Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-06-03
THE CHARGES AGAINST
SPEAKER KERR.
Harvey upon the Witness
stand.
TESTIMONY OF HON. MEYER
STROU3E OF PENN.

Washington June ,. The cross examination of
Lawrence Harvey was resumed before X. X. FL
hot, counsel for Speaker Kerr
Witness said he would like to have Speaker
Kerr present.
Mr. Clymer replied thai Mr.. Kerr was not well
enough to be present.
Witness said the time that had elapsed between
his first interview with Green, who was seeking
admission into the army, and his first interyiew
with Kerr. was inside of month Within that
time he was looking among members of Congress
to find out who had such an appointment in the
army. He spoke to William A. Darling, Henry J.
Raymond, Nelson Taylor and also the member of
the House from Brooklyn, since dead. He did
not recollect the names of any others, and many
have applied to the gentlemen named for informa-
ton. Witness repeated much of what he said on
direct examination, Including the statement that
Kerr said that Green, being a republican, must
have democratic endorsement. lie thought Green
said Fernando Wood had recommended him.
Odd you not propose to Green before you
consulted with any member OF Congress that You
would procure him the place for $500 or Si00s
Al told him did not know what il would cost,
as did not know what the price Of member of
Congress was.
Odd you not at the first interview propose
specifically to him to procure the appointment for
$500 or $500;
A-No.
The witness related circumstances of inter-
view with district attorney Bliss. He said Bliss
sent for him. Bliss alone and as he entered
his room shook hands with hin, saving Good
morning." complmented him upon his appear
ance, laughter, and then Bliss expressed de-
sire to know something about the Green matter.
Bliss asked, whats the matter about Green !?
what's the trouble :" and continuing to ask ques-
tons of that kind. Bliss further asked, "Did you
not interest yourself about Green and is there any
money in the matter;' Witness declined to tel
him anything about the money. He never saw
Bliss again on the subject. He made no COM
munication to any other gentleman nor was he
interviewed by newspaper correspondents. He
thought Bliss was an upright, honest gentleman,
who would punish all criminals, he never knew
such a man as he was to push people. After Mr..
Bliss had made his recent statement in New York
he saw Bliss who said he did make the state ment,
as he wanted to push the matter and punish wrong
doors, whether republicans or democrats.
Bliss lid not urge him to come to Washington
and testify, nor did any other gentleman. The
fact that he secured the appointment for Green
was known TO everybody in New York; but he
said nothing about money TO anybody, and he re-
heated it was between and O'Clock, p. NJ, when
MIR. Kerr called him aside at the door of the
House and said, 81 will take that money now "
After he received the money from Green his rela
ton, toward the democratic party of the be
kind.
Q-What is a strkerf
Alt is man who gets all The money lie can
out of you and then knocks you down.
Q-Are you striker'
Al never struck man for his money in my
| life.
Q-Who are your hackers or particular friends
A-George Opdyke, Havemeyer, Misselroude
| and William A. Darling.
| Elliot, counsel for Kerr asked witness about his
| recollection of copy of anonymous letter sent to
| Kerr, aud which had been shown him by Moore
Elliot wanted witness to write down copy of let
ter but he said he couldnt do so as the only words
| he saw in the letter were "Lawrence Harvey
$50" Elliot desired this to test recollection OF
| witness.
make the request with view of indicating that
the witness may have been the writer of the anony-
| nous letter.
| Witness wrote his name on piece of paper Sc
| that Elliot might Judge of his handwriting. Ell.
liot insisted he should write out the letter. Wit
ness said he was to nervous to WRITE but might be
able to do so to-day. Witness said he worked fol
| Green from motives of friendship and did not ex.
pcct to make anything of it, He further testified
that he met Mr.. Moore at the Tribune building
but said nothing more to him than to pass the
time of day. He did not say that Bliss and Dayen-
port were damned rascals."
| Hon. Never Strouse of Penn. testified. He was
member of Congress from Schuylkill district in
| 1866. He knew Lawrence Harvey who was as
! sistant d0orkeeper at the time. Harvey a number
of times asked him to use his influence to procure
his friend, Green, an appointment in the army
+! Harvey spoke of Green's character as a soldier
and the witness wrote letter to President John
| son in favor OF such appointment. Harney saio
| to him. you have influence with the President
snd have always been soldiers friend, therefore
you can help Green by writing letter" lIarne,
said to him he (Harney) could make little money
probably four or five hundred dollars, out of tn,
business. Witness told him he had nothing to d.
with that. He received no money and never saw
any. Witness was very intimate with Kerr, bu
never saw him have any intercourse with Harvey
On cross examination, Strouse said Harvey toll
him his position did not pay well and his expense
were heavy.
Adjourned TIL tomorrow.