Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-02-05
THE TELEPHONE SCANDAL.
So Garland Resigu :-Tuckcr Mentioned a.
His Successor.

- Garland Resign .-Tuckcr Mentioned a,
His Successor.
WASHINGTON. h. c., February f.
4 story has been aiioat for a day or
two that Aforementioned Garland has
Ewesried Of the constant attacks upon
hin on account Of his ownership Of
stock in the Pan-Electric Telephone
Company, and desires to resign his seat
in the Cabinet. This statement is
supplemented by a report that
the President, in looking for a
suitable successor to Mr.. Gar
land. has caused inquiries to be made
Of justices OF the Supreme Court as to
the qualifications of Mr.. Tucker for
the attorney generalship. Nothing
definite is known a. to the truth Of
this story. Mr.. Tucker himself has no
information about it, and 1t has not
been traced to any reliable source.
The opinion privately expressed by
prominent Democrats IS that Mr.. Gar
land made a mistake in accepting
stock in a corporation that would pro-
baby ak fayors Of Congress, and his
present position is unfortunate both for
himself and for the Democratic party {:
but he cannot afford to retreat IN the
face Of the fire directed against him at
the instance Of the Bell Telephone
Company. nor is the President likely
to request him to do so. There
is no charge Of fraud or impro-
per influence Of his official action.
Ii is simply question Of pro
priety. But if Mr.. Garland should
resign, those who know Mr.. Tucker
best say his character and abilities are
all that could be desired for any Cabi-
net officer.
The Committee on Expenditures in
the Department Of Justice have been
expected TO investigate the telephone
scandal but they took hold Of the
matter very gingerly at their meeting
this morning. Some members doubted
the authority Of the committee to
make an investigation as broad as
the Republican members desired,
and for the present the committee
contentcd itself with passing a resolu-
iion calling on the Departments OF the
Treasury. Interior, and Justice for in-
formation as 10 the amount that has
been expended in ascertaining the rights
Of the rival telephone companies. 1t
was suggested that after awhile the
Attorney General, General Johnston,
and others might voluntarily ask an in
yestigation.
At the request Of Mr.. Hewitt the
Committee on Ways and Means has
given hearing 10 David A. Wells, who
spoke in favor Of legislation TO carry
out the Mexican reciprocity treaty.
lie favored it on grounds more senti-
mental than practical. He said Mexico
was a sort Of ward of the United States,
and was poor and needed the benefits of
reciprocity of trade. The arrangement
would probably not benefit the United
States very much at first, but in few
years it would be Of great value.
Mr. George Wise had severe fall
upon the slippery pavement yesterday,
and was not able 10 be at the Capitol
to-day.
George Fisher, colored Democrat
from Mr.. 0'Ferrall's district, has been
appointed to subordinate place among
the House employees.
Captain John W. Jones, Of Alexan-
dria, formerly conductor on the Viz
ginis Midland railway, has been ap-
pointed jHnitOr at the Capitol.
Mr.. Boutelle has had thousands Of
his speeches printed At the Government
rrinfinp.office for distribution.