Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1882-06-21
Talked to by Prescott.

LAST OF THE PERU-GUANoCHILI AFFAIR.
WASHINGTON, June 20.-The house com
mittee on foreign affairs resumed the examina-
ton of Prescott this morning, and Mr.. Bel
mont asked if the Credit Industriel was the
company meant in the instructions of June
Is, although not mentioned by name.
Witness replied: ~ would think so unques-
tionably to this extent. 1t was well under
stood that the Credit Industriel had SUBJ
mitted two or three plans, and as far as
know it was the only company that has done
SO. Had been the minister to whom the
Instructions were given I would have
felt justified in giving friendly countenance
TO the Credit Industriel if they seemed
to be able to furnish the war indemnity
to Chill and save Peru from loss
of territory; but if the plans of the company
involved any guaranty on the part of this gov
eminent or a protectorate, l would then have
referred the whole matter al once to the state
department"
Witness objected TO answering whether he
drafted the dispatch of June Is, but stated that
the Credit Industriel was undoubtedly the
company meant in that dispatch. l had heard
before leaving the United States that the Credit
Industrial had made propositions, but formed
standing of the company after l reached Chilli
aud Peru. understood their proposition was
to be considered by any minister that might
be sent out by this government, and that it
should receive whatever sympathy and en-
couragement it was proper to betow; that our
ministers should keep informed of the posi-
bilities and abilities on the part of the COM
pany to accomplish its proposed object, and
if any guarantee or protectorate on the part
of the United States was proposed, the mat
ter should be at once submitted TO the state
department.
Belmont-Did il not seem so clear to YOU
that the Credit Industriel was contemplated
that you did not think it necessary to mention
the company in that dis patch of June 1872
Witness demurred to the question, and Bel
mont followed it up with the question: "Did
you write the dispatch?'
This led to discussion in the committee
as to whether the question should be insisted
on, and the committee went into secret ses-
sion. Fifteen minutes later the doors were
opened and Belmont was about to ask ques-
ton, when the chairman remarked: sit is
understood that Mr.. Belmont withdraws the
question:"
Belmont-'I have no further question to
ask"
Belmont thought there must be some mis-
understanding among the members of the
committee, and asked that the doors be again
closed. The committee again went into
secret session and after further elaboration
the doors were again opened.
Belmont said: "Mr. Prescott, have con-
cluded to walve the question as to the author
ship of the dispatch, and as you have answer
ed so fully in regard to the dispatch, believe
I have no more questions to ask"
This closed the examination of Trescott and
the chairman announced that the investiga-
ton under the resolution of the house was
probably concluded.
The committee will meet in regular session
Friday, to which day they adjourned. Two
reports will probably be submitted. but it is
extremely doubtful if they can be prepared
before the adjournment of the present ses-
sion,