The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1880-09-30

would examine into the merits of this
pavement and make a statement of it
before the board.
made the argument.
[From the Same Speech at warren.l
The question was, if the people want
the wood pavement and are determined
to have it, which pavement shall we
give them, the best, or not the best
Now, have before me here, what 1 had
when made the argument, certificates
from Chicago, st. Louis, San Francisco,
and all the other cities where the pave
ment was laid, that it stood better than
any wood pavement that had ever been
laid.
(From the Same Speech.l
A committee OF investigation went over
tho whole ground Of this business in
Washington. Mr.. Parsons went before
that committee and told them all he
knew about this pavement; told them
What he knew of its merits and told them
he and l argued that case.
GEN. GARFIELD swEARs THAT BE ARGUED
THE CASE BEFORE THE BOARD.
lFrom his Testimony before Investigating Com
mittee of Congress, in February, 1871
Mr.. Nickerson-I understand you to
say, Mr.. Garfield. that you prepared q
| brief after Mr.. Parsons went away, and
| that you filed it with the Board of Public
Works. Is there such a brief on file?
Mr.. Garfeld-My impression is that L
filed it, though am not certain. know
| that I stated to the Board of Public
Works the points OF the case.
The Chairman-You did make an
argument?
Mr.. Garfield made a careful study
of the case, and stated the points to
the members of the board.
Mr.. Nickerson-Did you ever meet
the board collected together as board,
and make any statement or argument on
the subject?
Mr. Garfield don't know whether
the members of the board were all there
OF not.
Mr.. Nickerson-Did you at any time
appear before the board and make any
arguments whatever?
Gen. Garfield do not remember
that I did; but I did speak to Gov.
Shepherd on the subject, giving my
opinion in its favor.
THE TRUTH ABOUT GEN. GARFIELD's GAR
| GUMENT."
| [From Alexander r. Shepherds Testimony Before
| the Same Committed
Q.-You say, speaking of the infu-
ence of Parsons, "That was followed by
frequent pressures by Mr.. Parsons, and
| Gen. Garfield spoke to me about it
once" Is that your best recollection
now, that that was allthat was done by
Mr.. Garfield?
Mr.. Shepherd-That was all that he
ever did. He never spoke to me but
once ON the subject.
| WHY PARSONS WAS EMPLOYED TO EMPLOY
| GARFIELD.
from Benjamin R. Nickerson's Testimony before
| the Investigating Committee
/ was the owner of the ironizing pro-
cess. I was to ironize the pavement and
have a royalty. My interest in it was
worth $50, 900 or $40, 900, at least, and
Mr.. Parsons was employed with the as
surance to me by Chittenden that he
was able to reach the man who could
secure the contract.
AND WHY GARFIELD WAS EMPLOYED.
| [From Letter to De Golyer and McClelland from,
their Agent, George R. Chittenden, May 80, 1s72.l
The influence of Gen. Garfield has
been secured by yesterday, last night,
and to-day's labors. He holds the
purse-strings of the United States; is
Chairman of the Committee on Appro-
priations, and the strongest man in Con-
gross. san hardly realize that we have
Gen. Garfield with us. It is sure sue
cess and very gratifying, as all tho ap.
preparations of the District must come
through him.
A REPUBLICAN OPINION OF THE TRANS
ACTION.
| (From The Independent, July 80 Is74.l
The testimony taken in the investiga-
ton of the District of Columbia frauds
shows that Mr.. Garfield received $5, ,00O
for his aid in getting through paving
contract accepted by the District Gov.
ernment. A Mr.. Parsons, q notorious
jobber, made an argument for the paw
ing company, and then got Mr.. Garfield
to make further argument and to use
his personal influence in its favor. o.
course Mr.. Garfeld's argument was sue
cessful. How could it be otherwise? HI
was Chairman of the Committee on Ap
preparations. Every cent of money voted
to the District had TO come through him
Shepherd could not refuse him anything
he asked, and Mr. Garfield Bnew it whe1
he asked and received for his services
fee which would have been grossly ex
travagant but for his official position.
GEN. GARFIELD DENOUNCED BY HIS CON.
sTITUENTs FOR TAKING THE DE GoLYEl
| BRlBE.
[Resolution Adopted by the Republican Conventlo
at Warren, OHIO, Sept. Z, 1861
We further arraign and charge hin
with corrupt bribery in selling his off
cial influence as Chairman of the Com
mittee on Appropriations for $1,000 t
the De Golyer pavement ring to al
} them in securing a contract from th
BonrtI of Public Works of the Distrie
, of Columbia selling his influence
: aid said ring in imposing upon the pee
} pie of said District pavement which
:, almost worthless, at price three time
its cost, as sworn to by one of the col
, tractors; selling his influence to al
l said ring in procuring a contract to prc
cure which it corruptly paid $97, ,OC
! "for influence" selling his influence
a matter that involved no question {
law, upon the shallow pretext that h
:. was acting as lawyer; selling his il
: fiuence in manner So palpable an
3 clear as to be so found and declared b
!. an impartial and competent court upo
= an issue solemnly tried.
!. A CONSTITUTIONAL REPLY.