New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1884-01-20
MIR. KE1rrR AND THE sTENoGRPHERs.
THE FX-sPEAKER MAKES A STRANGE STATEMENT
TO A HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE.
FcP .PuT To- THE TKTBUNF


TO A HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE.
iBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE
WASHINGTON, Jan. 49, - Under a resolution
adopted by the House some time ago, General
Keifcr was examined to-day by a Subcommittee Of
the Committee on Accounts, TO find out whether at
the end Of the last Congress he dismissed any en-
poye of the House and appointed in his stead a
man who has been drawing pay ever since without
rendering any service. General KeIfer denied all
knowledge of any such transaction, but he said
that on the last dav of the last Congress, II pur-
suance of an understanding between himself and
Mr. Tyson one of the official stenOgraphers 10 COM
mittees the latter resigned, wheIeupon the speaker
filed the vacancy 10y the appointment of HIS
nephew The salary of the stenoErapher IL $1,000
per year. As there were no committees iu existence
from March to December p, the duties of the
ex-Speaker's nephew were toleraby light.
In support of his statement that he did not dis
miss Mr. Tyson General Kcifer showed the sup-
committee the resignation of that gentleman He
then volunteered a statement He said that "a
CLIQUE of ne spaper correspondents had maligDed
him. and that their hostility was du" to the fact
that he had defeated bill which they hal tried to
lobby through the House General Keller did
not give the committee the names of the CORE
spoudeuts who thus violated their written
pledge, nor did he indicate the measure
which they tried 10 lobby through the
House. He declined TO give their names
10 a TRIBUNE correspondent who asked for them,
and he also refused 10 indicate the measure in be-
half of which, he alleges they seeking to exert
al improper influence. He did say il was private
bill, ana he declared that he has IN his possession
letters written by certain correspondents urging
its passage, aud seeking to influence him in ITS
favor.
This accusation is serious one and it seems
rather strange that the ex-Speaker waited until he
placed on the defensive by resolution of the
House before making it. Before any correspondent
can obtain a card of admission to the press gallery
and enjoy the privileges granted By the
rules of the House to press representatives.
he must certify III writing that he is not
and Will not become personally interested in any
measure of legislation during the session. The
press gallery IS under the control Of the speaker
and he issues the cards To correspondents. He
may, for cause, recall his card and shut out of the
press gallery any correspondent who violates Its
rules. Now, If General kelfers accusation Is true,
he knew when he Speaker that certain cor
respondents attempting IN violation of the
rules 10 exert improper influences IN favor of bill
then pending. II is also fair TO infer that the
Speaker regarded the bill as an improper one for
he says he defeated IL,
Then he knew that certain correspondents whose
names lac refuses Ia give were engaged in improper
efforts 10 secure the passage Of improper measure
and yet he permitted them 10 keep their cards of
admission 10 the press gallery and TO enjoy all the
other privileges of reputable and honorable cor
Respondents His duty was PLAIN, and he not only
Tailed 10 do II, but he became and renamed
cessOry to their efforts and purposes. and by the
very accusation lac now brings he admits himself 10
De as guilty they and declares that he has his
possession written evidence Of the fact.