The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1883-07-25
INVESTIGATING HILL.
The Committee to GO To Chicago to Take
Tegrimony.

Testimony
WASHINGTON, July 23-The Hill Investi-
eating Committee this morning considered
Coleman's proposal TO go to Chicago for the
purpose of taking testimony regarding the
charges of fraud in the construction OF the
Custom House in that city 1t was desired
the Chairman and Mcclellan should go to
Chicago and Alexander should follow if nee
essary. Coleman said he intended to go
West tonight. TOtten did not believe he
could accompany the Committee. but said
Hill would be represented An affidavit was
read signed By Patterson aud Thayer, archi-
tects, Chicago denying that any paper called
for by the Committee had been destroyed or
suppressed. Recurring To the proposed visit
to Chicago, Totem called upon the Commit
tee TO state the intended scope of their in
YestigaiIon in that city. He reminded the
Chairman that charges had been investigated
by the Committee In 1872 or 1873 and hoped
this Committee would not go over the whole
subject of stone cutting If il was to he in
Quired into he wanted to know ii. One OF
his clients was interested, but he understood
the inquiry would be confined TO tie steam
heating charges.
The Chairman requested Coleman to make
specific statements of the matters he wished
TO inquire into.
During the afternoon Coleman presented
eout on intended to examine into ell charges
Of fraud or corruption in connection with
the Chicago Custom House.
Adjourned to meet in Chicago Friday
next.
WASHINGTON, July 21.-Coeman opened the
proceedings II day before the HUI Investigating
Committee by reading affidavit complaining
that the papers called for By the prosecution were
first inspected by the defense, who had ample OPP
portunity to suppress and destroy any papers cal
culated 10 damage the defense. Totten emphati-
caly denied that he had examined any papers
called for by Coleman, with single exception of
an unimIortant letter put in evidence yesterday.
pressed or destroyed aud cRsiscterizsd Coieman's
method CT procedure extraordinary.
Coleman replied 1t was matter of jest in the
cfhce of the Supervising Architect that the pa0Se-
oution had not been smart enough 20 secure essen
tial papers. He said the fact that HUI remains in
charge of the official records made the invesuga-
ton perfect farce in the eyes OF thecountfy. lie
asked Tor mis- suspenkiOn
The Chairman said the Committe would take the
matter uLcer consideration and submit 1t to the
Secretary. The Committee had no power TO suS-
TotieD announced he was prepared ID beg1 the
defense ia Philadelphia case, as he understood
Il had been closed for the defense.
Coleman declared he had no Philad sldhia case
or Chicago case or Cincinnati case They were
Fart Of charge, and he should refuse to regard
the case as closed
The Chairman said it was not necessary to re-
Peat the ts silmODy given in the Philadelphia case
in The case OF the CnicsgO and Ci&c.uuau build
ings. 1he Commission would conclude that the
same COuciiion T sffairs existed in these cares.
Coleman replied the frauds were Ct different
character
TheCha'Tman said the Commission would hear
any testimony OF Il Character different from that
already given in the Philadelphia case. but did
not wish 70 spend weeks in hearing that testimony
;epeated
ColtmaI-Bui the defense deny that it is the
same.
CHI irman-I don't SO understand
Coleman 10. and going to offer the proof
ard let you Iieet IL
Chairmar-tJfsr it then.
COiemau-We rake up hut one at a line
Alexander moved that HIN REQ uired Dut
in his testimony when GOlema1 hal none 70 offs
He also gave notice that he would move A
proper time rule out all evidence touching IL
per CeLt- contracts. Adjourned.