New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-24
STATEMENT FROM SECRETARY TELLER.
u!s ACTION WITH REFERENCE TO ACCUSED PEN
SION AGENTS.
LEY rELEGnArn TO TIE TRIBUNE.

SION AGENTS.
IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNEl
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23-To IrIBUNE cores
ponden respecting the charge that the oiiclals OF
the Interior Department have attempted 10 shield
pension claim agents who were engaged in swindl-
ing claimants Secretary Teller said 1t is not true
that the Commissioner of Pensions has recon-
mended this disbarment of Fitzgerald Il Co. as
alleged In October the Commissioner asked to
have Fitzgerald & Co. suspended on charges OF
improper conduct, and the order was made the
rule then being that on charges the agent should
be suspended and then allowed 10 make his
defence. On the suspension of Fitzgerald
and Others number of the most respectable claim
agents against whom nothing has been charged.
appealed 10 me 10 change the rule, which might
ruin a worthy person before he could be heard
This was done and the order of suspension revoked
The Commissioner gave notice TO the accused men
of the charges and called for their defence. The
Commissioner has. since that time, reported four
cases for disbarment Two were disbarred. The
case of Webb & Co. was heard by me, and, as IL was
alleged that further evidence of the crookedncss OF
the firm had been discovered, the case was held Tor
such proof. The other case, GelstOn IL Co., was
heard by me. and decided that the charges were
not proven and that the explanation OF the accused
firm was fully sustained by the testimony taken by
the Government. i nevertheless declined TO pro-
mulgate the nnUlHB DccduSo ~ was odiu t"V N"'O
was before the Grand Jury on Chat and other
charges. These are the only cases before me. Some
days ago, the Commissioner sent request for the
suspension of Fitzgerald 81 Co., because OF a dun
ming circular Fitzgerald had issued The request
returned to the Commissioner, with directions
70 forward that charge with others to mo, with his
final disposition of the case"
The Secretary further said that on the hndlng OF
the Grand Jury he suspended the indicted parties,
and that the question of disbarment was still
before him in the case of Webb d Co., and he sup
posed would be within day or two in the case OF
Fitzgerald IL Co. lie said the disbarment OF
hrm having thousands of soldiers claims. with
their proof was not simply question in which the
claim agent was interested, but the pension appll-
can't who had in many instances paid III part, or IN
whole. The disbarInent of his attorney Will in
many instances compel the applicant TO secure an
other attorney, who is to be paid and also in many
cases will require the reproduction OF his evidence.
The wide publicity given to the charges
against these firms win prevent them from
receiving business and il is to their interest to
clear up all cases in their hands, II practicable be-
lore dlsbarment. The Secretary added; Neither
Tie interests of the soldier those of e Govern
men have suffered by the delay before The Com
missioner before me. do not believe there ever
was time when the interests of the soldier aud of
lhe Government were carefully looked after
~ connection with pensions than ut the present
time."