Omaha daily bee., 1891-01-18
SILTER POOL INVESTIGATION.
BE ginning of the Inquiry by tho
House SneCial COmmittcc.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 17.-The house silver
pool investigation committee began its in
quiry this morning. W. X. Stevens princi-
pal Washington CORES pondcnt OF the st.
Louis Globe-Democrat, which paper first
printed the charges of a congressional silver
pool, was the first witness. Witness had an
interviewswith J. A. Owenby, in which the
statements given in the paper were made.
Could not locate Owenby exactly, but he was
managing the Silver Reef mine in Utah and
could witness thought, be reached without
difficulty. Witness had no personal knowl-
edge of any senator or representative being
engaged in the silver pool and never heard
any member say anything with regard to his
own connection with silver. OwenbY mem
toned some names which witness left out
in writing His personal knowledge as to
the conduct of senators and representatives
went only to the extent of an interview.
Stevens had a conversation with Colonel
Joseph *. Rickey of Fulton, Mo. Rickey
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 that he
bought silver IN connection with others or as
q private speculator.
Rowell asked If Hickey was lobbyist.
StevenS-He seems to have great deal or
business about the capitol. do not know
exactly what IL is He is banker inc
names of David T. Little and ex-Treasurer
Tanner Of Illinois were brought
out haviug-on heresay tes-
tilnony-some connection with the silver
speculation. Witness had conversation
with Senator Stewart which, in witness
opinion, was confirmatory OF some OF the
statements made to him. Senator Stewart
said he was not personally connected with
the sver speculation, and witness added;
"ButI understood him to have personal knowl-
edge OF other people being connected with
it," Owenby said that pending silverleglsIa-
ton, agents of New York bankers, brokers
and silver dealers were in the habit OF com
ing to Washington and having conferences
and directing the plans of the lobby. Owenby
had given witness a number OF names OF per-
sons whom he said had been assisting legls-
lation. Witness could not recall all, but would
produce them III he could find them.
Among tho names mentioned were f.. f..
Newlancs, who bought ex-President Cleve-
lands country place, and ii. Is. Parsons OF
New York, cashier OF Wells, Fargo ~ Co,
The investigation was then directed toward
the conversations with Hickey. Names were
omitted. Refernce was made by hickey to a
resolution introduced by a representative
asking what he was after, and adding that
Smith, journal clerk Of the house. said to him
(2ickey); "Y our friend mentioning sena-
tori is going to get into trouble IN connection
with the silver pool" Then 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 tho
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 worked to-
gether for the purpose OF effecting the most
favorable legislation possible
The question of requiring witness TO give
names went over for the present
George II Apperson, another correspond
ent of the Globe-Democrat, testified much TO
the same extent. Owenby had told him that
there was a silver pool and witness under
stood IL to be still in existence. Adjourned.