Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-06-20
PERU INVESTIGATION CLOSED
Mr.. PRESCOTT FURTHER ExkMInED TO-DAY.

The House committee on foreign affairs resumed
the examination OF Mr.. TreScott this morning.
Mr.. Belmont wished 10 know IL the Credit Indus
triel was the company that was meant in the IN
structions OF June 15th although not mentioned by
name. Witness replied: Il would think so. un-
queStionably, TO this extent: it was well under
stood that the Credit 1ndustriel had submitted
two or three plans, an d. so far as knew. it was
the only company that had done So" Witness
doubted the propriety OF his undertaking TO swear
to the meaning of dispatch which was before the
committee and should be judged by its context
tie was willing to state, however, what he would
nave understood by the instructions had he been
the minister TO whom they were given. He would
teel justified In giving friendly countenance TO the
credit lnduStriel Ii they seemed 10 be able TO fur
nish the war Indemnity to Chill and save Peru
from loss OF territory; but If the plans OF the
company involved any guarantee on the part OF
this government, or a protectorate, he would then
nave referred the whole matter at once 10 the
State department.
A QUESTION THE WITNESS OBJECTED TO ANSWERING.
Mr. Belmont asked.-Do you object to answering
whether you drafted the dispatch OF June 18th?
Answer.-Yes; submit to the committee that
It would be maniieStly improper for me to answer
that question.
Mr.. Belmont-I understand that you had sew
credit Industriel here?
Answer.-fes. knew what they wanted.
The chairman-The question seems to me
ooth lnmaterial and improper. The dispatch
must be construed from Its language II is the
who wrote It. Unless there is manifest ambig-
uity In it. do not think the witness should be
asked to conStrue it.
Mr.. Belrnont-I want to know IL the Credit H.
duStr!el was meant in that dispatch
AnSWer.-I Should say so, unqueStionably.
Mr.. BELMONT SATISFIED.
Mr.. BelmonI-I am perfectly satisfied.
Mr.. TrescottI had heard before leaving the
United States that the Credit Industrie had made
propositions, but formed my opinion in regard to
the character and standing of the company after
reached Chilli and Peru / understood that their
proposition was to be considered by any ministers
that might be sent out by this government, and
that 1t Should receive whatever sympathy and en-
couragement 1T was proper to beStOw; that our
ministers should keep Informed OF the possibilities
and abilities on the part OF the company to accom-
or protectorate on the part OF the United States
was proposed, that the matter should at once be
submitted to the State department.
The Chairman.-Suppose such a proposition had
| done?
| Answer.-Oh! Mr. Chairman that was a matter
OF big politics for the Cabinet 1t never reached
such point In the negotiation. could not un-
dertake to say what action this government would
nave taken under suppostiouS circumstances
aon'C suppose our government would have enter
tanned such proposition; indeed, Mr. Blaine dis
| unctly pronounced against it In advance.
Mr.. Belmont-Did It not seem SO clear to Won
that the Credit !ndustrfel was contemplated that
you did not think it necessary to mention the
company In that dispatch of June 18th?
THE WITNESS DEMURs.
Witness demurred to the question, and Mr.. Bel
mont followed it up with the question. Did you
write the dispatch?
This led to a discussion In the committee, and. to
determine whether the question should be in
sisted upon, the committee went into secret ses-
| sion.
When the doors were opened Mr. Belmont said :
"Mr. TreScott, have concluded to waive the qIes-
tion as to the authorship OF the dispatch, and as
you have answered so fully in regard to the dis
patch, believe have no more questions to ask :"
Mr.. Blount asked: Did you understand the policy
| OF the State department and OF Mr.. Blaine to be
| one or encouragement to the Credit Industrel?
Mr.. TreScott, In reply, re-Stated what he under
stood to be the views OF Mr. Blaine and the depart
ment
| The chairman.-Have you any further knowl-
| edge OF the Credit Industrel than what you have
stated?
Answer.-I have none.
THE INVESTIGATION CLOSED.
This closed the examination of Mr. Trescott and
the chairman announced that the investigation
under the resolution OF the House was probably
concluded. The committee will meet I'm regular
session on Friday, to which day they adjourned.
The preparation OF report will involve vast
| deal of labor and the examination OF voumnous
testimony. Two reports will probably be submit
ted, but 1t is extremely doubtful IL they can be
prepared before the adjournment Of the present
session.