The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-04-09
THE JEFFERsONvILLE LEvEE.

THE PROFESSIONALLY LEvEE.
Senator Harrison's Testimony-Mr. Stealey
Fully vindicates Himself
special to the indianapolis Journal
WASHINGTON, April 8.-Senator Harrison tes
tilted today before the committee investigating
the charges of bribery against Warder and
Stealey in connection with the Jacksonville
levee appropriation. 1t was shown by Senator
Harrison's testimony that he inaugurated and
executed the movement which succeeded in pro-
curing the appropriation. He did all of the work
before the Senate committee, with the assistance
of his colleague. and said there was no attorney
heard of by him In the matter. and none was
needed.
Senator Harrisons testimony practically
closed the prosecution the chairman announcing
that the committee had no more witnesses.
Then the defense began. Mr.. Warder first testi-
fed. He told how he got the 81. $50, and pro-
duced receipts from E. N. Hill. an attorney of
this city, for that amount. for legal services and
advice given in support of the levee appropria-
tion His statement about how the money was
raised. transmitted. eimbursed, etc, was not
materially different from that of other witnesses.
He denied having benefited himself in the
slightest by the $780, and stated most
positively that every dollar was paid
to and retained by Hill, who,
he declared. had rendered valuable
services in giving advice warder completely
vindcated Steady. He said Steady had advanced
to him Warder1 the $3.50 to pay Hill as a
tainer, and that he Warderl had instructed
Shuler, at Jeffersonville, to send the amount to
Steady explaining that it was to pay the loan.
Warder proved to be very capable witness,
but Steady seemed to impress the committee
more favorably than any witness that has test
fed. Stealy is very nervous and sensitive
man, and the pain this investigation was caus-
ing him was visible at the most casual glance
He told all about his connection with this mat
ter in an unhesitatng and forcible manner, and
impressed the committee that he was telling the
truth. He said the only thing he had to do with
the money transaction was to advance the $3.50
to Warder to pay the lawyer, and to receive that
amount back. He had nothing to do with the
employment of the attorney. Warder came to
him one day when the witness very busy,
and told him about being authorized by citizens
of Jeffersonville to employ an attor-
ney, and told him about Hll
who, Warder said, he believed would render
good service The witness concurred in the sug-
gestion. and Hill was retained. The witness had
no idea the money for the attorney was to come
out Of the city treasury at Jacksonville. He
understood it was to be paid by certain well-to-
do citizens. and he therefore had special inter
est in the amount paid for legal advice, and did
not care how much or little it was. About six
xvoaGc hoforo thio in ton woe ordo,sod Mr.
Stealey went to the bedside of Henry Watterson,
at Louisville the latter being very i'll then. It
was upon visit at that time, at Jeffersonville,
that he offered to reimburse the city in order to
avoid an investigation. He told j. FL. McCamp-
bell. of the Citizens National Bank, that if it
was only the money the city wanted he would
pay it himself rather than be smrched by dis
graceful investigation. He believed. however,
it was persecution or black mail that had prompt
ed certain of his enemies at Jeffersonve in bring
ing about the investigation. Stealey said he would
have preferred TO pay twice the amount involved
rather than subject his family to the humiliation
and notoriety Of this investigation Besides, he
was clerk to Speaker Carlisle and regretted the
barrass that officer.
Mr.. Steady made very favorable impression.
and it Is generally conceded that he has COM
pletely clesred himself of the weight of the in
vestigAtior. How Warder will come out cannot
be stated The committee does not seem salts
fed that Attorney Hill rendered any service in
securing the appropriation. The investigation
will be completed very shortly. An effort will be
made 80 impeach ex-Mayor Glass. and subponas
have been issued for John Gatheright and
Messrs. Reed and Merriweather, who are ex-
pected to testfyn reference to the alleged propo-
siton of Glass while guard at the State prison
at Jacksonville. to report for stipulation less
number Of criminals at work than really were
employed Glass says he does not fear impeach-
ment and will rebut doubly all testimony offered
in this direction.