Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1876-06-05
The Charge Against Speaker Kerr.
Testimony Before the Investfgatiug
Committee To-day.
The Speakers Statement.

Testimony beIOre the Investigating
Committee To-day.
The Speakers Statement.
The Committee on the Expenditures OF the
War Department resumed their investiga-
ton OF the Harvey charges against Speaker
Kerr this morning. Messrs. Clymer, Dan
ford and Blackburn, of the committee, were
present; also Mr.. R. X. Elliott, counsel for
the Speaker.
jfrS. Mary j. Murray testified that she had
resided at 239 North Capitol street, on Capt.
house: In December, 1865, Lawrence Harvey
hired room at her house. In 1866 he also
had room there with his wife, and both
took their meals there. Harvey testified
that he was married in 1867
Mr.. DaDford raised the point as to how far
the committee should go into this inquiry.
Mr.. blackburn said he saw DO reason why
the testimony should not be heard. IL the
witness came here and committed deliberate
perjury, the committee and country should
Mr.. Clymer said the testimony would show
The character of the man, Harvey He
thought IT competent TO prove general char
acter.
Mr.. Danford said he did not think this was
legitimate or proper testimony.
After further discussion Ire testimony
was admitted.
Mrs. Murray said she would not have
boarded Harvey had she not thong II that he
was married 10 The woman. Understood
hat Harvey was an assistant doc keeper of
the House at the time. Do not rem amber the
names of her other boarders then.
Captain A. u. Green ties titled thai he never
heard any conversation between Harvey
and Mr.; Kerr except the few wor is spoken
when Harvey introduced him TO Mr.. X err.
Mr.. Kerr said at that time that he hal no
time then to speak. He said he would like
TO have some recommendations, but did not
say that he (kerrD would like that he
tGreen) should get letters from prominent
democrats. Never accompanied Harney to
Mr.. Kerr's residence, and never authorized
Kerr or any other Congressman; to speak
plainly, witness would not attempt to cor
rupt airy Congressman. Had an Interview
but did not say anything to him about
money. Never mentioned the transaction
with Harvey to any one. Was not invited
ney. Went there on his own volition to in
form him that he (Green) had received a
subpoena. Harvey asked what he was in
ness invited Harvey to go to the depot with
him, but Harvey refused, saying he had an
engagement with Judge Diffenhoffer, and
that ne intended TO take legal advice. Har-
Ley said "they had been crOwdipg him." or
words to that effect; that there was q pres
sure brought on him; that they had him at q
meeting NEE In the aPPraiser,s office: Supposed
were meant by "they." Never sent any let
tiers to Mr.. Kerr by Harvey. Told Harvey
was 10 ms
what his politics were Has forgotten the
character OF the recommendations that he
received; thinks that when he was In Wash
ington before that, Harvey suggested that
the quickest way Of getting an appointment
was 10 purchase IL. After that went TO New
York, and soon received letter from Har
ley telling him to come on. that he had ar
ranged IL; witness did come on and Harvey
introduced him to Hon. Myer Strouse
llaushingl, but nothing came OF IL. When
Harvey asked him for money afterwards
witness said he did not have $500 with him,
but bad $3.50. Harvey say" I'll take that
and Will try and get 1t for that" Mr.. Kerr
requested that witness get letters from prom
inent New Workers, addressed TO him per-
sonally, recommending him.
By Mr.. Dapford:-My memory has been
refreshed since q week ago In regard to the
amount Of money paid 10 Harney by con-
veTsation with and reading the testimony of
Harvey. Think that the balance of $40 was
sent TO Harvey through the mail; do not
remember whether IT was by postal order or
registered letter.
The witness then gave an amusing account
of his interview with Representative trouse;
raid he found that Strouse had made an ap-
pOintment; had q pleasant talk with him,
but did not put mucn confidence in the prom
ises OF Strouse. Also applied to a New York
Congressman named Hon. Morgan Jones for
an appointment, but Mr.. Jones put him Off,
saying he had appointed one-armed man.
witness said to him, 81 am glad TO fiud that
one Congressman looks out for the men who
have done good service for the country;" was
perfectly satisfied with 1t. There was moth
Strouse. who was jolly good fellow. Never
spoke TO any one except Harvey about
money. Had strong doubts that Mr.. Kerr
was party to any money matters. Judged
that by his lKerr's) vigorous examination of
witness. Witness received for $3.50 what
was worth one or two thousand dollars, and
he was not man to Kick. Witness said he
did not believe that Mr.. Kerr ever received
one cent Of the money. and never did think
So Never tntimated such thing to Harvey
as he (Harney) had rendered him an i'm.
pOrtant service, and made him very happy
j. q. Moore testified that ON the 18th OF
April. 1876, he was In the Speakers room
Mr.. Kerr said he wanted to see him as soon
as he organized the House. Mr.. Kerr them
said be had received O communication from
New York setting forth that there was q
Tulnor In New York that he Kern had re
ceived $3.50 from Harvey for an appoint
ment OF A. p. Green. Mr.. Kerr said ne re-
membered having appointed Green, who
was I'M known to him, out was well endorsed,
and fine looking man. who had done good
service In the army. Mr.. Kerr said he did
Witness said he would go to New York aud
It. Went to New York and asked Harvey
what be knew about the matter, Showing
him copy of the anonymous letter. Harvey
said, 81 don't know anything about IL; my
lips are sealed; You had better 60 and see my
lawyer" Told Harvey IL was an Important
| thing. Harvey said be knew Kerr and he
was q fine gentleman; that he lHarney) had
been doorkoeper In the House. Har-
ney asked that they both 60 and see his
lawyer, but witness oaid he had nothing to do
with lawyers; that he wanted to learn what