Evening star., 1886-07-16
rHE INDIAN rRApERsnIP SCANDAL
Testimony Before the senate Special
Commitsee To-day.

The examination of X. NJ. Hunter. attorney
for Cleveland 4 Co, late traders at Ansdsrso.
Indian Territory, was continued this morning
by the Plat special committee OF the senate.
Mr.. Hunters evidence was substantially In
corroboration OF that OF Mr.. Cleveland on Tues
day last, as published In The STAR. He de-
scrioed series OF interviews between himself
and the commissioner Of Indian affairs with
respect TO the renewal of Cievelands license
and 3. NJ. Jackson's proposition for q partner
ship with Cleveland. At one Of these inter
views, Mr.. Hunter said he believed, though he
could not swear to IL, that he Hunter termed
yackson's proposition = blackmailing scheme.
Inc outcome OF these interviews WAS refusal by
MI Atkins TO re-license Cleveland. The witness
several times referred 10 interviews with Senator
vest, who, he said, was interested in behalf OF
Nj. Cleveland, but the com nittee decided not TO
near anything with regard to these interviews,
WHICH was not essential TO a clear understand
Ing OF Hunters own action because senator
ness aud allowed 70 tell his own story. Wit
ness, oy instruction Of his clients, appealed
the matter to the President and sent TO him
aiter personal interview with Col. Lamont
some documents relating to the case One
document was an affidavit made by Cleveland
aeIn.rf assI the story Of JaeksSn visit to ANA
partnership with him, jackson putting In the
license while Cleveland furnished capital and
son'sl threat to have Cleveland put OF the res
erVatfon II he did not assent to u partnership
upon these terms. and his statement that he
nad sumctent influence with Commissioner
Atkins to secure his object.
TWO LETTERS FROM SENATOR VEST TO "DEAR
JIM"
Among the documents were also the follow
ing letters, both addressed to Major Jas. BAN
herman, care Meyer Bannerman. s. Co., st.
Louis. No.:
"UNITEp STATES SENATE,
WAsHINGroN, ID. c., December s, 1885.
Dear Jdo--I had a long talk to-day with At
klns. commissioner OF Indian affairs. The re
suit OF IT all was that he Is willing TO license
either Reynolds or Cleveland In conjunction
with jackson. He refuses TO iicence both, but
says he will give either OF them. 1 recommend
joint license with jackson, who IL already
licensed. This was the best could get Now
want you to see Dave and then write me- who
care for either, but want ~ meet your aud
Dawes wishes. Let me know at once. Your
friend,
[Signedl &C. VEST"
"UNITED STATES SENATE,
WASHINGTON, ID. g., Dec. IL, 1850.
Dear Jim: Since writing you the oti.er day
dian affairs asking me to call At his office. He
wanted TO tell me that he had just seen Jack
son and found IL impossible TO Keep his prom
ise In regard TO giving partnership with Jack
son either TO Reynolds or Cleveland As might
select He then said that he would try togive
Reynolds another leadership at another
point and that this WAS the best he could d. Ii
Is simply impossible tor me 10 do justice to my
establishment when / found he had changed
aiS uluo, oub L IouuU couiu Dot neip any seii
and SO the matter rests. Atkins seems deter
mined 70 put all the tradersnips In tue Indian
territory in the hands OF Mississippians or
Iennesseeians. do not want 10 have quar-.
rel with him, but think shall offer "A resoiu-
ton In the Senate asking for tuil Information
as TO these appointments. Let Inc know
whether Reynolds will take leadership at
another poiut. Atkins told me that cleveland
had herd OF cattle on the reservation and he
did not think he could appoint him under any
circumstances. Your friend,
(Signedl u. q. VEST"
The committee hastily adjourned al this
point in consequence Of "A call Of the Senate Tor
quorum. Another meeting VIII be held TO-
morrow morning.