The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1882-04-19
THE GUAN0 NUISANCE.
MORE oF sAIpAERp,s EvAsIYE TAX.
The CoArr.alOuGl Committee Dlssustsd with
Hin-Mr. Dsust.r DsnOunO.s Ills Course.
SAlpASra's Great Admiration for uE
Honorable walker Blaine.

NASHIN6foNi April lo.-Ihe Shtphefd
examination was resumed this morning,
Representative Deuster conducting the In.
yestgation. The witness declined TO state
whether Peter Hebner purchased the
Cochet claim from Cochets heir or what
was paid for II, or whether Il was par-
chased frsm the legitimate heir. Shipheri
was asked Il William II, Vanderbilt, Z. D.
Morgan and others, mentioned in the list
which he gaze to Minister HnFlbus, were
stockholders in the Peruvian company, but
he declined 10 answer. lie said be had
been acquainted with Whitelaw Reid a
number OF years. Witness declined 10
state whether Senator Blair, ex-senator
Cragin and Others metioned by him are
now stockholders; also, 10 whom he re-
ferred when be said, "the nearest friends
OF the new President are identified with
the company"
He refused to tell who are directors OF the
company Mt the present time and from
whom he had received assurance Of ''the
very strongest governmental support"
Several other direct questions wers put,
but the witness positively declined in every
instance TO answer any question looking 10
an enquiry into the PersOnnen Of the Peru
Wan Company Or Its financial status. Wit
ness held q consultation with Trescott on
November 18th at the State Department; it
was the first time he had ever met him.
Walker Blaine introduced them, and intro
duced the conversation by saying "Well,
how is the Peruvian Company? What
are you going 10 do next?"
The conversation soon drifted into dis
cussion Of the diplomatic attitude Of Chilli
It was an informal chat, such as might
have been had with any gentleman and
made little impression upon my mind.
Mr.. Williams then asked witness, "What
was your real object in writing your Au.
gust 9Th letter to Walker Blaine?"
Witness replied at SOME length, assuring
the committee that he would with pleas.
tire answer with trankness, somewhat sur.
prising them with his statement that he
looked upon Blaine IS no lawyer, and see.
ing in Walker Blaine bright, clear headed
attorney, he approached him rs a LAWYER.
By series OF incisive questions the wit
ness was finally driven from the position ut
first assumed, that he approached Walter
TO employ his services as an attorney; he
said that he simply sought his judicial ser.
vices; he thought the son was better ac-
quainted with the workings OF his fathers
mind and could better supplement inioyma.
ton that might be impaired by Senator
Blair.
Alter some further questions which failed
10 elict other than eyasions, Mr.. Deuster
declined to put any more questions TO
witness, and stating to the chairman his
reasons, substantially as follows: "For
several weeks, during which witness l,as
been before us, he has evaded every uues.
tion calculated to throw any light on the
subject OF this investigation. He has re-
fused to furnish any documentary evidence
which might disclose the purpose and
character OF the Peruvian company.
he has refused TO inform us who
are stockholders, who are directors
or what was the amount OF the capital il
any. invested in the Peruvian Com.
pany. In my opinion no individual,
whose interests are such that he feels war
ranted in seeking TO influence the diplo-
matte interference ofthe government, has
a right to wrap himself and affairs in such
profound secrecy. In my opinion no
wrong has been done except by the Presi-
dent Of the Peruvian Company in attelhpt-
ing to involve this government in its dipto-
matte relations and in approaching high
official and minister Of the United States,
with IN attempt TO- bribe them. there
fore move that we dismiss the witness from
further examination"
Chairman Williams stated that all these
questions would be carefully considered
and passed upon by The committee.
Shipherd asked an opportunity to be
heard specifically in regard to his reasons
for declining to answer certain questions,
and was assured that such an Opportunity
would be afforded him.
The committee then adjourned with the
understanding that Shepherds attendance
would not again be required until the lat
ter part OF next week.