The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1901-03-13
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READY TOR THE ENQUIRY
Investigation of Charges Against
Government Officials to Begin.
The senate Committee on Military
Snairs to Hear Testimony Regard
ing the Alleged Combination to
Control Philippine Hemp Output.

ing the Alleged Combination to
Control Philippine Hemp Output.
The Senate Committee on Military AZ
fairs met this afternoon TO investigate the
charges made by Major E. L. Hawks
against Lieutenant Colonel Heistand Ad-
jutant General -Corbin, George D. Meikle-
john, Assistant Secretary of War. James
E. Boyd, Assistant Attorney General. and
Charles II. Allen. Governor Of Porto Rico,
and formerly Assistant Secretary Of the
Navy.
The charges were brought 10 the fore
and an investigation ordered by the adop-
ton Of a resolution offered by Mr.. Petit
grew. as follows:
Whereas it has been charged in the
public print that Lieut. Col H o. s.
Heistand, Assistant Ad5utant General.
was, in the summer of 1898 engaged In
forming a combination for the purpose OF
controlling the hemp output Of the Phil-
ippine Islands; and
Whereas it is further stated that on
various occasions he represented as as
ISOLATED with him in the progress OF such
enterprise George D. MeikIejohn Assist
ant Secretary of War; James Z. Boyd,
Assistant Attorney General; Charles II.
Allen, then Assistant Secretary of the
Navy, and H. c Corbin. Adjutant Cen
eraI; and whereas it is further stated that
in connection with the formation Of such
company said Lieut. Col H o. s. Heis-
tand, intending to indicate that the tariff
duties of the Philippine Islands would be
adjusted for its benefit. when formed,
wrote the following letter:
Washington, d. c.. July 81, 1883.
' BY Dear Major Hawks:
Your note OF the 10Th to hand, and I
note with qualification what you say OF
our prospects and progress 1 have sent
you a pamphlet showing export duties.
and so forth, at present arranged OF
course, the needs OF the future viii be
met as developments require
Yours, truly,
H o. S. HEISTAND;'
Where's it is alleged that because of a
claim E.iaie by Major Hawks upon Lieu
teIlan- Colonel Heistard for compensation
Tor his services in Connection with the
forrna tion of such company and in part
settlement thereof George u. Meiklejohn,
Assistant Secretary Of War, guaranteed
TO Major Hawks a substantial position in
the Government service, and did appoint
him 10 the position OF customs inspector
in the Philippine Islands; and whereas
shortly after his entry upon service as
such Inspector by an order dated before
the commencement of said service said
Major Hawks was SummaTIIy removed
from such position:
Resolved by the Senate of the United
States OF America, That the Committee
on Military Affairs be. and IL is hereby,
directed 10 investigate anu report to the
Senate whether the foregoing statements
are true, and particularly II Lieutenant
Colonel HeiSIand was engaged in such
combination, and was was not author
lied 10 represent that other Government
officials were SO engaged with him, and
their benefit. and also whether the AS
SiSJant Secretary Of War has used Gov
eminent positions for the purpose OF pay
ing private debts II any officer Of the
Government, and whether the salary OF
such position was charged against funds
With Islf3 authority to sad Committee to
StDIInon Witnesses. ADM 3lSter OaIhS, and
employ a stenograph her.
The subcommittee which. viii conduct
the investigation IS composed OF the fol-
lowing Senators. MessTs- Hawley, Chair
COckren Mr.. Proctor vas appointed
chairman. but was displaced by reason
Of his leaving for Cuba on Monday.
Il was reported that the investigation
would be delayed on this account, but the
committee today decided TO have no post
pouement-
The hearing viii continue until about
April Is, and some OF the most prominent
OfIie- zIs in the War and Navy Depart
meHtS viii be called on as witnesses, be-
sides those named in the resolution.
The meeting this afternoon vas behind
outlined The order in which witnesses
viii be called was fzej and the real bus
mess Of taking testimony VIII begin at
clock tomorrow afternoon