New-York tribune., 1876-06-12
WASHINGTON.
CDEAEER K
SPEAKER KERR TO BE EXONERATED.
A UNANIMOUS REPORT TO DE MADE TO-DAY.
IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE,

iBY TELEGRAPH THE rRIBUSEl
WASHINGTON, June 1.-THE investigation
OF the charge against Speaker Kerr that he received
$3.50 for the appointment Of Green to neutenantcy in
the regular army is practically at an end few OF the
witnesses summoned-among them Messrs. Bliss and
Darling of NewYork-have not responded, and their
testimony has been taken. but the character Of that
already before the Committee War Expenditures is
such to satisfy the Committee that the charges
baseless and malignant. Even the Republican
members Of the Committee have long been
satisfied that Mr. Kerr gutess but they wanted to
SO far enough into the inquiry that the most vndctye
partisanshp would be satisfied with the report the Com
mttce will make TO the House tomorrow. unanimously
generating Mr. Kerr from all blame, and stating that
the charge had not been sustained. The investigation
has had marked effect Mr. Kerrs health whose con-
dition owing to his severe Illness is peculiarly sensitive
He is in very critical condition and cannot long sur
vive The favorable report OF the Committee at this
time will be very gratifying to his family and frends
POINTED TESTIMONY OF w. r. G. sHANKs, CITY
EDITOR OF THE TRBUNE-THE COMMITTEE
AGREE TO REPORT MR.. KERR BLAMELEss.
GENERAL PRESS DISPATCH.
WASHINGTON, June 1.-THE Committee on
Expenditures in the War Department continued the in
vesgaon OF charges against Speaker Kerr yesterday
w. f. G. Shanks, City Editor Of THE NEw-YoRK TRIB-
testified that having previously heard the story that
Laurence Harney had paid Mr. Kerr $3.50 for tho
anpoinment of Greene S66 he had interview with
Mr. Ha ncy about the 23d OF May in TIE TRIBUNE build
ing TO obtain confirmation Of that the money had
been paid by check. Mr.. Harney seemed surprised ut
the question and replied: az have never said
that there was any money in the matter" Mr..
Shanks then said that there must have been
strong influence induce Mr. Kerr 10 appoint man
outside OF his State. Harvey replied had social
relations with Mr., Kerr" and being pressed by Mr.
Shanks declined talk further the subject for the
IA, ha hoA ioap IN III,
shauks further testified that the story had come to him
in so positive form that lie fully believed 1t until Mr.
Harncys manner and language in this interview threw
doubt upon and he thereupon telegrapbed TO the
Washington correspondent OF TIE TRIBUNE not TO pub
lsh the story unless authorized by Congressman Bass
who was alleged to hold some cOnfrmatory evidence
Mr. Bass declined to authorize the publication and so,
said the witness these smart young men about here beat
lis badly on it.
Mr. Elliott counsel for Mr. Kerr-What are your poll
tics, Mr.. Shanksi
Answer-I am black Republican. ILaughterl
The Committee then adjourned Representatives Cly-
mer Blackburn. and Danford have agreed TO report
fully yindicatng Mr.. Kerr from tho charges made
against him by Harney. Mcssrs Robbins aud Bass. the
other members OF the Committee, absent from the
CT v but their colleagues entertain doubt whatever
OF their concurrence in the finding The case will prob
ably not be formally closed until their return
Mr. Kerr has received letter from L. Is. Williams,
the young Republican at Princeton, Ind. to whom he
once offered the appointment aerward given to Greene
Williams states that Mr. Kerr did offer him Tie appoint
ment though Republican