St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1891-01-18
WHO ARE IN 1T?
Investigation Begins of the AL
legged Silver Pool.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 17.-The house
silver pool investigation committee be-
gan its inquiry this morning. w. K.
respondent of the Globe-Democrat.
which paper first printed the charges of
a congressional silver pool, was the first
witness. The article in the Globe-Dem-
ocrat was shown to Mr.. Stevens. He
identified it as having been prepared by
himself from statements made to him
by others. Witness had an interview
with }. A. Owenby, in which the state
ments given were made. Could not
locate Owenby exactly, but lie was
managing the Silver Reef mine in Utah
and could. witness thought. be reached
without difficulty. Witness had no per-
sonal knowledge Of any senator or rep
reSentative being engaged in silver
pool, and never heard any member say
anything with regard to his own con-
nection with silver. The Owenby in
terview was not submitted to Owenby
after being written. Owenby mentioned
some names which witness left out in
writing. His personal knowledge as to
the conduct of senators and representa-
tives went only to the extent of the in
teryiew.
Mr.. Stevens had conversation with
Col. Joseph E. Hickey. of Fulton. Mo.
Mr. Hickey said he had bought some
silver while this silver legislation was
pending, and had made some money.
but not nearly SO much as had been re-
ported. Hickey said he let go too soon.
He had only $4,000 ounces, that he
bought at S1.O4 or $1.05, and let go at
S1.10. Witness could not say whether
or not Hickey stated he bought silver in
connection with others or as a private
speculation. Didn't believe Hickey said
anything about having furthered legis-
latlOn.
Mr.. Rowell-Dc you know Of your own
knowledge whether Hickey was what is ordi-
narily called Lobbyist?
Mr.. Stevens-He seems to have great deal
of business about the capitol. l don't ex-
actly know what it is He is banker The
names of David T. Littler and ex Treasurer
Tanner were brought out as having on hear
say testimony-some connection with silver
speculation.
Witness said he had a conversation
with Senator Stewart which in witness
opinion was confirmatory of some of the
statements which had been made to him.
Senator Stewart said he was not person.
ally connected with silver speculation,
and witness added:
''But understood him to have personal
knowledge of other people being connected
with it.'
Owenby said that pending silver leg
islation agents of New York bankers,
brokers and silver dealers were in the
habit of coming to Washington and
having conferences at the Shoreham
and Chamberlin'S and directing the
plans of the lobby. In response to
request for the names of these lobbyists,
Mr.. Stevens replied that he shonld not
like to call them lobbyists. Owenby
had given witness number of names
of persons who he said had been assist
ing legislation. Witness could not re-
call all of them, but believed he had
made a memorandum of them In note
book, and would produce the names if
he could find them. Among the names
Owenby mentioned were f. G. New
lands, who bought ex-President Clsye-
lands country place, and II. B. Par
sons, of New Yotk, cashier of Wells,
Fargo & Co. The examination was
then directed towards conversations
with Hickey, at the suggestion of the
committee names being omitted, and
witness said:
I met Hickey in hotel, and he said,
what is this damned fellow (naming the
representative alter by his resolution?
I asked Hickey what he meant. Rickey
replied:
~ met Smith, the journal clerk Of the