Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-03-22
THE ELLIS ISLAND INQUIRY,

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THE ELLIS ISLAND INQUIRY,
Assistant Secretary Nettleton Gives Further
Explanation to the Joint Committee.
The investigation into the expenditures in
connection with the immigrant station on Ellis
Island was continued this morning before the
joint migration committees Of the Senate and
House.
Assistant Secretary Nettleton again appeared
and gave testimony Mr.. Nettleton began by
presenting several papers compiled from the
treasury records, giving some supplemental
information asked for yesterday in regard to
contracts and other matters relative to the
force employed. their wages and names of per-
sons who possessed the privileges on
the island. Mr.. Stump began the ques-
tioning by asking Mr.. Nettleton if
n statement made by the late Secretary Win
dom before the House committee in connection
with the amount necessary to complete the
buildings OIL the island was correct. or whether
1t was an under estimate. to which Mr. Nettie-
ton raid it was perfectly obvious to him that
Secretary Window under estimated the neces-
sary cost OF eduipping and getting into work
ing order the station on Ellis Island 10 handle
the immigrants at New York city.
The investment made by the government
government as fair percentage on the invest
ment would be had if such a station were es-
tabllshed anywhere else Regarding the privi-
leges the island he said they not leased by
contract or advertisement IN thepress. He did
no. know who granted the privileges on the
island. The same persons who had the restau-
rant privilege at Castle Garden now had il at
Ellis Island. He (Ar. Nettlcton) had never
had occasion to look into the profits from it.
lie did not knOwwhat the privilege was worth
but it was probably more valuable than the
Castle Garden privilege.
Mr.. Stump. chairman of the House COM
mlttee. SAID he understood that every person
landing as an immigrant on Ellis Island was
charged 10 cents for each piece of baggage,
whether or not they handled 1t. Mr.. Nettieton
answered by saying he did not know whether
that was true: he had never received any COM
plant to that effect, and if any such complaint
had been made he would certainly have investi-
gated it.
Mr. Stump thought he (dr. Nettleton)
should know of such things and not depend on
complain: to enlighten him.
Senator Chandler at this point questioned
Mr.. Nettleton as to the length of his service in
the Treasury Department, and asked
whether. previous to his induction
iUto his present office, he had
ever been in the employ of the government
MIR. Nettleton gave in detail his occupations
previous to holding the office of assistant Sec
Rotary OF the treasury and said his only other
service in the government was that of four
years during the war.
He had been for time connected with the
Union Pacific railroad and had done newspaper
work. Senator Chandler closely questioned
witness at this point as to what other work he
had done before being appointed to his present
office. Mr.. Nettleton answered that he had
done nothing else except what he had stated.
Senator Chandler then asked when his term OF
Office in the treasury began.
Mr.. Nettleton-On the 9th Of last April.
Senator Chandler-How often since then has
there beer an assistant secretary performing
the dunes of Secretary?
Mr. Nettleton-I do not know; but that is
matter of record and can be easily found out.
There Is no rSaSon why the committee should
no: have that information, and it can be fur
nished if desired.
Mr. Nettleton. continuing, said that during
the time Secretary Foster had been able to
perform his duties as Secretary he
lad kept an eye on the subject of immigra-
ton and had often conferred with
him relative to matters pertaining
TO the service, but he had himself, in nearly
all cases, taken final action III dealing with
matters relative to the station at Ellis Island
With permission of the Secretary he would
give statement showing how often he hal
been acting as secretary since March last
When he came into Office he was not familiar
with departmental methods and had told
Secretary Foster so, at the same time request
ing that the brightest and most competent
clerk III the department that could be spared
be detailed as his private secretary. Secretary
Foster, he said, told him he had fixed upon
that man and he would be appointed to the
position.
This man. Mr.. Netteton said, he had every
confidence in, and had relied on him to hunt I'D
ali Information relative to Ellis island that he
(Mr. Nettleton) wanted THIS private secretary
was, however, In no wise responsible for the
expenditures of any money. Continuing. Mr..
Netileton said that when he came into Office he
had learned the attitude of the department
| IN expending money for the Improvement
of Ellis Island from the immigrant fund. He
had learned this from various sources and
in reference to the matter and was satisfied that
II was legal At this point Senator Chandler
| asked several pointed questions as to whether
witness had held conversations with any one
else regard to the subject.
Mr.. Nettleton answered that he did not re-
member having had any except with the solicit
tor il his office.
Senator Chandler-Do you admit any respon-
sibility Tor thsGransfer of 1861, 0002
MIR. Nettleton-l admit responsibility for
every action with which 1 have had any official
connection, and for other action.
Mr.. Chandler-I think you are more largely
responsible Tor the transfer of SS62, 900 than
anybody else
Mr. Net:leton-Oh. that's a matter of opin-
\ ion.
| Mr.. Chandler say that for the purpose of
enabling you to explain just as much as you
CAN
| Mr.. Nettleton-Thats all right; q memoran-
| dunn which lay before the committee TO be
placed IN the testimony ut the proper time
shows which officials had charge of the con-
tracts and transfers of money. If my name
/ appears among those am responsible for it.
Senator Chandler questioned Mr.. Nettleton
as TO where she responsibility rested.
! Mr.. Neitleton sad 1t was divided. He could
answer for himself, but not for Secretary
| Foster.
| Senator Cbandler.-Now we are determined
| that somebody IL responsible for spending tina,
money above the appropriation and We are
determined to lind out, if We can, who are re.
| spon ibe.
To this. Mr.. Nettleton made no answer. bu,
said that he had taken every precaution to find
out that the immigrant fund could be rightly
expended
At this point the committee discussed the
propriety OF adjourning, Senator Chandler say.
ing that he was IN favor Of holding even.
ing sessions of the committee to con
time the investigation and thought they
could fnish you Oir. Nettleton) up in q i've
hour session"
Yes" said Mr.. Nettleton, in two senses"
Tie committee will examine Secretary Fos
ter Thursday and MIR. Nettleton's testimon,
will be continued again that night at the Treas
ury Department.
Marriage Licenses.
Marriage licenses have been issued by thu