New-York tribune., 1902-07-15
WANTS TO EXAMINE BOER BOOKS.
AMERICAN MINING ENGINEER WHO
FOUGHT BRITISH SAYS ENJOYS
HERE LEFT CLAIM UNPAID.

L. B. Case applied TO Justice Giegerich, in the
Supreme Court yesterday, in behalf of John A.
Hassell, American mining engineer who made
his home in johannesburg, South Africa in 1889
and who Joined the Boer army on the outbreak
of the with England. for an order permitting
him to inspect the books and accounts OF the Boer
Commission in this city, that Hassen can dis
cover whether fund of $4,000 In the custody of
the commission has has been transmitted
to the Boer ENJOYS in Holland. Mr. Hassell has
suit pending against the commission to recover
sS10 which he claims to be due him agree
ment made between him and Charles D. Pierce,
the only Boer Commissioner in this country
Justice Giegerich reserved his decision
Mr.. Case said that Mr.. HasseII, who had made
large fortune mining expert in South Africa.
espoused the cause of the Beers Joined Krlgers
army, and became a captain of scouts. He was
severely wounded in of the engagements and
returned to this country where he met Charles D.
Pierce and P, Lotter Vessels. who had been ap-
pointed by the Boer ENJOYS in Holland commits
sioners here. HasseH represented that he could
do a great deal of good a lecturer, and out
Of the fund of $4,000 which had been placed at
the disposal of the commission IT was agreed that
when Hassell desired TO return TO the Transvaal
he receive $500 in the time delivering
lectures. for which he receive travelling
and living expenses. He became I'll from the effects
of his wound, and allowed TO draw the 500
set aside for him the extent of $13O When
peace declared Hassell wished to go back
and endeavor TO get the return to him of his real
estate, under the provisions of the peace arranged
by General Kitchener. and asked for the balance
OF $50 due him.
Vessels had returned to Holland, and Pierce was
the only commissioner left here. He refused to
consider Hassells claim, and the latter brought
suit. He desired to the books. to know whether
he could make Pierce a defendant.
Mr.. Pierce at his office said there were no Boer
funds in his custody he had long ago settled
up with the Boer ENJOYS, and had their receipt
'T have not been a party to any agreement.
am I aware that any agreement exists that Has
sell should receive 500 when he wished return
to the Transyaal" said Mr. Pierce. Moreover. l
convinced that even if Hassell did return
would not be permitted to land. It is absolutely
untrue that Hassell has suit pending against the
commission. 1 would also like to say that have
many Beers who have known Hassell in South
Africa. but never one who knew of him having
been wounded. This story of Hassell having made
a large fortune in South Africa is which | am
disposed to take with grain of salt | never
heard of Hassell having a large fortune in the
Transvaal or anywhere else This office has been
overrun with mpecunious people of all kinds ask
ing me for assistance While | not prepared
to say that HasselI of those, I repeat
that he has no claim whatever the Boer Com
mission"
Mr.. Pierce said Hassell did some lecturing for
the Boer cause in Pennsylvania. but that he did ii
his own account