The Indianapolis journal., 1891-02-01
SPECULATION HEDENBERa.
He Explains His Silver Dealings, and Causes
Mr., Payson to Make n Statement

He Explains His Silver Dealings, and Causes
MIR. Payson to Make . Statement
WASHINGTON. Jan. 31.-J. Mcdonald,
cashier of the Hanover National Bank of
New York, appeared before the silver pool
Investigation committee this morning and
testified that he had paid Owenty $3.50 for
information with regard to the progress of
silver legislation last session, but that
Owenby had not furnished any earlier in
formation than was published in the news
papers. He knew of DO Representatives or
Senators being engaged in silver specula-
tion.
John w. Hedenburg, the Chicago real-es-
tate-dealer whose name has been con-
nected with speculation in silver, testified
that he was in Washington about q month
last winter and spring. and advertised for
A man named Hill responded to it, and said
he could do what writing was wanted, but
witness, as soon as he saw him. was satis-
fed that Hill would not suit him. He did
not wish to offend the man. and probably
ion. He had no knowledge of
any Congressman or government officer
being engaged in silver speculation
in any form. Hs re..tGlked with numbers
of Congressman ca the general subject of
them to purchase. He had shown silver
certificates to COngressmen Dorsey Payson
and Taylor, all of whom he knew pretty
well, as the certificates were q new form of
money about which there was naturally
some curiosity. He never suggested to him
or George. in any way. that they sell silver
certificates to members of Congress or any,
BODY else. He did not know Of the exist
ence of q silver pool.
Mr.. Heidelberg explained his converse
tions at the Capitol with him and George.
These two men. he said. professed to be
able to give him information as to the
course of legislation. George especially
represented that he was a Southern man
who knew many of the Northern Republic
ans and asserted that he could get early
information. Of course. that was what
witness wanted; but he did not follow it
up. as he was not impressed favorably
believe belize they sa were reliable M o'e Channels nIs
of information. Witness was back
and forth between here and New York, and
Hill and George followed him mp to get an
engagement. They said it would require a
great deal of labor and time and the ex-
penditure of some money for coupes, cigars
and saloon charges, and desired witness to
advance them money. Witness did not
think much of information that came
through the saloon, and put them off, The
witness remarked that the expenses which
he had said in an interview he had borne
to further legislation were simply legiti-
mate expenses, such as hotel bills while
here in Washington. printing and the like.
Congressman Payson of Illinois then vol
UNFAIRLY went on the stand. He said that
he had known Mr.. Hedenberg since early
boyhood. He knew him to be like many
other persons in his section Of the country,
whore the greenbacs question had been
discussed extensively, very much interested
in financial affairs. He had never been ZAP
preached" by Mr.. Hedenberg, but had sim
PLY talked to him about silver legislation
generally, as to newspaper men and others
Mr.. Payson said he had purely from
| curiosity asked Mr. Hedenberg how silver
| speculation was carried on and that Mr.
| Hedenberg had explained the matter and
| had shown him a certificate. Mr. Heden.
berg had also written to him for advice as
| to the probable course of legislation; but
| witness replied that he would not like to
| advise him. he might be mistaken and
| cause Mr.. Hedenberg to lose money. There
never was, said Mr.. Payson. any intima.
tion on the part of Mr.. Hedenberg that he
wanted him Mr.. Paysonl to invest in sill
| yer certificates, and witness had no inter
| est himself, knew of no government Officer
| who had any interest, and had never heard
! any Senator, Representative OF any gov.
ernment officer state that he had bought
silver.
| Congressman Perkins. of Kansas, ap-
| peared as witness and made a general and
| specific denial of the published intimatior
and charge that he had any information re
| garding the alleged silver pool. and alsl
| tnat he had influenced the Speaker In re-
| gard to the appointment of Mr.. Peel as
member of the committee. He had never
! speculated in silver.
| The committee to-day received message
from the special deputy sent after Owenby
| stating that he had taken Owenby into Gus
tody, and would have him here on Monday
AS it will be necessary to first bring Owenby
| before the bar of the House. the committe,
adjourned until o'clock Monday afternoon
4