, by which ho realized
any sun of TIE money?
A. have never ha1 any transactions with
any member o. CJHgrts5. consider that is
ali that iss saved me i,Dm disgrace.
0. D. you know of any money being paid
by the Pacific Nail Steamship Company 90
Influence tic vote on the Pacific mail sub
sidy?
A. have ny own opinion On that subject
know nothing Of my own knowledge. This
know. ana 10 IS that within twenty minutes
after the Pacific Mail subsidy passed the Br-
lillian subsidy failed. The first bad 90 merit
and the second hat. When the vote on tie
fret measure was taken the A'1r was foil 0i
car et-iageers. md suspicious cDaraciers
whom 7 Judged had been paid 70 vote lOr
it.
0. Yon say Of this money Thompson pail
the note w!:h some you earned and some was
o Joan?
4. Yes. SIR
0. How much wa5 loanej you7
A. decline answering.
Q. DID you give any written evidence Of
tic loan D. Thomp,ou?
4 Yes, sir
q. Have yol PAID thc loan
A. Yes sir.
Q. DID yon take any written evidence Of
its payment
s ! can't answer. J an t.Fel.
Mr. Dlwcs.-Wcil take % seat Ar F.a't.
W.trcss-Ob. Cod BLESS you, Im noe
tired IN ny legs. am trci 30 my patience.
o DID you know that Leaa THomg 500 DO
1879 appeared hfra Conerss, 70 iae iaierr's
Of the New llGa Quicksilver MiDiHg Con-
plny
A. decl.octo 20 answer ilc question. c1a-
slider it an insult
Mr. Dawes AZ this pin. int1mol The Wit
ness he was excused f.r ths prcsent. TIE
room was then cleared 5y tlc committee mr
consultation.