The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1876-05-28

What they Are. How they Originated, and
Whnt Both sides say About Them.

WASHINGTON, May N.-Careful inquiry
through the best sources of information d. evelop
the following facts In regard to the serious
charge made against Speaker Kerr Of selling the
appointment OF an army oficer In 1895. The
direct charge made IL that A. L. Green OF New
York city was appointed FIRST lieutenant In the
regular army In the summer OF 1885, on the rec
ommendation OF Speaker Kerr, and that
Kerr received 5000 for influencing President
Johnson to make 1t. The statement to
corroborate the charge is that Green
had served in the volunteer army In the
war as an oflcer In tho Fifteenth Regiment OF
New York Engineers. lie was deslrous, after Its
close, to secure an appointment In the regular
army. lie went to Washington. and called on
Lawrence Harney, a friend. who held position
as Doorke eeper of the House, having been APP
pointed to the place on the recommendation OF
Congressman Darling OF New York. Or, en-
made known his aspiration TO Harney, and the
latter introduced the former TO MIR, Kerr who
then represented an Indiana district In Con-
gress. MIR. Kerr inter ste1 bimself In Green,
and secured his appoint ment On the day OF his
nomination he paid 5000 to Harvey, which Har-
ney says he paid to MIR Kerr.
The story Of the charge and Its statement got
ou, in this way; when Congressman Darling
was appointed Appraiser OF Merchandise in New
York city he gave iiarney a subordinate position
IN his ONCE. A number Of weeks ago narney,
In talking with some of his associates IN tho
ON Q, made the statement that he had at one
appointment Some one to whom It was re-
peated made It known to the head OF the APP
praiser's once. An inquiry was made and Har-
ney told the story subst ntially as above narrat-
cd. Green ut the time was iD New York. lie
w's sought, and cotroboraied harney's asser-
500. but he knew nothing Of how Harney dis
posed Of II. Soon aiterward the Committee on
Expen dltures in the War Department was made
acquainted with the facts.
At the time the committee were nrst apprised
OF the startling allegation Mr.. Kerr was absent,
be- nm
investigation until he should return. Upon his
return, however last week, Green and Harvey
were summoned to testify. Green came day
before yesterday, and went informally before
hessrs. Clymer, Danford, and bass, and made
Harney has Acknowledged the service Of his
Subpoena, out Is sick In New York. and has not
yet reported.
Yesterday Cbsirma an Clymer went to Mr. Kerr
and made known TO blm the accusation. MIR.
Kerr replied that he had Leard Of II some weeks
ago through an anonymous letter, and had
taken means to trace the source OF the letter
and the circumstance connected with It. Tue
record OF tue War Department shows that
Green was appointed on the recomme nd alton ot
Mr. korr. Among other papers Is a letter writ
ten by Mr.. Kerr on the day OF the confirm alton
OF Green to the Secretary OF War, asking tn &
1.-The commission Of Lieut.. Green. just con-
nrmed. and who was appointed on his (Ken's)
dress la New York city,"
1t IA said that this case against Speaker Kerr
has been systematically worked up, and that
Harvey and Green are both reluctant witnesses.
Harnsy, II In said by Republicans, Is Of god
reputation, and would prefer not to testify II
there was any honorat 10 way Of get; in1 out OF
1t. On the other hand the Democratic friends
Of MIR. Kerr say that Harney IA an Irresponsible
fellow that he was not friend OF Kerr. ana
that his sickness now Is only a sh IN. This the
Republicans denv, saving that iarney is really
sick, ana that Just hs soon us he ts well enough
he will appear before Clymer's committee nd
swear positively tnat be paid Mr.. Kerr the
money.
Mr. Kerr declares that he has no recollection
OF ever speaking to Harney, and ueuies OF
course that he ever received any money from
him.
The Committee on Expenditures In the War
Department this afternoon examined In secret
A. r. Green. lie merely confirmed the state
ment that he expressed 10 Lawrence Harvey
his desire to obtain a commission In the
army, ana that Harury said IL would cost III oney,
ana arranged an interview WIN Mr. Kerr,
through whose influence the commission
obtained. Green also trstlled tnat he paid
iiainey $500 iof his services, but beyond this he
knew nothing