The Portland daily press., 1883-08-03
THE HILL INVESTIGATION
The Committee to Hear No More Evidence
Except in Regard to the Heating Appar-

The Committee to Hear No More Evidence
Except in Regard to the Heating Appar
atus:
WASHINGTON, Aug; 2.-The Hill investiga
tion committee opened its sessions this morn
ing with Mr.. Segler, foreman of Bartlett,
Hayward & Co., on the stand He was cross
examined by Mr.. Coleman as to the changes
mode In the heating apparatus in the Chicago
custom house.
After one or two other witnesses had testi-
fed Totten announced he was through the de-
fence. Coleman was asked if he was through
and said not quite. He then offered in evil
dence the plans and specifications aud vouch-
ers which he said showed Turing and lathing
work on various public buildings had been givss
en- to Dwight 81 Hoyt without contract and
without competition. Totten objected to the
introduction of such evidence. The committee
took it under consideration.
Recess was then taken. When the commit
tee reassembled Coleman announced he would
withdraw his offer in regard to he Turing and
lathing work on public buildings.
Jacobs was then recalled kby Coleman and
examined in relation to the report of the su
pervising architect for the year 1882. He
showed the report did not give the details of
work done by the office and not contracted for.
The expenditures on each building were given
in report in bulk. Coleman read extracts
from the report and offered it in evidence
New asked if he had anything mora to offer?
Coleman said he had. Mr.. New said Then
fire away"
Coleman asken for ruling on his inquiry if
the committee proposed to admit further teSti-
mony in regard to the heating apparatus in
the Chicago building and also for ruling on
his propositions to present further evidence in
regard to the granite contracts.
Chairman New then on behalf of the COM
mittee made the announcement that this COM
mittee was appointed by the Secretary of the
Treasury to investigate charges filed by Hon.
L. 81. Murcb, by letter OF the Secretary, dated
April, 10, 1883, since which time it has allowed
the prosecution widest latitude and patiently
listened to the Introduction of testimony re-
lating to almost everything that enters into
the construction of a building, from base
ment stone to an attic and slate roof. OF what
value in its opinion is all this testimony this
committee will state in its report TO the
Secretary of the Treasury, and that it may
prepare this report it proposes discontinaing
this investigation at this point, and at this
time except in the matter of the heating ap-
paratus constructed for the Chicago custom
house and post office building, and the cross
examination of single witness by the prosecE-
tion. When the com mittee has made its re-
port TO the Secretary, il the prosecution repre-
sented by Coleman is of the opinion that other
accounts shonld be examined or those already
investigated should be inquired into still
further he or ony other citizen has the right to
file new charges and specifications with the
Secretary who can receive aud do with them
whatever he deems proper. Upon the matter
of the heating apparatus OF the Chicago build
ing the committee desire some additional light
which they will endeavor to get and viii ad-
vise coanse at the proper time as to what
course they will take to get it.
Coleman thereupon protested against the
closing of the testimong as ordered by the com
mittee.
Chairman Nsw said as the committee did
not desire oral arguments on the case he would
ike TO have counsel put in written arguments
as soon as pofsble. These arguments would
accompany the report OF the committee. Cole
man askek TO be allowed to make an orale ar
gument but was informed that the committee
would only receive written arguments. Cole
man then asked 10 be furnised with full copy
OF the proceedings of the committee. He de-
sired to cross examine. Thompson of arfchi-
tect's ofice. The committee then adjourned
till tomorrow morning.