Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-03-04
WASHINGTON NEWS.
THE ACTION OF SOME OF THE
COMMITTEES.
WASHINGTON. March ..

WASHINGTON, March 2.
The House committee on the Pacific railroad
voted this morning on the Texas Pacific railroad
bill, the vote standing seven in favor and six
against. Mr.. Cole OF Missouri however, re-
served the right TO oppose the bill IN the House,
votlHg IN committee merely to bring the subject
up ion consideration there. lie is understood to
be opposed to the passage of the bill unless
branches which were stricken of IN committee
he restored.
invest gation OF Thos. r. Cheney, Henry Chick
trug, Postmaster oil Pitt,feld, and manager of
TIE BERKSHIRE Eagle newspaper, testified he had
called at Cheney Ofhce on business, but rarely
found him IN; knew little personally of Cheney
and his habits had written aim several business
letters requesting his personal attention, but iu-
varlably received replies written by some subor-
dnate.
j. VI. Wilson, lawyer. said Cheney was in the
village OF Ashlaad half his time, and Cheney was
a prominent politicians; McCoun, once mail agent
under Cheney, said the latter was very active
politician.
Mr. West, route agent, recalled on the general
reve" OF the dule, Of his position
John smith OF Boston, broker, and previously
postmaster al Meredith, swore he had know n
Chency 20 years ana that Cheney was very active
IN 20 tics; never saw him in his office at Boston,
and never failed to tnd hun at his residence IN
Ashland Smith told story about buying votes
IN New Hampshire. He sad both parties did IT,
and those paying the larger price, secured the
support OF a large number of voters who were al
ways ia the market at election time.
j. /. Temple Of Boston testified that he served
as agent under Cheney Tor several years knew
Cheney had neglected his business, and that his
clerk had frequently telcg aphed him at Ashland
OF the accumulation OF business requiring his at
tentOn. Temple fultaer stated that every en-
ployee IA the railway mail service, was required
to pay Tor political purposes, from nine to four
teen collars VIII ch forwarded to the chair
man of the national republican committee at
Washington. 1t was the general apprehension
among employers that the failure to pay into such
fund, would be met with dismissal, although he
knew Of no such case having occurred.
lie was notified about y,a ar and half ago
that Cheney Wa. Incompetent to fill the position
he occupied, and that the highest class of citizens
OF Massachusetts aud New Hampshire, were dc
sirOus of his removal.
Nh Blunt, Sup't of mail carriers of Boston,
was recalled and cOtroboI ated the statement that
number OF kilograms were sent 10 Cheney at
Ashland, Informing Of the necessity OF his pres
ence at his office.
The committee adjourned till Monday.
The House committee ON public lands agreed
to report favolsbly the bill directing tue secre-
ary OF war to convey By deed to the board OF
education Of the District OF Harpers Ferry, a
lot OF land with buildings thereon, for school
purposes.
The House committee on commerce, contin-
ued their discussion OF tue river and la. Dor applo-
platon bill to-day.
The Senate committee patents to-day or
deled blll printed providing for general revI-
sion Of patent laws, and it will reported to the
Senate early next week. 1t Is understood the
amendments are not very material.