Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1884-01-30
ANOTHER INVESTIGATION.


In the House of Representatives yester-
day Mr. Hopkins offered q resolution for the
appointment of committee Of five to inves-
tigate q charge made by J. Warren Keller,
ton, Washington correspondent of the Gin
cinnati Commercial Gazette, now holding a
seat in the press gallery under the rules of
the House, had approached the Speaker Of
the House during the closing days Of the
last Congress with corrupt propositions in
tended to influence his official action
After some debate Speaker Carlisle held
that the resolution involved question Of
privilege, and was therefore properly before
the House.
Mr.. keifer then spoke to the resolution,
and read from a letter which he had ad-
dressed 10 Ii. V. Boynton, uuder date Of
Jan. IS. 1854. The letter was Of a strongly
personal nature, and characterized Boynton
among other things as liar, de-
famer and forger He. further charges
that VIM. B. Shaw, Boyuton's alleged col
league in OBTAINING him, was many years
ago shown to have taken $l5, 900 as a lob
byist whilst acting as correspondent. Mr..
keifer then states that Boynton told him
near the close of the last session that he
twas fool for not making money while
Speaker, as Blaine and Coliax had done, and
that there was still plenty to be made if the
McGarrahan bill could be gotten through"
and says it would doubtless have been wiser
for him if he had thrown Boynton from the
room when this suggestion was made.
At the conclusion of the reading of the
letter, Mr.. Keller made an elaborate e1-
PLANTATION of the circumstances of Boynton's
visit to him and subsequent differences. He
submitted u letter from Boynton asking him
to recognize a member of the House to move
to suspend the rules and pass the McGarra
han bill, although discaining any pecuni
airy interest in it, which he refused to do,
having satisfied himself that the bill ought
not to pass. His connection and relation
with Boynton ceased with the interview
above referred to. and from that hour TO the
present he had never recognized or spoken
to him. Mr.. Keifer said if the resolution
was adopted he wanted it to be torn wide
open, so as to include VIM B. Shaw, cor
respondent, who took SIS 900 as lobbyist,
anil who presided over the meeting of news
paper men which passed resolutions 10 de-
fame Keifer near the close of the last Con-
who had "traduced him through the land"
but admitted that many correspondents had
treated him kindly. He held himself re-
sponsible to his constituents; that was
enough When they were through With
him be would go home, not soured with the
world, for he had beeen treated well, and
beyond the measure of his deserts. He did
not sour against the public because
few of the millions thought it their
life work to defame him. He was proud
of his people and willing to 20 on
to the end and try to do his duty. The
House might investigate as much as it
pleased this or any other matter. He was
still going to try to do his duty unswerved
by those who would have him do corrupt
things or seek to have him pay them for
compliments.
Mr.. Hopkins said that in his opinion the
gentleman from Ohio had made strong
argument to justify this Investigation If
what he said was true, there were men in
the gallery unworthy of seat there He
did not know Gen. Boynton even by sight,
but he asked, in justice to that gentleman,
that communication from him should be
read.
After debate, Mr.. Springer assumed the
of having General Boynton's |
presented as a part of his |
remarks. Gen. Boynton refers to the charge
in regard to the McGarrahan bill pro- |
nounces Mr.. Keifer's version of their inter
view as utterly devoid Of truth, and respect
FULLY requests the House to investigate the
matter.
Mr.. Warner offered an amendment direct
ing the committee also to inquire and report
whether any other member of the press now
holding a seat in the reporters gallery
against whom charges have been preferred
has been guilty of conduct that ought to
deprive him of his right to such seat
Adopted.
Mr.. Kasson moved to refer the whole
natter to the committee on the judiciary,
,ut this was defeated BY party, vote, and
he resolution as amended was adopted. |