National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1884-03-26
THE oTTNIAN CASE.
Mr. Richard Crowley Before Mr.. Spring
er's Investigating COMMITTEES.

mr. Richard crowley Before Mr.. SPRING.
er's Investigating COMMITTEES.
Richard Crowley, of Lockport, N. " was
examined yesterday by Mr.. Springer's COM
mittco in reference to the compromise of the
Ottman case, Mr. Crowley being tho attorney
for Ottman. lie related in detail his connec-
tion with the case, and said he went into it
with the understanding that he should re-
ceive fee Of $1,000 when tho funds held by
the United States were released. Witness
denied tho statement of Mr.. Cook that he
had told him he expected to effect a cOmpro-
misc because of his influence. Iio said: ~
had been trying to return Conkling and
Platt to the United States senate, and, of
course, was not in accord With the admins
tration. did not know the attorney gen.
eral, nor had | the pleasure of an acquaint-
ance with tho district attorney. No such
conversation as Mr.. Cook related ever took
place."
Mr.. Crowley said that in January, 1882,
Mr.. Ottman made an application to have the
cases disposed OF, and the witness asked Mr..
Bliss to call the attention of the attorney
general to tho statement. Some time after
this Bliss was appointed to take charge Of tho
cases, and after examination told witness no
conviction could be had in tho criminal suits
but something might be gained in the civil
suits He said the government might settle
the case II Ottman would givo up the $4,000
in the Alexandria bank with interest at 3
per cent. Ottman finally consented. Wit
ness thought the government could not have
gained either the criminal or civil suits.
Gov. Wells said different, but he had been
district attorney for three years after the
jury had disagreed, and did not take another
step either in criminal or civil suit Witness
advised 0ttman to compromise. The money
was paid Bliss. $12,700. Before Carpenters
6aaIb ba pnrfinpata fOr ki0 n00 had hnpr
turned over to him for services. Coleman
told witness that the certificate had been
sent him by Russell Sage, who claimed to
own it by having bought it from Carpenter
for $4,000. Last summer tho matter was
settled by Sage being paid $4,000 and interest.
Witness believes tho government not en-
titled to any Of tho money.
In reply to question, If Mr. Bliss had
received part of witness's fee, the latter
replied "He did not. l am not sharing my
fees"
Mr.. Crowley then detailed his connection
as government counsel in few cases. In
one of his expense accounts an item of l.65
had been disallowed.
THAT was for cigars and whisky" the wit
ness said, "and got in inadvertently"
Mr. Crowley's fees amounted in the two
cases (the New York Central railroad tax
case, and the case against the First National
bank of Buffalo, as government counsel, to
$500 and expenses. lie was not the only
member of congress who was paid money
for other services.
"Can you name any other?" asked Mr..
Springer.
"I was informed that you did; that you
received 100000" replied the witness
"That's mistake" said Mr.. Springer. "I
argued a case, but never received fees"
"Conkling was employed by the govern
ment while SENATOR" continued Mr.. Crow
ley, "and there are scores Of others"
"Did you charge larger fee than you
would have charged in private cases" asked
Mr.. Milliken.
"I did not If i over earned $4,000, l did
| in the bank case, and when my bill was cut
down to $500 / resigned. The attorney
general wanted me to try the election cases
| In South Carolina / consented to act In
January, 1883, but withdrew from the case
In March. received no compensation. The
papers have been kind enough to say that
got S30,000 l wish had"
He denied q recent rumor that Sandersor
offered him $20,0 900 IN the straw bond cases.
About the present system Of paying United
| States marshals and district attorneys wit
ness said: THE whole system should bt
abolished. The government could save thou
sands of dollars. If asked to devise a new
sch eme, could see how it would be difficult
| hnS %5ts9.. - 80 4 ~''' T. ---
David Cameron, second assistant United
States attorney for the western district o
| Pennsylvania, was also before the committee
and denied the statements of s. B. Benson,
| former Official of the secret service, made be
fore the committee some weeks since, thai
the witness had performed no service.