Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1884-12-16
MIR. BARKER,S REPUTATH0Ns
Testimony Before the Springer Com
mtttee To-day.


Before the Springer committee to-day, A. w.
Ayres correspondent OF the Kansas City Times,
was called by Judge Lawrence TO testify 10 Bar
ker's reputation for truth and yeracity. He testi-
ned that from Barker's general reputation in Kan-
sas, he would not believe him under oath. He had
no personal acquaintance with Barker. and he was
very glad OF IT. Being cross-examined by Barker,
tie witness said that his knowledge 10 Barker's
character was drawn from conversation with a
number of persons-to be more accurate with about
30D or 400 persons Being called upon TO particu-
lariZe, witness mentioned Congressman Ander-
son, OF Kansas, and Secretary OF State Cavanaugh,
as OF the number OF his informants Two news
papers published In Kansas had also alluded 10
mastodoncal liar. Being pressed 10 his personal
opinion OF Mr.. Barker. witness said that he re-
garded him as the mastodonlcal liar OF the century.
"fou consider me the greatest liar OF the Gen.
tury?n asked Barker
"One of the greatest" replied the witness
EX-Gov. Crawford. OF Kansas, was next ex-
amned. He said he had known J. J. Barker since
1870 Ms general reputation for truth and veracity
was bad Mr. Barker croSS-examined the witness.
He asked II witness had not written a letter the
Secretary OF the Interior department for him bar
kerr when he was seeking place in that depart
ment Witness said he had. The letter was then
produced and read. IL said that Barker had the
reputation In Kansas OF being good lawyer ana
would probably make an efficient clerk. Witness
then explained that he had written the letter out
OF consideration for Mr.. Barker's family, ana be-
cause he was under the impression that he (Bar-
kerr was trying TO reform, being then In the Treas
ury.
"Reformed how?" asked Mr.. Barker.
"Iou know your own character, and how 1t
might be reformed"
eThat is, then, asked Mr.. Barker .that had re-
formed as to truth and veraciiy. That is, had
ceased TO be a liar"
"Yes and thief. That you had ceased to be q
mar and thief. replied the witness.
Mr. barkerI"Did you ever hear anybody say
that was thief"
witness.-"I have" He then gave names OF
many wel-known citizens OF Kansas who had told
him That Barker was liar and a thief Judge
Muse had said that IL Barker had his dues he
would De in the penitentiary. Barker pushed
questions further. and witness Sad This Is not a
pleasant thing for me, Mr.. Barker; you made your
own reputation, and you know IL is bad"
OTHER WITNESSES AS TO BARKEK's REPUTATION.
Mr. William Irving, OF Kansas. one OF the assist
ant doorkeepers OF the House, was next examined,
and said that from general hearsay he believed
Barker had a very bad reputation
Z. j. Bliss was then examined and said he had
heard great deal about Barkers reputation, and
from that would not believe him upon oath.
First Auditor Reynolds was examined. He was
stated that he (Mr ReynoldS) and Judge Lawrence
had had dlhculty about an account passed by
the auditors Office. After reading witness said
that there had never been such an occurrence
Mr. Eastman, banker and lawyer. was examined
as 10 the sale to hum OF a pay account or voucher
or certlHcate OF some kind which Was afterwards
found 10 be worthless. His testimony was to the
effect that Barker had gotten $50 from him
under faiSe pretenSeS
Other Witnesses were examined concerning Bar
kerS character.
Mr. Buck Linton chief OF one OF the divisions In
Ine nrst controllers Office, testified that he be-
neved Barker TO be the man who had made out the
fraudulent claim or Florida against the United
States for $16,54.
The committee at las took a recess until 10
O'Clock tomorrow.