The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-02-21
The Keifer-soyn.o. Enve.,,ga,;on

WASHINGTON, Feb. 20.-The House commits
tee appointed to investigate the charges against
Gen. HI. V. Boynton, resumed its session this
morning.
Mr. Keifer detailed the alleged conversation
in his room between himself and Boynton, in
substantially the same terms as he gave it on
the floor of the House, Mr. Boynton produc-
ed the bill for the relief of McGarrahan, the
identical one being put in evidence by witness.
The witness expressed his surprise that Rovn-
ton should come to him with corrupt promo
sition, and Boynton Immediately left the room,
Since that time the witness had not spoken to
Boynton.
The chairman called attention to an appar-
ent inconsistency between Keifer's statemen
in the House and his direct testimony today
In his speech he asserted that the interview
closed with Boynton's declaration that "there
were millions in it, and millions to divide"
He now said that Boynton remained until he
told him he was surprised ne should make such
a proposition to him.
Witness replied that it would be found he
had said Boynton declared that he had friends
who were interested with him in the bill. and
that there was enough 10 make them all rich.
The interview did not last over two or three
minutes; it was exceeding brief.
The Chairman-After he stated to you there
was money to be made out of the bill, yo sub
mitted to an explanation of the manner in
which it should be made, and reserving your
rebuke?
Witness-I was not hasty with man who
had been my friend for many years. [ waited
long enough to be absolutely certain what he
meant. The conversation took place between
10 and IL clock in the morning, though possi-
bly, it may have been in the afternoon, when
the house was in committee. cannot be GER
tain whether 1t was in the morning before the
session or in the afternoon when I was out of
the chair.
Mr.. Adams-Dd he state at this interview
that he had friends interested in the bill and
that he was interested?
Witness-The form Of his statement, as
nearly as can recall it, was that he had some
friends interested in it and there wes enough
to make them all rich.
Mr.. Adams-Dd he offer to give you any
amount OF money provided that you recogniz-
ed Dunnell
Witness No sir; not in that form. He did
not make any specific offer.
Gen, Boynton then proceeded to cross exam
inc the witness substantially as follows:
Q.-I suppose you affirm the truthfulness of
your entire speech on the floor of the House.
A.-Substantially that is true. [ may not
nave used the same language here as there.
Q.--Are there any material points in that
speech which you desire to correct before it
goes on record under your oath?
A.-Not that l can recall.
Also the truth of the letter you sent me the
night before the speech was made.
Ayes; it is substantially true,
Q.-And you present both speech and letter
to the House and coentry on your responsible
ty as member?
A.-Anybody can answer that.
Q,-When you received my note on the 9th
did you regard the question as stated in that
letter as in any sense improper?
Al do not think 1 did,
CIT did not differ from many similar re-
quests?
Al do not think it attracted any special
attention of mine at the time.
Q.-Up to the time of our alleged secret talk
you did not consider it as unusual or improper?
Al do not think did.
Mr.. Boynton continued his cross examina-
tion at great length but without eliciting any,
thing new.
Mr.. Keller said he had spoken of the matter
to Mr.. White and Guilford White was called
and testified to having had conversations with
Relfer concerning the latter's interview with
Boynton.
Adjourned until tomorrow.