National Republican., 1883-08-03

he committee will state in its report TO the
secretary of the treasury, and that 1t
may prepare his'report It purposes discon-
tinuing this investigation at this point and
at this time, except in the matter of the
heating apparatus constructed for the Chicago
custom house and postofiice building, and the
cross-examination of single witness by the
prosecution. When the committee has made
its report to the secretary If the prosecution,
represented by Mr.. Coleman, is of the opinion
that other accounts should be examined OF
those already Investigated should be inquired
into still further, he or any other citzen has
the right to file new charges and specihca-
tions with the secretary, who can receive and
do with them whatever he deems proper.
Upon the matter of the heating apparatus
of the Chicago building the committee desire
some additional light, which they will en-
dcavor to get, and will advise counsel at the
proper time as to what course they will take
to get it,
Mr. Coleman thereupon said:
protest against the closing of the testi-
mony, as ordered by the committee not
withstanding tho embarrassments and
annoyances which have been constantly
thrown in our way in this department. 10
prevent full Investigation of the matters
charged against the supervising architect ;
Notwithstanding the secretary has as
sumed to decide upon all important ques-
tions submitted to the committee,
and thus TO prevent inquiring into
many of tho most important of tho frauds
charged and, notwithstanding we have been
bound by the strictest rules of evidence the
rigid enforcemento of which by tho committee
has made this proceeding to prevent rather
than to aid in finding out regarding the
truth of tho matters charged notwithstand-
| ing the secretary of the treasury when he set
| on foot this investigation did so with the dis
tinct understanding that this committee
/ e
to take their testimony, and that he has
whenever apparent that the taking
of such testimony would result in proof of
| fraud and corruption, reversed such order,
and prevented the committee from taking
such testimony and notwithstanding that he
has refused to suspend the incumbent of the
| office pending the investigation, but left him
in charge of all the books, papers, and records
on which it was necessary to rely to sustain
many of the charges made against him. not
| withstauding all these facts | am ready and
willing to continue the introduction of testi-
mony, and protest. as | said against the order
! Just entered.
Mr.. Coleman protested against closing the
| investigation and criticised the manner in
which it had been conducted, especially the
refusal of the secretary of the treasury tc
order the committee to proceed to Chicago to
| take material testimony which could not be
obtained in any other way He wanted to
say for the prosecution that they stood ready
now to produce proof showing further frauds
on the part of the supervising architects
Office.
Chairman New said as tho committee did
not desire oral arguments on tho case, hC
would like to have counsel put in the written
arguments as soon as possible. These argu
ments would accompany the report of the
committee.
Mr.. Coleman asked to be allowed to make
an oral argument, but was informed that the
committee would only receive written argu
ments.
Mr.. Coleman then asked to be furnished
with full copy of the proceedings of thu
committee. He desired to cross-examine Mr.
Thompson, of the architects office. The com
mittee then adjourned till to-day, when Mr.
Thompson will be cross examined.