The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1878-06-22
THE MATHEWS uNvEsTuGArroN.

THE MATHEWS INVESTIGATION.
Anderson CaIIed-He Refuses TO Testify
Unless Allowed COunsel-Quandary
of mis- TnquisitOrs.
| WASHINGTON, June 21-The Stanley Mat
| thews committee met at II o'clock Those of
| the committee present were Messrs, Allison
chairman 9 pro tenn, and Messrs. Davis, Hoar
| Ingalls,, Whyte and Jones, of Florida They
had private consultation lasting until 80
| p. m, when the doors were opened
Mr' ). IL. anderson was called to be sworn
when he stated that before being sworn he
desired to state that he wished to be repre-
sented by counsel before the committee.
It was stated that the question whether to
admit the request would have to be decided
| in private session.
Mr.. Davis suggested that witness could be
sworn, and then the committee could decide
whether to allow counsel to represent him.
| MIR. Anderson was then sworn, and the
committee held short consultation In pri-
Vate On the doors being opened, Mr. Allison
announced to Anderson that the COMMITTEES
had decided not to allow him to be represents
| ed by counsel.
Mr.. Anderson-Then | wish to state that
have no statements to make or questions to
answer.
Mr.. Allison-Then, do the committee nm.
derstand that you refuse to answer ques-
tions
| Anderson-I do.
Mr.. Allison, after consulting with the meno-
bers OF the committee, had the room cleared,
and the committee proceeded to consult upon
| the new aspect OF the examination arising out
Of the refusal of the witness to testify
The doors were again opened, when the let
Ter OF tne stenOgrapher was read to him, after
which Mr.. Allison requested witness to stand
up, and stated that the committee had de-
cided that he ought to answer such questions
| as should be prOp0unded to him, and re-
occupation.
| Witness-I have no desire to throw any OBJ
| stacle In the way of the investigation, but /
| shall not answer unless can have counsel.
by the advice of counsel2
Wltness-No, sir; l have consulted no
one.
Mr. Davis-But you are witness, and it is
have counsel.
Mr.. Anderson am aware Of that fact. but
Mr.. Matthews is allowed to represent himself
by counsel, and, If he is allowed counsel, I
cannot consent to testify before this com
mittee
MT. Allison ttff6n asked Tit Tie witness = z,t,ry,-
Der OF questions, to which ne desired answers
Mr.. White-SO we understand that you are
setting aside the authority Of a committee of
Witness-I am simply protecting myself
Ii ~ Matthews will go before the Potter com
mlttee and testify, will give my testimony
before this committee without counsel
Tie witness also stated, in answer to ques-
gagged; went for his own protection, and in
view of intfmations that he was to be Indicted
for perjury, he felt desirous of having friend
and counselor present to protect his inter-
eSts.
After some further questions and answers
relative to what had Induced him to make a |
request and come to a determination SO ex-
traordinary, he said that he talked with
Messrs. Springer and Harris, of the House, |
who said that they could not see what reason
the Senate committee could give for refusing
him right to counsel. They had not sug-
gested resistance to him. That was his own
thought, and he should persist in 1t without
any desire to obstruct the committee in it's
investigation.
Mr.. Davis-Y You are here sworn to tell the
whole truth Are you afraid to tell the truth |
hereF Reporters are taking down every word !
you say, which will be published to the world. |
What objection can you have to giving your |
testimony?
Witness-H this be as you say, what can
be your reason for not allowing me counsel |
thews?
After, further conversation the doors we're
again closed up.
On opening the doors, the notes of the stem
ograpner OF the private consultation of the
com mittee, had after the doors were closed,
with Mr.. Matthews, were read for the benefit
OF the reporters, in substance as follows:
Mr. Matthews was asked by the temporary
chairman whether, in view OF the refusal Of
tee to go on with the investigation, when he
replied that that was q matter of such delica-
cy as to cause him to refrain from the respon-
SlDlllty OF making any suggestion on the sub
lecC. he stated ne was ready HOW, tU-tii5t7yT, |
and should be hereafter, to assist and facili-
tate the committee to attain the objects and
purposes for which the committee was or
ganized.
In view of the refusal of Anderson to give
his testimony, he saw no other course than
TO obtain the testimony of Anderson before
the Potter committee upon which he had
asked for this committee to be raised. If the
committee should consider that testimony
sufficient for, it's guidance in the pending in
yestigation, he was ready to go on, but
whether they should do SO or not, they must
iecide as he could not give any advice or '
counsel in the matter 4
Mr.. Allison-That Is all that took place in t
ne private conference To witness1 Now ]
ne committee have decided to demand your t
estlmony here; are you now willing to go on =
Vltn your evidence, and answer truthfully
uch questions as shall be asked you?
Anderson am not
Mr.. Allison You still persist In holding the 4
at defiance? I
Anderson do. t
Mr.. Whyte-In the absence of authority 4
rom Congress, we have no power to compel 6
MS witness TO answer, or to punish him for =
is contempt OF our authority, and in view of I
hat fact, move that the committee adjourn s
ub1ect to the call OF the chairman.
Inc motion was agreed to, upon which Mr. l.
Liiison told witness that he was at liberty to
o where he pleased until summoned as
7ltness, and that he was entitled to no fees, r
Mileage or other compensation for his attend
nee. Ihe committee then adjourned. q
he Assassination of LincOln-Fate of
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