National Republican., 1883-05-19
MAHoMEr MAY 90 TO THE NOUN
TAIN.
Secretary FoIger Tells Mr.. nfurch How
He Can Get All the Papers and Wit
netses He Can Find.

Secretary FoIger Tells Mr.. nfurch How
He Can Get All the Papers and witt
netses He Can Find.
Secretary Folger has written lottor to Mr.
Murch in relation to the investigation Of the
supervising architects Office, Of which the fol-
lowing Is q copy;
MAY II, 1ss3-Hon. T. l., MURcH, Warrington,
ID. C.--Sr: have received your favor OF the If
municatlon TO which you refer as to the tardiness
Of the progress OF the Investigation did not neces.
willing 70 take my share Of the blame for the
slowness in designating the committee.
There can be no doubt Of my ability to lay be-
fore the COMMITTEES any paper on file IN this de-
partment. II needs no process. II needs moth ng
but direction, If II Is shown that there Is any
paper In existence in any. pigeon hole In this
aud shall be produced If papers have been will
fully destroyed, show me the malefactor and he
upon Il he heSG Of bureaus RS3 dyoSs as 70
the existence OF papers When they, on request
from mo, deliberately and in writing inform me
that the papers named were not in existence, 1
feel disposed 10 take their word until they are
shown to be unworthy OF conhd ence; 80 that you
may rest satisfied that If you desire any paper per-
taining to the inquiry, and II can be shown TO bo
In existence and to be IN any part Of this build
ing, IL shall be forthcoming.
lfthere Is any person IN the employ Of the gov
ernment in the Treasury department who can be
used as a witness have the power to produce
him before the committee III there is any person
in any other department of tho governmenl who
can be used as n witness, think the head OF that
department will ask him to appear before the COM
mittee.
As TO the power to issue process in the nature Of
subpoena, and TO pay per diem and mileage, have
this TO say that not resting entirely upon my own
judgment In the matter, asked the advice of the
solicitor of the treasury on the subject. 1 am in
formed by him In written communication that
there Is no power In the secretary OF the treasury
~ compel the attendance of witnesses to testify be-
fore a commission, and that consequently there
is no power TO pay them their per diem
and mileage that 1t results In this that whatever
officer Is under my power rs all APP
pointee. can direct to report to me
at such place us l SEQ fit. aud can pay from the
contingent fund his expenses OF going thereto.
Whatever person Is not under me us an appolntee
is entirely free from any obligation TO respond 10
my demand or request to appear as a witness. and
have no power to compel his attendance and no
authority to pay him Il he goes voluntarily. This
answers your direct inquiry, but 1t is ordinarily
the case that 1t is convenient aud practicable for
citizens to come before any commission ompow.
cred to investigate abuse they very ready TO
do So 1t Is quite certain that the witnesses
not come to the commission, have the power 10
direct the commission to go into their vicinage
and hold their session whore IL will bo easy for
the witnesses TO attend.
Ultimately, Il necessary, this can BIO resorted TO-
Very respectfully,
CHARLES ], FoLGER Secretary.