New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1876-08-12
CHICAGO WHISKY AFFAIRS.
GRANTED REHM AND Observation-Disclosures
GENERAL PRESS DIsPATCH.J

LEADING TO IT.
lGENERAL PRESS DIsPATCHJ
WASHINGTON, Aug. 11.-Asa c. Matthews,
Supervisor Of Internal Revenue at Chicago was examined
this afternoon by the subcommittee Oh Whisky Frauds
He gave history of the immunity feature of the whisky
prosecutions and said when he came to Washington on
the 21st OF December, business connected with this
subject, he Secretary Bristow, who was
inclined to reject the terms OF immunity
proposed TO those who should plead guilty,
as the terms too broad and they were paying
too for the information and the Secretary further
said he would leave the matter to the discretion OF the
Disrict-Atomey and special counsel Solicitor Wilson
said about the thing. The terms of immunity as
finally agreed on had the effect of entirely breaking up
the Whisky Ring. Mr.. Matthews read the following
letter written him by Collector Webster and which nc
brought 10 Washington and handed TO Secretary Brlsow
who informed him it had been read to the Cabinet.
CHICAGO Dee. Is, 1875.
DEAR colonel: In response to your request 60 have
Have to say that hardly any price is high to pay for
the information proposed TO be furnished by Rehn But
secdnd, can We get it without that helpi The
could not get information in any other way-hat is,
If the decision were left to me. But ! wished you
ne assang 81 80 cct,n al tc 9nfSriIon Nv the
process OF summOning parties before the next Grand
jury uroh,iic we yin ne heller nrenared 20 90 he.
fore that uy than the last time. The iniquitics
viii br rnsned more theoretically, but nave iapros-
sion that do our best with the Grand jury and We shall
sill not gct all want. We might very probably get
most il by taking in Junkcn with Russell but might
NOT get two large dstllleiles.
Then as YOU suggested chs morning. time Il OF great
importance. We don't want 10 he very long beating
aTund The BUSH or carrying the place by regular APP
103rhcg n we can help from the inside OF the enc
my's camp il viii he worth very large price, Dut esl-
iao TO tax the responsibility of paying it, ii take
Russell! and JUukOn ill., viii that DE enough 10 make
panic and a stampede among the cnenlYI am NOT
gnite sure so that while pretty clear as TO Rus
sell aud Junken am NOT certain az 10 the rest oi the
party. , - -
gain say the price appears large, bat the inf0ma-
ton and the may he well worth IT, should lnA
that OF the parties-foId ana George HieI, I"l III
tel ali they knew fdthcf IMAM 20 10
uclcntiary They are OF the better class, reputable
heretofore and would be likely To Dc horfiHcd at the
prospect Of - prison. ms Ii III IdFOr VI u sep
mont as has been proposed IL Just now strikes ~"
Chat We might gin win Russell ana Jhnhr, ana leave
the Others 10 DC dealt wlAccOidinS 10 utNel9pnthis
according the greater or less ease WIN men We S't
information the caller stages O The proceedings Dc
the Jury, which may show whether the "hOe
ng structure going 10 ill To pieces without luIlher
definite as anything | have arrived AT Ia my lhihd
still see the greatest important 10 the best
interests Of tho country OF getting AT ue
bottom Of this whole thing. The hg stones aro al the
bottom of the building me vile influences winch
controlled the Republican party mere 50 lohg are no"
again assisting themselves; and II they are not counter
will ll and shall lose ali that we gained at The re-
cent elections. Very truly yours, D. H. Nhboihh
Col Matthews, supervisor
In reply TO the question 10 what the President sad
IN relation 10 that letter. the witness said he had no con
versatOn with the President concerning IT, He handed
the letter TO Secretary Bfsow, who took 10 the Ca
net Attorney General Pcrrepont being absent and when
lie again saw Secretary, the latter informed him that
TIE President after reading the letter. said that the price