Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1888-06-15

HE WAS DELEGATE TO THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL
CONVENTION IN 1SS4-HE CRITICIZED THE PREsI-
DENTS TARIFF MEssAGE-TRE RESULT.
Senator Manderson, OF the Hale civil-service
committee to-day examined John d. Spellman, OF
Vermont, an ex-employe OF the New York custom
house. AS neither OF the democratic members
was present to cross-examine the witness, he was
notified that he would be recalled for that purpose.
Spellman testified that he had been an
active democratic politician in Vermont,
and was delegate to the national
convention of 1884, which nominated Grover
Cleveland; that, being a lawyer, he desired to
locate in New York, and, for the purpose Of sus-
tanning himself While making acquaintances pre-
paratory to beginning practice ne procured a
place as messenger In the New York custom-house
that when the Presidents tariff message came out
he (wftness) being protecLOniSt, criticised 1t in
New hampshire newspapers
AS A FREE-TRADE DOCUMENT;
that the matter was brought to the attention OF
Collector Magone, at whose instance Secretary
Mason, OF the custom-house civil-service board
called upon witness. Mason said the witness
conduct had been objectionable, and asked for the
articles of criticism. Witness replied that he
would only deliver them up upon official notice
from the collector. Learning Immediately after
ward that he would be discharged or suspended
the witness resigned and returned TO Vermont,
SO DIsGUsTED THAT HE had BECOME A REPUBLICAN.
The witness mentioned Mr.. MCGEE, who was
his Chief and said that he kept in position by
political influence he being secretary Of the County
Democracy. Witness attended all the important
democratic meetings While he was an empioye OF
the cuStoin-houoe, and saw many other officials
and employees at such meetings. He said MCGEE
neglected his duties TO attend TO political matters
1t was his belier that the cuStom-house officials
were active at elections.
As TO POLITICAL ASSESSMENTS.
Senator ManderSon asked the witness If he had
any knowledge OF political assessments or contri.
buttons.
After moments hesitation he answered: ayes,
do" and then stated that MCGEE had told him
that when the race between NicOn and Fellows
began for the distrct-attOrneyship Nicoll called
upon MCGEE, who was secretary Of the county De-
nocray, and paid up his arrears Of dues, thinking
doubt that it might help him IN his contest. the
amount was SO or $780, and MCGEE said he had
been trying for long time to collect it. The wit
of any assessments, but added that he .had
reason to believe" from remarks MCGEE made to
him, that men who held high-salaried positions
in the custom-house contributed for political
purposes. He had seen brokers' clerks who Wis.
ited the custom-house on business refarfnY 60
imports take the rubber stamps Of the deputy
collectors and stamp their papers. In the opinion
OF the witness fraud and loss to the Government
might result from that practice.
THEY DID IT sLYLY.
Senator Manderson asked II the clerks used the
stamps clandestinely or with the knowle ledge and
assent of the officials.
reply. He did not charge the officials with COM
pllcity, but mentioned the matter to show how
carelessly the public business was transacted.
Capitol Topics.
NO Quorum IN THE HOUSE.
There were many vacant seats ON the republi-
can side of the House to-day. 1t was estimated
that about eighty Representatives had gone to
Chicago, or were making arrangements to CO. The
attendance on the democratic side was not much
better, and practically business could only be
done by unanimous consent, any member having
itin his power TO suspend proceedings by making
the point OF no quorum Such an incident hap
pened at the very outset, when Mr.. Townsend,
snarting under the defeat OF his motion to take
up the army appropriation bill, made the point.
For half an hour he resisted the appeals OF nearly
all Of m sne ,aa members to withdraw his point but
that nothing could be done to-day II he persisted
THE TARIFF BILL
Mr. Buchanan in Offering his amendment yes
terday to the tariff bill to strike out the words ad
mtting free OF duty plates coated with mixture
of lead and tin said that this clause would en-
courage the importation Of adulterated tin, which
used Tor fruit cans, with the result OF poison
ing an entire family in Philadelphia, Wednesday,
10 strike glue and gelatine from the free list pre-
vailed without division. By committee amend
ment offered by Mr.. McMiiin, or Tennessee, fish
glue or isinglasS was restored to the existing rate
OF duty. The same thing was done with regard to
licorice JUICE.
APPROPRIATIONS FOR NEW WAR SHIPS.
The naval appropriation bill has been CON-
pleted In committee and will be reported to the
House in day or two. For the purpose OF further
increasing the naval establishment the President
is authorized TO have constructed by contract two
steel cruisers OF about 900 tons displacement, at
a cost, exclusive Of armament and excluding any
premium that may be paid for increased speed, OF
not more than 81 200 600 each; one steel cruiser OF
about 300 TONS TO cost not more than 81 800 OOO
and one armored cruiser OF about $500 tons, TO
cost not more than S3, 500, 900. The 5000 ton
cruisers are to be built under guarantee To run
at least 19 knots per hour and the 300 ton vessel
at least 20 knots.