The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-25
THE HILL INvEsrIGA ALTON.
An Embarrassing Question and Answer
Not Going to Chicago.


WASHINGTON, July 24.-At the session OF
the Hill in yestigating committee to-day, Mr..
Alexander, referring to a newspaper article,
inquired if it was true that Isaacs, former
superintendent of the st. Louis building,
had asked if he would make himself party
to fraud if there was one if he gave his
approval to vouchers for stone work. The
witness answered in the affirmative
Totten objected. and endeavored to have
the question and answer stricken out. The
committee declined TO strike out the qhes-
| ton because it did not purport to be the sub
stance of what Isaacs would swear to. The
committee would inquire into the matter,
and il necessary. would cause Isaacs to at
tend. Turning to Mr.. Bliss the chairman
said the committee would be pleased to have
any information he might possess that would
aid the committee in its inquiry.
Mr.. Bliss made brief explanation of his
| reasons for attending the session of the COM
mittee. disclaiming any desire to avoid an
appearance.
Assistant Secretary French then took the
stand, and testified that the committee, of
which he was member, appointed by Secre-
tary Sherman to consider proposition to
| modify the 10 per cent stone contracts. had
1 reported in favor OF transferring those con-
tracts. They thought such modification for
the interest OF the government, and that
could best be executed through an arrange
| ment with the contractors the opinion of
| the Attorney general to the contrary not
outstanding. The committee believed the
| government could be held TO the terms OF
| the original contracts, and it was Thought
best to make an amicsble arrangement with
| the contractors by allowing them fair com
| pensation. There were other reasons why a
! a
| delay consequent upon breach of contract,
| and the amount OF dressed and finished
/ work in the hands of the contractors.
| OF course the witness knew nothing OF the
amount that should properly be paid for
stone work. but Mr.. Hill aud Coloael Casey
| fixed the prices in the new contract at rates
they regarded as advantageous to the govern
l.. ment, although not as good as might have
been had after competition.
! Mr.. Thompson, OF the Architects Office
reviewed Steinmetz's estimates in detail, and
alleged that they were erroneous in many
| particulars.
At this juncture Secretary Folger came
into the room and stated that after consulta-
I ton with the First Comptroller ne found
| but $7.643 OF an unexpended balance of the
| fund appropriated to complete the Chicago
| building. which was available to pay the ex-
penses of the committee if they went to Chi
cago The appropriation for contingent ex-
could NOT be awaited Of When these facts
were made known to him. he had telegraphed
to the collector at Chicago TO send on wit
noses in government EN- loy, and to ascer-
tain if other persons called for would come
on il their expenses were paid.
Mr. Coleman interjected that the call did
not name all the witnesses he intended to
| summon.
The Secretary, continuing, said that fur
ther than the sum named he had no fund at
his disposal with which to pay the expenses
of the committee il they visited Chicago.
Thompson resumed testimony. He had
heard Steinmetz make threats against the
supervising architects Office. In his hearing,
in a restaurant, Steinmelz had said It was
not his time, aud heewas going for the super
visns architect, the chief clerk, and chief
computer.
Steinmetz-W here did the conversation
occur?
Thompson answered that it had happened
in an avenue restaurant. and named per-
son who would corroborate him.
Steinmetz called Thompson liar.
Some discussion followed with regard to
the future course of the committee, the Sec
retary's statement having disposed of the
proposition to go to Chicago.
Mr.. Totten believed the defense could
complete their case in day, but Mr. Cole
man refused to make any statement. with re-
gard to his future course.
Adjourned until tomorrow.