The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-18
THE HILL INVESTIGATION.


The Prosecution ELECTS Some Very Damag-
ing Testimony.
WASHINGTON, July 17.-In the Hill inves-
tigation to-day James P. Lowe, of the archi-
tect's Office, testified there was no draughts-
man in office in 1878 able to prepare plans
for heating apparatus for the Chicago build
ings. The architects Office did not under
take to make plans for heating apparatus for
the large buildings, because they were neces-
sarily complex and required much time in
preparation. Coleman proposed to show
the relations existing between Hill and the
American Safe Company, United States
Fire-proof Shutter Company and George L.
Damon-all one and the same person, as he
said.
Five contracts for furnishing iron shutters
for public buildings made with the United
States Fire-proof Shutter Company were put
in evidence Mr. Coleman called attention
to the fact that they were signed by Damon
as superintendent of the company, aud asked
if the defense would concede that they were
all OF the contracts made for the supply OF
tre-proof shutters since Aug. 1, 1876.
Mr.. Hill acknowledged that such was the
fact
Next in evidence were contracts made with
George l.. Damon for supplying safes and
vaults for public buildings and Mr.. Cole
man asked ii the defense would concede
that Damon was the only contractor for
safes and vaults since 1876
Mr. Hill couldn't say, but thought it prob
able.
Next in order were number of contracts
for safes aud vaults, which Mr.. Coleman said
had been made with Damon upon verbal au-
thority and without advertisement. lie also
1,,,,
himself as builder of safes for the Treasury
Department
He has had that upon his letter-heads fiji
teen years" said Mr.. Totten
"Then it's time to give some one else
chance" replied Mr. Coleman.
Mr. Coleman said ne could 20 into the
subject OF elevators, OF plumbing of any
branch, and show there was always one man
(as in the case OF Bartlett, Robbins q CO..
with whom the supervising architect did
business in such manner that divide was
possible without anyone else knowing it.
The committee decided to allow Mr. Cole
man to prepare an abstract Of vouchers to be
used in evidence. The chairman then read
the following letter:
MAGSOLIA, Mass, July 15
To Hon. Johu c. New, Chairman:
have the honor to acknowi tlgt. the recent at
this place late last evening of your telegram say
ing the commit tee desired my presence i'll Wash
ingt0n early this week This summons is based,
L
part OF the committee that am able to give tes-
tmOny relating to the charges against the SUI
perNislrg architecf, now being iuVCStig gated ana
such IMPRESSION venture to assume further,
arises out of the publication in the ST. Louis
POsJ-Dispatch of what purplrts TO be an infer
view with me, which supposed had been dis
posed OF 10 your committee satisfactorily. I
beg now repeat what | said to you while
in Washington, in reply to your verbal
request or suggestion that should appear as a
witness before your committee, viz. thar had
no knowledge or information whatever on the
snhiect-matter OF your Investigation, and if I
was to appear before your committee such
would be my statement. | haVe no desire 10 APP
pearin cOntrmpt of yHnr committee, and have
nothing to avoid in this matter except IA useless
and expensive journey. l trust, under the cir
cumstauces your committee will kindly relieve
me from the attendance demanded.
WM II. BLISS.
Mr. Coleman read in reply an editorial
article published in the ST, Louis PostDis-
patch on July H. which stated that the
terviewed Mr. Bliss is willing to make atfi-
davit to its accuracy. The editor also re-
marks upon Mr.. Bilsss failure to point out
any defects in the report during his stay in
ST. Louis. and charges nm with attempting
to unload upon the reporter. Mr.. Coleman
added that this article was entitled TO ere
dence equally with Mr., BlisS's letter.
An attempt was made by the prosecution
to take up the charges of corruption in con-
necti0n with the construction OF slate roofs
for public buildings, but no progress VAS
made and the committee adjourned.
Hills Runored Resignation.
WAsHINaroN, July 1.-THE attention Of ].
g. Hill supervising architect of the treasury,