The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-01-20


the charges. and that he had taken steps
TO learn the facts at the time OF denying
them on the floor of the House. His denial
was based on his knowledge of the char
acter of the President. he said he had
also said to Mr. Lentz that a search would
show that there was no scrap or evidence
10 sustain the charges. Subsequently, DUR
ing n call al the White House another
matter, Mr.. Grosvenor said the President
remarked TO those present that he had
never had suspicion that he was appoint
ing anyone guilty OF polygamy, as he had
never heard OF the charge until II was
made in the House. To many questions
Mr.. Grosvenor emphasized his sweeping
denial Of the language and differences at
tributed TO him by Mr.. Lentz as to the dis
posal OF papers.
Postmaster General Smith detailed the
circumstances as far they had come
70 his knowledge, although the two ap-
pointments under consideration were made
prior to his administration. He had found.
however, that attention had not been d.
rected TO any charges prior to the appoint
ment, although subsequently papers which
had been submitted were brought to the
attention of the higher officials.
Mr.. Bristow, assistant postmaster gen.
eral, asserted that he made up a brief rela-
tive 10 the presidential appointments to
misunderstanding. and when these Utah cas-
es were briefed he-had no knowledge of the
polygamous charges against the parties.
Mr.. LentZ and Mr.. Grosvenor again ex-
planned the talk between them, show ing
ard that Mr.. Lentz did not seek to place
any inference on them.
The hearing went over until next Tues
day. when Mr.. Bristow will be heard fur
Their -"
Representative Payne, of New York.
chairman Of the ways and means commit
tee to-day introduced a bill in the House.
TO extend the custom laws of the United
States to Puerto Rico and make IL a GUS
toms district. The effect of the enactment
OF this bill into law would be free trade
between the United States and Puerto Rico
Mr.. Payne said he had introduced the bill
on his own motion after listening to the
hearings in the insular committee. He was
satisfied that free trade with the United
States would greatly help the island and
would not injure the Industries of this
country $50
Brig. Gen. T. NJ. Anderson, commanding
he Department of the Lakes, with head
quarters at Chicago, WILDE retired to-mor-
row. His retirement has already been
anticipated by the appointment of Gen.
William Ludlow as brigadier general. The
Presidents action in filling this vacancy
by sending General Ludlow's nomination to
the Senate in advance of its existence is
said to be without precedent in the army
and was avowedly taken to spare the
President from further importantly. Gen. ].
Wade, commanding the Department Of
Dakota, has been ordered, in addition to his
present duties, to take temporary COM
snand of the Department of the Lakes until
a permanent assignment can be made.
Maj. Gen. j. Z. Brooke, who was recently
relieved by General Wood as commander
of the Division of Cuba, may be assigned
to the Department of the Lakes. but the
general impression is that he is more likely
to be assigned TO relieve Gen. Wesley Mer-
rift in New York on the latter's retire.
ment next June. General Brooke is now
at ST. Augustine, Fla, recuperating.
An important private conference of DEM
ccratic members of the House of Represen-
tatives was held tonight in the ways and
means committee room of the House for
the purpose of considering the question re-
Gently raised as to the application of the
term United States. used In the Con-
stitution, to our new insular possessions.
The meeting attended by the entire
Democratic membership of the ways and
means, the new insular, the judiciary and
the rules committees. making in all eigh-
teen of the most influential members In the
directing of the Democratic policy. The
gathering brought a full exchange of
views. but no definite line of action was
agreed on and the meeting adjourned until
next week, when the subject will be further
considered.