Los Angeles herald., 1891-01-18
HEARsAY EVIDENCE.
The Silver Pool Inquiry Thus Fu
Rather Barren Of Resultu.

The Silver Pool Inquiry Thus Far
Rather Barren Of Results.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 1.-THE house
silver pool investigation committee be-
gan its inquiry this morning. w. X.
Stevens, the principal Washington cor
respondent of the st. Louis Globe-D Demo-
crat, which paper first printed the
charges of congressional silver pool,
was the first witness.
Witness had an interview with j. A.
Owenby, in which the statements given
in the paper were made. He could not
locate Owenby exactly, but he was man.
aging the Silver Reef mine in Utah,
and could, witness thought. be reached
without difficulty. Witness had no
personal knowledge of any senator or
representative being engaged in silver
pool, and never heard any member say
anything with regard to his own connec-
ton with silver. His personal knowl-
edge as to the conduct of the senators
and representatives went only to the ex-
tent of the interview. Stevens had a
conversation with Colonel Joseph K
Hickey, Of Fulton, Mo. Hickey said he
bought silver while the legislation Was
pending, and made some money, but not
nearly so much as reported. Witness
could not say whether or not Hickey
stated he bought the silver in connec-
tion with others or as private specula-
tion.
Rowell asked if Hickey was lobbyist.
Stevens-He seems to have great
deal OF business about the capitol.
! \ 10 =. l.
The names of David L. Littler and ex-
Treasurer Tanner, OF Illinois, were
brought out as having on hearsay testi-
mony some connection viii silver spec
ulation.
Witness had conversation with SEN
ator Stewart. which in witness opinion,
was confrmatory of some OF the state.
ments made to him. Senator Stewart
said he was not personally connected
with silver speculation, but witness
added "But understood him to have
personal knowledge of other people be-
ing connected with it,"
Continuing his testimony Stevens
said Owenby told him that, pending the
silver legislation, the agents of New
York bankers, brokers and silver deal
ers were in the habit of coming to
Washington and having conferences and
directing the plans OF the lobby. Owen
by had given witness number OF names
OF persons who, he said, had been assist
ing legislation. Witness could not re-
call all, but would produce them if he
could find them. Among the names
mentioned were F. Il. Newlands, who
bought ex-President Cleveland's coun-
try place, and H. B. Parsons, of New
York, the cashier of Wells, Fargo & Co.
The investigation was then di-
rected toward the conversation
with Hickey; names were omitted.
Reference was made by Hickey to a
resolution introduced by representa-
tive, asking what he was after, and add
ing that Smith, journal clerk Of the
house, said to him (Rickey): 'sYour
friend (mentioning senator) is going
to get into trouble in connection with
the silver BILL" Then Hickey went ON
to say why he knew his friend was not
in it. Owenby had complained to wit
ness that those with whom he associ-
ated in the speculation had robbed
him. Witness would not like to
give names. He understood from
Owenby that there was number of
different groups interested in silver
speculation. Each comprised eight or
ten men, and they worked together Tor
the purpose of effecting the most favor
able legislation possible.
The question of requiring witness to
give names went over for the present.
George H. Apperson, the other cor
respondent of the Globe-Democrat, tes-
titled much to the same effect. Owenby
had told him that there was a silver
pool, and witness understood it to be
still in existence.
AGinnrnad