Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-08-28
Bidder for Ash Contract Al
|eges He Was Asked to
Pay $500 a Month.
KEPT THE STORY SECRET
EVEN FROM HIS LAWYER
Numerous Clashes Mark Examina-
tion Of Witnesses Before the
House Committee.

al olu bislIiCt ASH contract, given TO
James w. Bean and contested by
George W. Killeen, was aired before the
House District committee today, and
during the testimony Mr.. Killeen made
the charge that Daniel E. Garges. chief
clerk Of the engineer department Of
the District of Columbia, had intimated
that it would be necessary to hs nd over
$500 a month ito interested parties"
before the contract would be let
Mr.. Killeen, father-in-law of John
w. Costello. the democratic national
had the advantage Of
those whom he charged with having
wrongfully given the large ash con-
tract to competitor. because the
committee was quito unwilling to al
low Henry L. White. former assistant
corporation counsel; Daniel Donovan.
deputy auditor. and Mr.. Garges to
study over Killeen's testimony before
they cross-examine him as to their
charges.
Mr.. Garges. embarrassed by the charge
of graft. asked the committee to be al
lowed to study the testimony: so did Mr..
White; but the committee refused to allow
1t and hurried the testimony through as
rapidly as possible.
Defends the Award.
Daniel Donovan, cross examining Mr..
Killeen after fashion, produced the con-
tracts and told the committee that Mr..
Killeen's contention that the lowest bidder
was not awarded the contract was incor-
rect and said that Killeen's bid was sew
eral hundred dollars higher than Beams
- Ia l. tIe - =
figures depend on a series Of alternatives
which were figured out by Mr.. Donovan
as he sat at the committee table
Some of Mr.. killeen's testimony was
picturesque. After Henry l.. White, who
was member of the committee Of clerks
at the District building which compared
and scheduled the bids, had vainly re-
quested that he be allowed to read the
Transcribed testimony before cross-exam-
lining, had finally undertaken to put some
questions, he asked:
Did You ever see me before?'
Il don't know. Perhaps l have seen
you around the building somewhere"
do you know where my Office is?'
Il never had much to do with the shin
ing lights and leaders Of the bar
Didn't Tell His Lawyer.
Did you ever say anything about this
two hundred dollars which you claim Mr..
Garges spoke to you about to any one
else7''
mo, indeed; why should IT,
"You had an attorney didn't you?"
Yes, Mr.. Mcfarland
Did you ever say anything about this
500 to him as your attorney"
Why should l say anything about the
matter to another CRATER like him. He
took my money and didn't do thing for
me-"
Nj White asked him If there was any
one present when the bids were opened
and read. Mr.. Killeen answered:
God knows who all was there There
was you and Donovan and a whole lot
of others My son-in-law, John F. Cos
tello. who represents me, was there"
On the subject of the board Of Com
missioners in ONCE at that time Mr.. Kill
leen was also forcible In his descriptive
powers. He called that board 1.-THE two
tyrants and tho hardware clerk
that was ruling the destinies Of the Dis
trict of Columbia"
Something New Every nay.
While Daniel ]. Donovan wigs trying to
prove to Mr.. Killeen that the contract
had been awarded in proper manner,
Mr.. White suggested that a certain ques-
ton be asked him and Representative
George objected on the ground that Mr..
White had already been allowed to ask
questions and that he should not make
suggestions. Representative Johnson
agreed with him.
Il will bow to the committee" said
Mr.. White, but I confess I am earning
new every day"
What have you learned new today"
asked Mr.. Johnson.
81 have learned 4 new method Of pro-
cedure-that I am not permitted to sug-
gest a question to my associates in this
matter We were on the same committee
and are involved in these charges. 1t is
a new procedure / submit"
1T seems to me q lot of you fellows
around Washington ought to learn some
thing new every day." interposed Repre-
sentative Thompson, who has been q
casual visitor to his committee room dur
ing the present investigation.
II am willing to learn from any one,
no matter from where he comes" gravely
replied Mr.. White as he gazed upon the
from Oklahoma.
Mr.. Garges will be given an opportunity
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