Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1882-04-19
TOO MUCH FOR THEM
The Examination Of Shipherd Given up
as q Bad JOb-NOthing OF ImpOr-
tanee Developed
During the InVestigatiOn-The Shrewd
Rascal Tells Just What He Wants
known, and no More.

WASHINGTON, April lS.-The Shipherd
examination was resumed Representative
Deuster conducting the investigation. The
witness declined to state whether Peter Heb
| ner purchased the Cechet claim from the
Cochet heir or what was paid Tor il, or
whether it was purchased from the legitimate
heir.
Shipherd was asked il Norvin Green, VIM.
II. Vanderbilt, F. d. Morgan, Mr.. Medill,
and others mentioned in the list he gave to
Minister Huribut were stockholders in the
Peruvian Company, and declined to an
ever. He said he had been acquainted with
Whitelaw Reid for number OF years. Wit
ness declined to state whether Senator
Blaine, Ex-senator Crsgin, and others men
toned BY him are now stockholders; also to
whom he referred when he said the nearest
friends OF the new President are identified
with the company. He refused to tell who
are the directors of the company at the pres-
ent time, and from whom he had received
assurances of the very strongest govern
mental support. Several other direct ques-
lions were put, but the witness positively
declined in every instance TO answer
any question looking to inquiry into the
personnel of the Peruvian Company or its
financial status. Witness held a converse
ton with Prescott on November 18th, at the
state department. 1t was the first time he
had ever met him. Walker Blaine intro
ton by saying, "Well, how is the Peruvian
Company; what are you going to do next"
The conversation soon dritted into discus
sion of the diplomatic status Of Chill. Il
was an Informal chat, such as / might have
had with any gentleman, and made little i'm
preston on my mind.
Chairman Williams then asked witness,
What was your real object in writing your
letter of August 9Th to Walker Blaine?"
The witness replied, assuring the commit
tee that he would, with pleasure, with frank
ness; and somewhat surprising them with his
statement that he looked upon Blaine as no
lawyer, and Walker Blaine as a bright,
clear headed attorney, he approached them
as lawyers.
finally driven from the position at first as
sumed, that when he approached Walker
Blaine to employ him as an attorney. he
simply sought his judicial services. He
thought the son was better acquainted with
the workings OF the fathers mind, and could
better supplement the information that
might be impaired by Senator Blair.
After some further questions, which failed
to elicit other than evasions, Mr. Deuster
declined to put any more questions to the
witness, and stated to the chairman his rea-
sons, substantially follows: For several
weeks during which the witness was before
US he has eyaded every question calculated
to throw any light upon the subject of this
investigation; he has refused TO furnish any
documentary evidence which might disclose
the true purpose and character of the Peru
Wan Company; he has refused to inform us
who are the stockholders, who are the direct |
ers, or what was the amount of the capital, |
If any, invested in the Peruvian Com pany. |
In my opinion, no individual whose interests |
are such as 10 warrant him seeking |
the influence or the diplomatic interfer- |
ence of the government has the right to wrap |
himself and his affairs in such profound .
-ecresy. In my opinion no wrong has been |
done, except by the president of the |
Peruvian Company in attempting TO in
volve this government in its diplomatic |
ard in approaching high official |
and minister of the United States with an
attempt to bride them. l therefore move that |
We dismiss the witness from further examI-
nation.
Chairman Williams stated that all OF |
hese questions would be carefully consid-
cred and passed upon by the committee.
Shipherd asked an opportunity TO be heard
pecifcalIy in regard to his reasons for de-
;lining to answer certain questions, and was
assured that such an opportunity would be
afforded him.
The committee adjourned with the under
tanding that Shepherds attendance would |
lot again be required until the latter part of
week,