Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-07-22
An EXCITING SCENE.
Hot Words Between Assistant Secretary Net
Teton and Chserman stump.

SECRETARY
Teton and ChsermAn stump.
There was an exciting scene in the room of the
Joint immigration committee Of Congress late
yesterday. A sharp battle of words occurred
between Assistant Secretary of the Treasury
Nettleton on the one side and Senator Chand
Ter and Representative Stump on the other
That Mr.. Stump and Mr.. Nettleton would come
to blows seemed probable at one time.
The committee having practically finished the
Fills Island investigation Mr.. Stump wa
authorized to prepare the report The report
was completed several days ago, but held sub
ject to revision. and enough copies we're printed
to furnish each member of the committee one
When the copies were distributed each was
solemnly pledged not to show the report to any
one or 10 talk about 1t.
Mr. SEIrLEToN FAD A REPORT.
Yesterday Mr.. Nettleton came before the
committee to ask for q hearing and had one OF
the reports in his possession He began to
read from 1t for the purpose Of making reply,
the report being rather severe in its criticism
u him When they had had a moment to re-
cover from their astonishment at his having
the report Mr.. Chandler and Mr. stump de-
manded to know where he got it. Mr.. Nettie-
ton refused TO say whefe he got 1t.
THAT report" said Senator Chandler, with
some warmth. twas put in type for the use OF
the committee and copies we're furnished its
members for their use. If a copy IL in the pos
session OF any one else II has been obtained sur
reptitiously."
IT DID NOT CONE sURREPTITroUsLT.
1T did not come surreptitiously, replied 'he
assistant secretary. At this point Mr.. Stump,
whsevidently was chagrined at the announce
men: of Mr.. Nettleton that he had obtained
possession of a copy of the report. flushed up
suddenly. and walking up to Mr.. Nettleton,
looking him squarely in the face, ne exclaimed
There Is no gentleman with emphasis on the
word 'gentlemanO i'll possession OF any copy OF
that report except n member Of the committee.
and mean what say
But" said Senator Chandler, Mr.. Nettleton
has just said ne has a copy Of i" Mr.. stump,
then again walking up in front OF Mr.. Nettle-
ton repeated what he had said with emphasis,
whereupon Mr. Nettleton got up from his seat.
advanced toward Mr.. Stump. and With evident
excitement said: This ia place TO call you
to account for that statement. and you will not
be permitted 20 drug me into controversy in
this room"
Mr. STUMP WAS READY.
Mr.. Stump replied. Il nm ready. now. sir, v
then turning on his heels paced the floor ner-
vously.
Senator Chandler then catechised Mr.. Nettle-
ton closely as to- where he got the report. but in
every instance Mr.. Nettleton declined point
blank 10 respond. He acknowledged, however.
that he did not know from whom the report
originally came. This ended the war of words,
but not before Senator Chandler had requested
Mr.. Nettleton 10 hand TO the committee the
copy Of the report, which Mr.. Nettleton
promptly did. and equally promptly it was torn
up by the Senator, who remarked parenthetic-
allv that as il had some memorandum on the
back he would destroy it." Quiet was then
restored.