The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-03-17
General Browne Introduces Resolution
Authorizing an Inyestigation-Wh Is
Said by the Accused and by Others.
John Fl. Oberly Nominated to Place ON
the Ciyil-Seryice Commission.
General Dent Relates Interesting Facts Con-
corning General Grant and Fitz John
Porter-0ther Washington News.
PURCHASING INFLUENCE.

The 81, $50 Paid by Jeffersonville People in
Order to Secure an Appropriation.
Special to the indianapolis Journal.
WAsHINGror, March 16.-As anticipated in
these dispatches la0t night, General Browne,
rising to privileged question in the House to-
day, offered the following, which was adopted:
Whereas, There was pending in the Forty eighth
Congress bill containing, among other matters. an
appropriation of $4,000 for certain improvements
on the Ohio river, at near Jefersonyille, Ind,
known as the Jefferson levee appropriation; and
Whereas, 1t is charged by reputable citizen OF In
diana, that during the tendency OF said measure.
person, or persons then officers OF the House OF
Representatives exacted collected and accepted from
person persons interested in tho success of the
said appropriation large sum Of money on the pre-
for the purpose of influencing the House.
some committee thereof, members and Senators,
in their official action thereon; and,
Whereas 1t is also charged that the person or per-
sons exactng collecting and accepting said sum of
for the purpose aforesaid are officers and en-
ployes of this House; therefore,
Resolved That the committee reform in the
Civil Service be instructed to inquire into the truth of
said charge and report the true facts to this House.
The men referred to in the resolution are Lu-
Their F. Warder, assistant door-keeper of the
House Of Representatives. and 0. 0. Stealey.
clerk to Speaker Carlisle, both of Indiana. The
charges are to the effect that the former secured
from the citizens of Jeffersonvile, during the
last Congress- sums of money aggregating 81, $50
for alleged services in securing an appropriation
of $50, 900 for improving the levee at Jefferson
VILE
The charges against Warder and Stealey are
dated March IL, and are formulated and signed
by John M. Glass, who was mayor Of Jeffer-
sonville at the time. The citizens who ad
vanced this money secured the passage of an ap
preparation bill by the the city council to REIN
burse them. Glass specifically charges Warder
with receiving $1,000 and Stealey $3.50. The
money, 1t is alleged, was all sent to Warder,
81. 900 of which was on the strength of the fol-
lowing dispatch:
"WAsHINGToN. July 2 1884; Gas A. NJ
"Mr A. o. shuer. Jacksonville. Ind:
1--WE expect to adjourn Saturday. Send draft to me
at once so that will not be detained here. 1t is all
right. but will not pay until the blu is signed
Warder stated his line of defense to the Journ l
correspondent this afternoon. He said he re-
ceived the money as charged but that he turned
it over to lawyer, who worked for the passage
of the amendment desired. Mr.. Stealey said he
received the $3.50 for other services than are
alleged in the charges preferred by Glass. Both
join in pronouncing it personal fight upon
them, waged by enemies at Jacksonville, and
both say they will prove to the full satisfaction
of the committee that they are guilty of no
wrong
Senator Harrison and General Browne take
exactly opposite views of the case. They think
the money did not go beyond the men charged
with receiving it. and that no return whatever
in the way of services was made They feel
that having been active friends of
the measure which Congress passed
for the benefit Of Jacksonville. they might be
suspected of having benefited by the 81 $50, and
the Investigation stated last night is for their
vindication, as also that of the other members
of the Indiana delegation although the Demo
Gratis of che delegation have taken no part in
bringing about the inquiry. Senator Harrison
and General Browne say they have no doubt
about the case being conclusive, at least against
Warder. General Browne had one or two inter
views with Warder before he drew the resolu-
ton, and he is quite sure that facts will be
proven which will be sufficient to make good
case General Browne has considerable docu-
mentary evidence now in his possession. The
investigation will be begun In a few days. and
ex-Mayor Glass and others, of Jeffersonvile.
will be summoned here 90 testify. The intro
duction of the resolution to-day created quite a
1uttcr Of excitement, as both Of the accused are
we'll known here.