Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-03-22

Shipherd replied that it was owing to the
kind offices of the senator before alluded TO.
Belmont asked: Were you summoned to
Washington by the senator:
Shipherd again suggested that he was met
by an embarrassment. not that he had per
sonally any objection, but that he was in
formed he should be very careful in an IN
vestigation of this character in making men
ton of the names of senators orlmembers..
The chairman then suggested that he might
give the features Of his interview with Blaine,
reserving the other question.
Shipherd then statad that at the interview
which covered several hours upon the eve
ming of July 18th. and probably from 10 to
II O'Clock on the morning of the 26th he.
[Shipherd), began by giving to the secretary
a full statement of the laws of our govern
ment to interfere. We can only ask pro-
visional reply. The secretary listened with
what seemed to Shipherd great deal more
than merely courteous attention, and here and
there interspersing questions, showing that
he was following every point with great care
and precision.
He suggested some difficulties from legal
point of view: that we Americans purchased
the claim, and expected the United States
government to enforce it against Peru. At
ter full discussion, the secretary asked
Shipherd to suggest what was wanted from
our government. To this, Shipherd, in eff
feet replied: At present we can ask almost
nothing. We cannot go into court, down
there, until Peru denies the claim, and I'M
til this is done, we have no right to ask.
Peru is now shipping our guano, and is
about to make an arrangement to pay her
war indemnity with our guano. All we de-
sire is that an official notice be sent to both
Chill and Peru that there is an American
claim assesred to that guano, and that who
ever takes il will do so with notice of that
assertion.
The secretary replied: That is not asking
much.
After this matter had been fully discussed
and it was made plain to the secretary that
the company had not been asking the govern
ment to assert its claim, the conversation
took some other turn and was finally closed
with the remark by the secretary. Now
what do you want me to do:' Shlpherd re-
piled in substance, as before stated, that the
government should send Publications of
American title to guano, and the secretary
replied he would do so at once.
Mr.. Shipherd added, | think these were
the secretary's exact words: That yous will
get, sir go directly to the State Depart
ment. | shall make it my first business.
Representative Blount asked witness: Was
there any extraordinary reason for employing
a United States Senator as attorney:
Answer never sought aid or influence
of any member or senator because they were
such. l did not seek the services of this
senator because he was senator, but as an
attorney, and because knew he par
ticular friend of the secretary of state.
Shipherd stated, in reply to an inquiry by
the chairman, that he had further interviews
with the secretary October 18th, November
Sd and November 9TH.
Representative Belmont addressed the wit
ness and said: You state that Hurlbut said
TO you the government was satisfied as to the
validity of the claim. Did he state to you
whether the President had submitted it to the
attorney general or to the cabinet for opinion
Answer-nothing of the kind. MY recol-
lection of the phrase is: The President re-
CARDS your claim as valid.
Hearing was adjourned until tomorrow.