The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-02-18
KEIFER VS.. B0YNT0N.
The Investigating Committee Meets, but Adj
jOurns Without Accomplishing Anything

WAsHINGToN Feb 16-The committee APP
pointed to investigate the charges preferred
against H. V. Boynton Washington correspond
ent of the Cincinnati Commercial Gazette, by
Representative Keifer, began its sittings to-day
All the members of the committee, consisting of
Messrs. Hopkins, of Pennsylvania; Ward, of In
diana; Adams, of New York; Poland, of Yer
mont and Wilson, of Iowa, were present While
waiting for Mr.. Keifer 4 question was asked as
to whether either of the parties desired to be
represented by counsel General Boynton stated
that he desired the committee to conduct the
examination but he would like the privilege of
cross examining General Keifer, if that gentle
man should, under oath, repeat the charges made
against him. Mr. Keifer said, in response to
question from the chairman, that Dir. j. Cole
man would speak for HIM as counsel. 1t was
very obvious to every member that he had com
mittee and other work to attend to- and could
not give his personal attention to the investiga-
ton.
Mr. Coleman then said it was necessary that
it should be proved that Gen, Keifer had made
charges against Gen. Boynton. There was
nothing in the resolution which brought the
proved that the charges had been made then
General Keifer would be in position to prove
the truth of the charges The committee, how
ever was unanimously of the opinion that mas
much as Gen Keifer had perferred the charges
both in the House and in private letters they
were fully set forth and within the jurisdiction
of the committee.
Coleman said that he assumed that in view of
this decision the burden of proof was upon Gen.
Kefer to substantiate before the committee the
charges made against Boynton. He was able to
prove the facts set forth in the resolution. In
doing so, however, there would be involved the
taking of great deal of testimony. He wished
all the witnesses here before ne proceeded with
the case He had witnesses in New York, New
Jersey and Ohio who could not be brought here
today
Mr.. Adams suggested that at the interview,
when this supposed attempt TO bride Mr.. Keifer
was made there was nobody present except
Messrs Kefer and Boynton. What he wanted
to know was how Coleman could procure any
witnesses before the committee that could en-
Tighten the committee and the country III regard
to the alleged conversation.
Mr.. Coleman replied that he might prove that
General BoyntOn had said to others that he had
made the statement TO General Keifer.
Mr.. Adams enquired whether it would not be
more regular to prove the statement first.
Mr.. Coleman said he had telegram from
witness in Ohio which stated that he could not
come. owing to the illness of his wife, but he eX
pected to be here next week. he (Coleman) be-
lieyed that if the committee would fix future
day to sit, from 10 to g. that Keifer could put in
all his testimony. One of his witnesses was sick
in bed and another, in New York, would not
come except under subpoena.
Boynton, with the permission of the commit
tee expressed great surprise at the request made
by the other side, in view of the fact that the
charges made against him had been before the
country in every daily newspaper for four weeks.
He was not lawyer, and had no lawyer present
to represent him. He depended entirely upon
the members of the com 1ittee. IL the gentle.
man turning to Mr.. Keifer was not able and
ready to go and prove. as he said the charges
against him, he [Boyuton was entirely ready, if
he could have an opportunity. to cross examine
Keller under oath, to go on and reverse all the
ordinary rules of law, and prove himself innocent
of the charges by testimony which he thought
would be accepted, not only by the members of
the committee, but by the country. He would
be able to do that before the sun went down
He thought tonly just to him that the gentleman
who has made the charges should stand here like
man, and answer under his oath in regard to
those charges, and not stink behind any techni-
cality Let the parties to this case face the
charges and answer for themselves under the
pains and penalties of perjury. He was very anX-
iOus to have the case go on. he had few wit
nesses but they were here; and after Il long de
lay from the day the House ordered the investi-
CATION, it seemed, to him there was no excuse
whatever for any making such grave
charges not to be able to answer before the com
mittee. ..l.l..
Coleman said Mr. Keller would swear to all he
had charged, and prove it to the satisfaction of
any member of the committee.
Mr. Keller said he did not suppose his duty ex-
tended very far, but the committees duty great
way. He not called upon to abandon all his
proper duties on the floor and in the committees
to pursue this investigation as though he were
pursuing General Boynton with vengeance. He
had no answer to make to what General Boynton
had said He had not had time to make prepa-
ration for this investigation, and he could not
very well be examined now, as there were Ger
tain matters connected with this case which W ere
out of his reach.
Chairman Hopkins said General Keifer had
knowledge of some facts bearing on the investi-
CATION, and while he was present he could see
reason for posponement
General BoNnton thought that, as Gen. Keller
the one who had full knowledge of all the
facts, or alleged facts in regard to this matter,
if he would appear and be sworn and state his
case under oath, the Investigation could proceed
with knowledge of the facts as they were alleged
in possession of the committee. General Keifer
could not certainly plead that he was not ready
to make his statement of the case as he under
stood it, and he would not decline to make it I'M
der oath.
Coleman read a telegram from a witness in
New Jersey He would not show his hand by
giving the name to the other side stating that his
wife sick, but if necessary for General keiferS
personal vindeation he would come to Washing
ton on Monday
Coleman also claimed that the committee had
no authority to hold Keller responsible for what
he said upon the floor of the House, as such ac
ton would be an unconstitutional one.
After some further talk it was decided to ad-
iourn the case till Wednesday next.