The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1883-07-19
WASHlNGTOn.,
NEWS GATHERED ABOUT THE
CAPITAL CITY. =.
The Hill Investigation.

WASHINGTON, July 17-In the Hill
investigation James p. Lowe, of the
architects Office, testified that there
was no draughtsmen in Office in 1878
able to prepare plans for heating an
| paratus for Chicago buildings. The
architects office did not undertake
plans for heating apparatus for large
buildings, because they were neces-
Sarlly complex and required much
time in preparation. Coleman pro-
posed to show the relations existing
| between Hill and the American Safe
company, United States Fire Proof
Shutter company and Geo. l.. Damon.
All one and the same person, he said.
Five contracts for furnishing iron
shutters for public buildings made
with tireproof shutters to them were
put in evidence.
Coleman called attention to the fact
that they were signed by Damon, as
superintendent of the company, and
was asked if defense would concede
they were all of the contracts made
for the supply of fireproof shutters
since August 1, 1876.
Hill acknowledged that such was
the fact,
Next in evidence were the contracts
made with George L. Damon for sup
plying safes and vaults for public
buildings. Coleman asked if defense
would concede that Damon was the
only contractor for safes and vaults
since 1876.
Hill couldn't say, but thought it
prot alb e.
Next in order were a number of
contracts for safes and vaults, which
Coleman said had been made with
Damon on verbal authority and with
out advertisement. He also read Da-
mons card, wherein he described him
self as builder of safes for the Treas
ury Department.
HE has had that upon his letter.
heads for fifteen years, said Totten.
"Then il is true he gave some one
else a chance" replied Coleman.
Coleman said he could go into the
subject of elevators, of plumbing, of
any branch, and show there was al
ways one man, as in the case of Bart
let u Co., with whom the supervising
architect did busines in such manner
that a divide was possible without
any one else knowing it. The commit
tee decided to allow Coleman to pre-
pare an abstract of the vouchers to
be used in the evidence. The chair
man then read the following letter:
MAGNOLIA, Mass, July 10.
Hon. Jno. c. New, Chairman:
l have the honor to acknowledge
the receipt at this place, last evening.
of your telegram saying that the
committee desired my presence in
Washington early this week. This
summons is based, Il assume, upon
the belief or supposition on the part
of the committee that / am able
to give testimony relating to the
charges against the supervising
architect now being investigated,
and such impression, | venture to as
sumo further, arises out of an article
published in the st. Louis POst-Dis-
patch-what purpOrted 10 be an in
teryiew with me, which / supposed
had been disposed of to your eoHmftS
tees satisfaction beg now to re-
peat what - said to you while in
Washington in reply to your verbah
request orSuggestion that | Lshould alp-
pear dS a witness before your com
viz: That I had no knowledge
or information whatever touching the
subject matter of your investigation,
and if ! was to appear before your
committee such would be my state
ment. l have no desire to appear in
contempt of your committee. and have
nothing to avoid in the matter ex-
cept a useless and expensive journey.
L trust, under the circumstances.
your comnittee will kindly relieve
me from the attendance demanded.
lSigned] WE. II. Bliss
Coleman read in reply an editorial
published in the st. Louis Dispatch or
July IA, which stated that trust
worthy and guileless reporter who
interviewed Bliss is willing to make
affidavit to its accuracy" The editor
also remarks upon Bliss failure TO.
point out any defects in. the report
during his stay il st. Louis, and
charges him with attempting to un-
load upon the reporter. Coleman
added shat this article was entitled TO.
credence equally with Bliss letter.
An attempt was made by
the prosecution to take up
the charges of corruption in conneC-
tion with the construction of slate
roofs for public buildings, but no
progress was made and the COMMITTEES,
adjourned.
Another Boss.
Secretary Teller says the question
of tranfer of the Texas Pacific land
grant TO the Southern Pacific rail-
road COMPANY will not be decidedl