Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-12-10
THE HOT SPRINGS BILL INVESTI-
CATION.
Testimony of Britt and Others.

WASHINGTON, December 9. In the Hot Springs
bill investigation, BRITT said he had seen letter
from John + Foster to Mr.. Brooks Chief of the
secret service, in which he said he had seen Con
over who DECLARED he had no knowledge OF the
theft, but was glad it was done.
To Senator Randolph-I was in Florida in 10
core pondeut OF the Savanna News; was AS
signed to duty in this matter by Brooks. Did not
know at whose instance, but supposed it was on
the rel resentation of eX-Gov Stearns.
Senator Dorsey asked witness if Brooks said
anything to him about himself and Watkins hav-
ing any thing to do with the bill.
Witness-BroSks once said to me, "They say
Dorsey and Atkins had something to do with this
You had better look them over" He had gore
tar enough to satisfy himself that they had moth
ing to do with tue abstraction or omission.
Senator Dorsey said he had been very active
supporter of the Hot Springs bill, and he did not
care to be pursued by treasury detectives. He
hoped that transcript ofthis statement would be
sent by the committee to the secretary OF the
treasury.
S. Is. Benson, assistant chief of the secret serv-
ice, was called His first knowledge of the omis-
sion OF abstraction OF the Hot Springs bill, was
received II ON lawyer named Cummings, who
said n man told him that l.. n. Hill knew all
about it. Saw Hill, who told him he could find
out who did it. Communicated Hlirs assertion to
Solicitor Raynor, who conferred with MIR. Atkins,
who addressed note to the secretary of the treas
ury, asking that treasury detectives investigate
the matter, aud learn whether the omission &C.
cured by accident or design. Subsequently a Sc
cret service man under the assumed name of Wal
lace, had several interviews with Hill. On the
4Ih OF July witness met Hill, who said that Wal
lace and himself could come to no agreement. II
he could have money he could work up the case,
Witness offered to advance money tor Wallace to
procure an affidavit which Hill proposed to get Of
a reliable man that person interested in the Hot
Springs was seen in conversation with King, the
enrolling Clerk of the House. at IL o'clock, ON
the last nj: hit of the session, and after Congress
adjourned, came out and said the sundry civil
service bill had passed. but the Hot Springs clause
was not in il.
Witness advanced five dollars to Hill and took
his receipt ior it, with condition that he was to
retui the money il the affidavit was not procur-
ed. Hill stated that the person who made the re-
mark, was an attorney named j. Ii. Rice. Rice
ma infested good deal OF feeling, said he had a
contingent interest in the contract between j. H.
Russell and ex Gov Rector, for the establishment
OF a certain claim to a title to the land on which
the Hot Springs were located.
Hill also stated that Rice said after the confer
ence committee had reported the Hot Springs
clause, that it yet might not become law.
Senator Estou-Did Hin ever obtain afiida-
Wit?
Witness-lie did not.
Senator Eaton-Did you get the five dollars
back
Witness-No sir, Oaughter) but it is just to Hill
to say that he now cialus he WAS fooling me.
Senator Cameron, Ws.-He seems to have sue
decided pretty well. (Renewed laughter)
MIR. Benson proceeded and read the contract
between Russell and Rector relating to the land
case
Adjourned