The Portland daily press., 1884-02-18

WARRINGTON, Feb. 16.-The committee ap-
pointed to investigate the charges preferred
against Ell. v. Boynton, Washington cores.
pondent of the Cincinnati Commentaries
zette, by Representative Keifer, began its sit
tings today. It was asked whether either of
the parties desired to be represented by coun-
sci. Mr.. Boynton stated that he was willing
the committee should conduct the examina-
tion, but he would like the privilege of cross
examining General Keifer il that gentleman
should, under oath, repeat the charges made
against him. Mr.. Keifer said that Mr.. Coleman
would speak for him as counsel, that he had
committee and other work to attend to, and
could not give his personal attention to this
investigation.
Mr. Coleman then said that it should first be
proved that General Keifer had made
charges against Mr.. Boynton. There was
nothing in the resolution which brought the
charges before the committee. When it was
proved that charges had been made, Mr.. Keif-
er would be in position to prove them. The
committee, however, was unanimously of the
opinion that the charges had been fully set
forth and were within the jurisdiction of the
committee. Mr. Coleman assumed that in
view of this decision the burden of proof was
upon General Keifer to substantiate before the
committee the charges made against Mr.
Boynton. He was able to prove the facts set
forth in the resolution. In doing SO, however,
it would be necessary to take a great deal of
testimony and to examine witnesses in this
city and out of the District of Columbia. He
wished to have all the wisnesses here before
he proceeded to the examination of the case. He
had not as yet beenable to get any subpoena. He
did not wish to commence his presentation OF
evidence until he was able to finish it.
Mr.. Adams suggested that at the interview
when this supposed attempt to bribe Mr..
Keiter was made, there was nobody present
except Mr.. Keifer and Mr.. Boynton. What
he wanted to know was how Mr.. Coleman
could prodHce any witness before the commit
tee that could enlighten the committee and
the country in regard to the alleged conversa-
ton. Mr.. Coleman replied that he might
prove that Gen. Boynton had said to others
that he had made the statements to Gen.
Keifer.
Mr. Adams inquired whether it would not
be mere regular to prove the statements first.
After some further discussion Mr. Boyntoa,
with the permission of the committee, ex-
pressed his 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 o lawyer and
had no lawyer present to represent. him.
he depended entirely upon the members of
the committee. Ii the gentleman Cunning to
Mr. Keifer) was not able and ready to go on
and prove, as he said, the charges against him,
he (Boynton) was entirely ready, if he could
have an opportunity TO cross-examine Mr..
Keifer under oath, to go on and reverse all or
dinary rules of law and prove himself inno-
cent OF these charges by testimony which, he
thought, would be accepted, not only by the
members of the Committee, but by the coun-
try. He would be able to do that before the
sun went down. He tho1ght it only just to
him that the gentleman who made the charges
should stand here like a man and answer, un-
der his oath, in regard to those charges, and
not sink behind any technicality. After the
long delay from the day the House ordered the
investigation, it seemed to him that there was
no excuse whatever for any one making such
grave charges not to be able to answer before
the Committee.
Mf. Coleman regretted that Mr.. Boynton
was not represented BY counsel, because it was
unpleasant to reply to remarks made by par
ty interested. Gentlemen need have no doubt
that Mr.. Keifer would swear TO all that he had
charged, and would prove it to the satisfaction
OF every member of the committee.
The chairman suggested that both parties
seemed to have lost sight OF the fact that this
was not controversy alone between Mr., Keif-
or and Mr.. Boynton The House of Repre-
sentatlves had its dignity to maintain, If the
charges were true Mr.. Boynton ought not to be
permitted to sit in the gallery an hour; there
fore, the House ought to know whether the
charges conld be sustained.
Mr.. Keifer said that he was mot called upon
to abandon all his proper duties on the floor
and in committees to pursue this investigation
| as though he were pursuing Gen. Boynton
with vengeance. He had no answer to make
| to what Mr.. Boynton had said. He had not
had time to make preparation for this investi-
| CATION. He could not very well be examined
| now, as there we're certain matters connected
| with this case which were out of his reach.
| After some consultation with the members
| the chairman ordered an adjournment till 10
| a. m. Wednesday next