New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-03-24
THE PROCEEDINGS IN DETAIL.

| WASHINGTON, March 23.-The examination
OF Jacob r. sbiphrd resumed this morning by the
House Committee Foreign Affairs. The proceedings
opened by the witness reading from manuscript the
following statement:
II the chairman please. midway Of the hearing yeser
day was puzzled by what seemed TO me most cause
papers that the unnamed senator lives in New-Hamp,
shire and then for the first time became aware OF an
utterance which must nave been uncOnscOusly made,
joined heartily, though rather late, III the general
In view of the printed record the committee and the
public well have, of course understood the fact from
the first and may as wei now as later wave merely
technical Formally and let IL into the
record that the Senator concerning whom
have testcd is identical with the named in
my printed letters and is the Hon. Henry Blair OF New
Hampshire. At this point may as we'll add that no
other member of Congress has acted counsel for me-
and far as I remember no suggestion OF "A re.
taner has been made to any other with one exception
In that other the overture was first entertained
but finally declined upon the sole grounds as under
stand it, ba he interests involved might iD some form
come before Congress.
The chairman-Are you at liberty to state who tho
other member was
The wtness-It seems to me that nothing whatever
of the Oyernres it would be scarcely delicate foi
me to disclose the name. / viii merely say that the
gentleman WILL Of recognize himself; and viii
if he wishes to disclose the facts, suggest that dis
close them. In that event. so far rs am concerned
will cheeriully DO so.
Mr.. Orth-Was the overture from him or from youi
The witncss-FrOm me.
The charman-Are you free state OF which house he
is memb;Pf
The witness-I doubt the expedency OF that mere
matter Of decacy that influences wish 10 treat
all members with courtesy.
The chairnanI merely ask the question IN orderthat
the committee may recognize whether the matter
within the line OF its examination.
The witnessI appreciate that. aud yet IL seemsto me
that as have the substance OF the total fact and
as it nvON cd practically action except declnaory
one on part committee would not pursue
the investigation further II would do so in case II
should happen TO state that this was Senator But
that OF course would the field OF guess work and
perhaps annoy the gentleman in question.
Mr.. Rlce-It would certainly absoye che the commit
tee from following il further n you should state
that he is Senator but II you should state that he is
member of the House, it is quite possible that onr judg-
ent might different from yonrs In regard to the pro-
priety OF pursuing the investigation any further
The wtness-I should be very glad to be advised by
the committee In the premises have disclosed all tho
facts which it seems to proper 20 volunteer.
Mr. Belmont-in what shape did this gentleman sup.
pose that the matter would before Congress Did
he refer to an investigation which Congress might
dertake
The witness-There was no suggestion OF that sort.
The suggestion substantially IN this form 1T is
possible that may be called 10 sit as member Of Con.
gress in Judgment on some interest involved
here and, in such case, OF course / could
not be committed in any way as counsel"
The only ground which retainer rendered was, OF
course, that IL the unqualified nption that
this matter would be disposed Of in the Executive De-
partment. That the only ground on which any
suggestion to a member Of Congress has been made or
could be made.
The cbairman-Mr. shiphcrd has stated that his con-
dton OF heath this morning il such thar he intends 20
ask for post poucment Of the examination today and
was about to suggest that should that request ba
granted, the committee i'm the meantime consider
the propriey Of proceeding further with this inquiry.
WILL however, subject myself to the wish OF the CON-
mittee In regard to that.
snIPHERD RESERVES AN ANSWER.
Mr.. Blount ito the wItnessl-Ion employed Mr. Blair,
Us You stated because OF his personal relations 10 tho
Secretary OF state and OF the facilities which
those relations gave you in getting opportunity TO
present your matter to the Secretary Of state What was
the motive your engaging the legal services Of this
other gentleman Was II account Of his political
latons to the Executive Department or wastsmpy for
his legal ability
The wiiness-If the committee please would like TO
reserve all that question until the committee
first decides whether II will into that matter. II the
committee 20 into prepared 10 60 along as far
AN led 1t saems TO NE that the Question