Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-10-07


from the military branch and file them in
the civil branch. Hawks told witness that
he had served in the civil and Spanish
American wars
Hawks Appointment.
Subsequently Col. W. Cranch Mcintyre
called on witness in Hawks behalf and
highly recommended him. Witness Told
Mcintyre of Hawks visit and told him also
that he (witness) had examined Hawks
record and found 1t excellent. Several
months afterward Mr. Mcintyre called
again in Hawks behalf Witness had re-
ceived requisition from the military gov
ernor of the Philippines for civil assistants,
and in looking over applications on hle
found that of Major Hawks. 1t was ac-
companied by recommendations of Senators
Lindsay and Mason, ex-senator Butter.
officers OF the army. active and retired, ana
several organizations. including the G.. A.
r besides his excellent record as soldier.
Witness also remembered Hawks was Grip
pied by reason of wounds received in the
civil war, and he ordered the appointment
clerk to issue a commission 10 MAJOR
Hawks.
He was simply appointed on these
grounds declared Mr.. Meiklejohn. The
appointment entirely disassociated
from the hemp company. Such thing was
never thought of"
1T this point Mr.. Meikleiohn impressed
uptn the committee the impOssibility of the
War Department having anything to do
with the opening or closing of the hemp
ports. This was entirely in control of the
military government in the Philippines and
was dependent upon military affairs there
Tremendous pressure was brought to bear
upon the department to open the ports, but
the question was entirely left to the mill
tary governor.
Regarding the propriety of army Off
GER or official taking stock in the hemp
company, Mr. Meiklejohn said he did not
think il was any more improper than TAX
ing stock in national bank. He modified
this. however, when questioned by Senator
Harris by saying il would not be right il
such officer intended to use his official in
fiuence in behalf of such a company. Re-
garding the settlement made by Col. Hell
stand with Maj. Hawks. witness swore he
never knew the amount of 1t. He denied
that he ever had any understanding with
Mr.. Mcintyre or any one else that Hawks
appointment was part of such a settle
ment.
Replying to Senator Proctor. witness re-
fterated his statement that Mr.. Hawks
appointment was disassociated from the
hemp project altogether.
Regarding my conversation with Col
Mcintyre about Major Hawks and his
appointment, / told him that it would be
subversive to discipline to have civil en-
ploye of the department with claim
against an officer, such as Major Hawks
had against Maj. Heistand.
Replying to Senator Burrows, witness
said he had never determined to take any
stock in the company.
II never examined the papers relating to
the proposed company which Major Hest
and brought to me because the project was
abandoned"
Witness said he understood the company
was to manufacture rope in Manila and
was not aware that it contemplated con-
troll of the hemp product of the Islands.
Asked If he thought army official should
be connected with a company having the
latter purpose in view, he replied that he
believed perhaps such interest might be
improper
Senator Burrows Question.
Senator Burrows then read from the Sem
ate resolution directing the investigation
as follows:
Whereas it is alleged that because of a
claim made by Major Hawks upon Lieu
tenant Colonel Heistand for compensation
for his services in connection with the
formation of such company and in part
settlement thereof George ID. Meiklejohn
assistant secretary of war, guaranteed to
Major Hawks substantial position in the
government service, and did appoint him
to 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 summary removed
from such position E
w hat have you to say regarding that ?"
inquired Senator Burrows.
ut is absolutely false and unfounded,"
said Dir. Meiklejohn. ,
Mr. Meiklejohn's direct examination
closed with a renewed declaration that he
diG not see now nor could he see then any
Improperly IN Col. Heistand's connection
with the hemp company. stating that
Colonel Heistand was in no position to in
fuence any interests in the islands
MIR. Hawks Interrosatories
MIR. Hawks then Intercepted Mr. Mel
klejohn- Asked if he had ever authorized
Colonel Heistand to use his name in con-
nection with the hemp company, witness
replied that he had not except in the sense
that witness had promised to look into it.
All witness knew of Hawks claim against
Heistand was the claim filed officially by
Hawks in the War Department Witness
believed he had also received copy of it.
Mr. Hawks having declared that his claim
as filed was against Major II. o. l.. Heis-
tand and associates" and that the asso-
ctates were named and Mr.. Meiklejohn's
name was among them, Senator CockreIl
directed that the War Department be tele-
phoned to send at once by special messen-
ger the document in question. Continuing,
Mr.. Hawks wanted to know If he had not
called on witness frequently at his office
and his hotel.
You called on me many times" said
Mr.. Meiklejohn with unmistakable in
Election of reminiscent WEAKNESS.
AT Your hotel?'
You came, believe, twice at my ho-
tel"
Did you ever tell Major Heistand you
would take $4,000 worth of stock?'
Il never concluded to take any stock 1
Heistand. but l said nothing definite 1
said 1 would look into the matter. AS the
project was abandoned L never looked
into It"
Mr.. Hawks having recommended his sys-
tenn of examination he has followed with
persistence ever since the inquiry began of
asking why's and wherefores and making
observations Senator Cockrell. who had lit
cigar, blew a long string of smoke at him.
stop those side remarks he ordered per-
emptorily. IT'S tiresome. Ask questions"
He asked one.
80 a man who has a claim against an
army officer has no chance for appoint
ment in the War Department until the
claim Is settled, hey?"
II believe I have stated my position in
that regard was the quiet response.
Asked about alleged telephone mes
sage sent TO L. T. Kitchener. witness replied
that he had never had any communication
of any sort with Col. Kitchener on the sub
ject, which was Hawks claim. Asked
about a number of letters already intro
duced in the testimony by Mr.. Hawks and
alleged TO have been written by him to
Mr.. Meiklejohn, the latter said he had no
recollection Of receiving them. but IL SO
they were In his private papers Replying
to- att NJ ha{L1