The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-03-25

To the Western Associated Press.
WASHINGTON, March 24-The Senate COM
mittee investigating the charges made by Pen
sions Commissioner Black resumed its sitting
to-day, and Senator Harrison took up the case
of Capt John A. Whist one of thet wenty cases
furnished by Commissioner Black to sustain his
as a political machine by his predecessors
Commissioner Black said he did not wish to be
examined on that case this morning, and that he
would withdraw it from the investigation.
Senator Harrison asked whether the with
drawal was in consequence of the politics of the
claimant. Mr.. Black declined to answer the
question
Mr. Harrison asked whether the withdrawal
was not made because of the discovery that the
claimant was a Democrat.
The witness said he didn't know yet; he had
not completed the case
Senator Harrison again asked the reasons
which impelled the witness to withdraw the
case.
told yesterday by man that the committee had
an excellent point which they were going to
spring on him-that there was the case of one
man who was Democrat and the chairman of
Democratic county committee He Mr. Black
ran over the list hurriedly, and became satisfied
that the man Whist was Democrat.
Senator Harrison asked if the witness knew
that the claimant had always been Democrat.
and was chairman of the Democratic commit
tee of Indianapolis. to which the Commissioner
replied in the negative
Commissioners Black said he had not dropped
Whist He did not know whether he should
do it. Emphatically, he thought the testimony
was insufficient to keep him on the rolls
The case Of Reuben Meth was then taken up,
and Senator Plumb conducted the investigation.
Commissioner Black. in reply to inquiries said
that the claim was allowed, but was suspended
before the certificate reached the witness, in
consequence of a statement by Congressman
Pettlbone that he was informed the claimant
was a fraud, and suggesting further investiga
ton. 1t was still in condition of suspension.
Mr.. Plumb asked what there was in this case
that was irregular
Mr.. Black said the case had been examined on
two occasions, had been recommended for ad-
mission, and there seemed to be nothing in the
case that was adverse to its admission. 1t was
suspended upon the suggestion by Mr.. Petit
bone, who had never seen the claimant and had
no personal knowledge Of him.
Mr.. Plumb asked whether the witness would
not have suspended the case under like circum-
stances.
General Black said he might do 80. It would
depend on whether he knew Of the case. All of
the evidence in the case was in favor of the
claimant, yet the case was suspended upon the
letter of man who had never seen the claim
ant, and who admitted that he knew nothing
about him personally.
Mr. Plumb asked if the Commissioner had re-
instated this claimant.
The witness said he had not His reason was
that, in such cases, he wished to proceed with
more caution than in ordinary cases.
General Black, in conclusion, asked to submit
the Endorsement upon the sjacket" noting the
suspension of the case. This Endorsement, he
said, in reply to an inquiry, was made before he
Black became Commissioner
Mr.. Plumb then called attention to another
Endorsement upon the Jacket" which he asked
the witness to read. Commissioner Black read
as follows: pension Office, Jan. 10. 1886
Claimant. through Hon. Fl. S. Pettibone in
formed name was dropped, as additional evil
dence does not change status"
Commissioner Black appeared never to have
seen or heard of this Endorsement before In
reply to Senator Plumb he said: THAT would
indicate that the thing has been .jockeyed'
within my Office A man who has only one or
two clerks of his own persuasion in great di-
vision like this, has to run chances