The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-01-18
THE SILVER SCANDAL.
Smart Newspaper Men Made the
Story Ont of Rumor.
A PURE MATTER OF HEARsAy.
Senator Stewart, Professional Lobby
Dropped Hints Of a Pool.

WASHINGTON CRY, Jan. 1.-The House
silver pool investigating committee began
its inquiry this morning. w. X. Stevens.
principal Washington City correspondent
of the st. Louis Globe Democrat, which pa
per first printed the charges of a congress
ional silver pool. was the first witness.
Witness had an interview with ]. H. Ow-
enby, in which the statements given in the
paper We're made. He could not locate
Owenby exactly, but he was managing the
Silver Reef mine in Utah, and could, wit
ness thought. be reached without diff
Guilty. Witness had no personal knowl-
edge of any senator or representative being
engaged in silver pool, and never heard
any member say anything in regard to his
own connection with silver. Owenby
mentioned some names, which witness
left out in writing. His personal knowl-
edge as to the coRduct of senators and
representatives went only to the extent of
interviews.
Stevens had had conversation with
Colonel Joseph l.. Hickey, of Fulton, Mo.
Hickey said de bought silver while legis-
lation was pending and made some money.
but not nearly SO much as reported. Wit
ness could not say whether or not Hickey
stated that he bought silver in connection
with others. or as private speculation.
Rowell asked If Hickey was a lobbyist.
steyens-.He seems to have a great deal Of
business about the capital. do not know ex-
aetly what 1t Is. He is banker.
The names of David II. Littler and ex-
Treasurer Tanner, of Illinois, were brought
out as having on hearsay testimony some
connection with silver speculation Wit
ness had conversation with Senator Stew
art, which in witness opinion was con-
tirmatory of some of the statements made
to him. Senator Stewart said he was not
personally connected with silver specula-
ton. and witness added, ''but under
stood him to have personal knowledge of
other people being connected with silver"
owenby said that pending silver legis-
lation agents of New York bankers,
brokers and silver dealers were in the
habit of coming to Washington City and
having conferences and directing the plans
of the lobby. 0wenby had given witness
a number of names of persons who he
said had been assisting legislation. Wit
ness could not recall ali, but would pro-
duce them if he could find them. Among
the names mentioned were F. G. New
lands, who bought ex-President Cleve-
lands country place, and H. B. Parsons. of
New York, cashier of Wells, Fargo & Co.
The investigation was then directed to-
ward conversations with Hickey. Names
were omitted. Reference was made by
Hickey to resolution offered by repre-
sentative, asking what he was after, and
adding that Smith, journal clerk of the
House, said to him (Rickey): "Your
friend mentioning a senator) is going to
get into trouble in connection with the
silver pool.'i Hickey went on to say why
he knew his friend was not in it.
Owenby had complained to witness that
those with whom he was associated in
speculation had robbed him. Witness
would not like 10 give names. He under
stood from Owenby that there was num-
Der of different groups interested in silver
speculation. Each comprised about ten
men and worked together for the purpose of
etfecting the most favorable legislation pos
sible. The question of requiring witness
TO give names went over for the present,
George Fl. Apperson, the other cores
much to the same effect. 0wenby had
told him there was silver pool, and wit
ness understood it to be still in existence.
Adjourned.