The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-07-15

Littauer. If the elder Littauer, as II would
appear, was interested In Government con-
tracts there was nothing improper in the
transaction as he held no Government
position
Mr.. Kecks firm had always been able to
get their share of Government work up to
the year 1895, when l.. n. Lttauer became
member of Congress from this district
since which time Mr.. HECK has had only
four contracts. and incidents connected
with some of these appear very peculiar.
Mr.. keck says that in 1899 he bid on 10 900
pairs of buckskin gauntlets, and although
his bid was the lowest he was only awarded
$500 pairs, the balance going to Lyon,
and Littauer furnished the goods. Again
in 1901 he bid upon 1000 pairs of muskrat
fur gauntlets, and again his bid was the
lowest, but he was only awarded one-half
Of the number of gloves called for and the
other 1000 pairs were awarded to William
Topp Mr.. Keok's bid was $l.5s% and
Topps bid was $l.76T per pair.
William Topp was an enterprising manu-
facturer of fur gloves and buck gauntlets,
and man in very moderate circumstances.
On April 10, 1902, Mr.. Topp died. Two
or three days after that date a large Gov
ernnent contract for gloves was to be bid
for in the city of Philadelphia. On the day
after the death Of Mr. Topp Mr.. Lttauer
came from his home in Gloversville TO
Jamestown and visited the factory Of Tim
othy Heck & Son, and finding no one there
went to the house Of william L. Keck, son
of Timothy Keck and junior member Of the
firm, who says that Mr.. Littauer entered
INTO conversation with him in regard to
bids for this Government work. MIR. keck's
statement is substantially as follows and
ne says he is willing to go before any court
or investigating committee and swear to
the truth of his statement.
m Iopp is dead, of course you know
said Mr.. Littauer, TO which young Keok re-
piled that he had heard 50. Mr.. Littauer
then said: -Of course, you know that own
the Topp business. I have about $40, 900
invested there which I cannot afford to
have living idle, and want to see If we can't
make some kind Of an arrangement in re-
gard to this Government contract by which
can got it at a price at which can make
something, and I am willing to make it
an object to you il you will not put in bid,
or put Il in at a price TO suit me"
Mr.. kect informed Mr. Littauer that he
could make no arrangement with him
bit that he would have to see his father,
who was in New York on his wav 10 Phila-
deIphia TO put in his bid for the Govern
ment work After securing Mr.. Timothy
Neck 8 address in New York Mr. Litta,ler
went to the telegraph Office in Johnstown
Snd sent q deadheld telegram, Of which
The following is a copy lKecks copy, evil
IDENTIFY; not Littauer'sl, and of which a
fac-simile is also printed herewith:
- JoHNsTowN, n. Y, April II, 1902.
10 Timothy Neck. care NJ Smith Il MCNGH sicl,
vl91 W0ahinGton street, Mem York,
NouId hke to meet YOU ut seven FORTY
lne Tomorrow morning at Liberty street
,'rN: Am on way to Washington and want
10 LAX to YOU about contract
j.. n. LIrAUER [Sic,l
Timothy Keck met Mr.. Littauer at the
''rry as requested in the telegram and is
Wiling to swear that Mr.. Littauer made
upataDially the same proposition to him
'ndt \" had to his son, only was more
.Wcliic IN regard to what he was willing
,oao, Mr.. keck, however, refused to enter
tio any arrangement AZ proposed by Mr.
iNlau"r and put in his bid, but the CON
ract was awarded to II. I. Patterson Of
Philadelphia
Previous TO this time other Government
"htracts had been awarded to William