The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-02-27


was dore in order in that Office during the cam.
| paign, and that those in charge of it had too
much sense to charge salaries or expenses when
| they were in campaign work, and that when
they left the Office they did so on the usual form
Of leaves, as might be expected
The guns of the committee are directed to-
wards Colonel Dudley, late Commissioner and
Mr. Rathbore, chief of the special examiners. 1t
was charged during the heat of the
campaign that these men used their
offices. and the men under them to
further the interests of the Republican party,
and that it could be proven. Since the former
retired from the Office there is little object in
pursuing him. and the latter is being hunted
with determination and zeal worthy Of success
Speaking of the matter this afternoon, Mr. Rath,
bone said to NE:
An effort is being made to show by Commits
sioner Clark and clerks that the work, since
took charge Of it, in 1888, has declined in value
and increased in expense. The records are
referred to very reluctantly There lies pile
of them, however" pointing to an armful on the
table, (which prove that the work has greatly
increased and the proportionate cost very ma
terially decreased. When became chief of the
|PSSAA OAdLuluSio lIiS dbeFdEc GUIDDef CT exam
nations per man each month was 1l3. During
1854, as the records put in evidence show, the
average was 4-11.'
What is the object in perverting the truth in
this matter7n
ITO try to make Colonel Dudley and myself
Infamous politicians in the minds of the pubnc.
We have done nothing criminal if we have done
everything we accused Of doing Besides
this increase or work done, it is shown by the
records that the proportion Of cost is decreased
ABOUT third, making gain to the govern
ment of nearly hundred per cent"
Further Examination of Colonel Dudley.
To the Western Associated Prcss
WASHINGTON, Feb 26-CoioIel Dudley, ex-
Commissioner of Pensions, was further ex
amined by the Warner committee today. Gen
eral Warner asked if the witness did not know
that the special examiners in Ohio and especially
those in close districts, were representing them
selves as being in the witnesses employ, and that
pension claimants were cautioned to vote the
Republican ticket if they wished to get their
claims through. The witness knew nothing Of
the kind, and if he had known it would have de-
nounced it
General Warner asked if the lists of claimants
in the pension Office were not furnished in order
that political work might be carried on. The
witness replied that that was case in which
they were furnished by General Warner and
others engaged in political work.
Myself and others had no access to the
records" said the Chairman.
Mr. Hart-You had q list of the pensioners in
Ohio.
General Warner-I didn't say pensioners.
Mr. Hart--Any man in the State of Ohio or
anywhere else can get it.
MIR Warner--There IS a-aiHerence between the
claimants and the pensioners. Nobody has -.
right to it.
The Witness-Well, nobody has been furnished
list from my Office. indignantly deny it, and
very much regret that you should ask me such
a question, for you ought to know me. You
know 1T was so, because you wrote me a letter to
that effect, and answered, telling you it was
not so,
MIR Warner--I think had no- such sosTe-
spondence with you
The Witness-You wrote me letter saving
that the Pension Office was being used against
YOU
Mr. Warner--Can You produce a letter to that
effect? demand the letter. | want your let
ter protesting against any contracts
The Witness-No, sir; you wrote NE letter
against the Pension Office being used to your
detriment, and wrote you that it was not SO.
Mr.. Warner-I wrote you respecting special
pension case
The Witness-I will ask you now, as have a
right to protect myself if you did not!
Mr. Warner-Bring the letter, bring the let
ter.
Mr.. Hart Caushingly)-Answer the question,
General.
Mr.. Warner-Am not on the witness stand
Mr.. Hart-Well you may be before this is
over would like to ask some questions
Mr.. Warner-l would testify to some things
that would not please you
Mr.. Hart--I would be happy to have you go on
for just twenty minutes General.
Mr.. Warner Ito the witness)-How did you
sign the letter addressed to me!
The Witness think ] signed it personally.
l am not sure. But you have the letter, and you
Mr.. Warner-I think you signed it as commits
sioner.
The Witness--I think did not.
Mr.: Rogers questioned the witness as to ths
length of his absence from his Office, to which
Dudley replied: "Fifty-seven days.
The witness further stated that he had drawn
his pay during the time of his absence. The
rules which govern subordinatcs about leaves
We're not applicable TO heads of bureaus He
added that he was not conscious of having
neglected his duties and that his attertion to
his official duties while in Washington consumed
twelve hours day which was nearly double the
time required OF clerks
Mr.. Rogers want to ask you if you thinkit
had very healthy influence On your bureau for
1t to 90 all over the country that its head had
Quilted his post and gone into the country, and
staying the length of time you state looking aft
er his partys political interest!
The Witness-You ask for my opinionl
Mr. Rogers-Yes sir9
The Witness-ln my Judgment it would have
had no deleterious influence upon the office ,ln.
less it were understood that was acting as Com.
missioner at the same time.
Mr. Rogers called the witnesss attention to
a circular issued by him as Commissioner of
Pensions. in which the clerks Of the office are
cautioned In strong terms against misuse of the
time given to discharge of their duties. Mr..
Rogers asked the witnesses opinion of the princi-
Piles Of the circular, applied 70 his own case.
The witness thought he came within the ex
ceptions noted in the circular He had set the
example, when duty, of working not Elk and