The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1875-02-04
The RanlseyBribery
Opening Of the Investigation
Testimony Of Representative Ingerson

The committee to Investigate the
charges of bribery in connection with the
Senatorial election met pursuant to ad-
journment at 2:30 P. N. yesterday.
Mr.. McNair said that he had consented
to appear for Mr.. Ingerson, but after see
ing the list of witnesses he found he could
not attend to it, and Col. E. D. Kerr had
consented to appear in his stead.
Col. Kerr said that he had been con-
nected with the case but few moments,
and had not examined the statements ex'
cept as they had appeared in the news
papers, but Mr.. Ingerson could give MS
evidence this afternoon and his cross-ex-
animation could be had, but further than
that he might ask the indulgence of the
committee to determine a line OF action
and examine evidence
Mr.. Ingerson sworn-On the evening OF
Jan. 20 was in the Metropolitan Hotel;
saw Major Dixie that evening about p.
M: met him once before that day; this
was in the billiard hall; had CONVERSE
ton with him at that time; had been Sit
ting in the hall engaged in conversation
with gentlemen, believe strangers; had
convcrsed with them perhaps ten minutes,
then moved about among the tables, and
Major Dixie Joined me and commenced a
conversation on the Senatorial election,
speaking in favor Of Senator Ramsey;
he said he had a great interest in the cleo
would give a thousand dollars If this thing
was over, but he said don't think | am
trying to bride you. told him the CIR
cumstances Of my election and that Ia
vored Mr.. Washburn. He said that was
all right. Mr.. Washbure is good man,
but Mr.. Ramsey was regularly nominated,
and urged other arguments familiar to all
in favor of his election. He had
been talking quite loud to me, but he
lowered his voice and said to me: We
want your vote said to him: "My
vote will do but little good; you want
others also He said my vote would do
a great deal of good at this time, and in q
lower tone of voice said: 6 If you will
vote for Mr.. Ramsey will give you five
hundred dollars He repeated this offer
McNelly and Warner, who were in
the hall, and told them OF the
offer. and consulted with them as
to what it was best to do.
Passing from there into the street met
Major Dixie again, where he renewed the
CONVEX sation in relation to the Senatorial
election. and renewed his offer of five
hundred dollars in consideration for my
vote, and urged upon me the propriety OF
taking it. saying that | could consistent
ently do SO. He and | we're then alone.
met him again, and We passed into the
store of Benz & Becht, and the offer was
again renewed. met HIM again
on the stree. and the
offer was again renewed and Major Dixie
proposed to place the money under a
stone if concluded to accept this; after
this met Major Dixie in company with
Gen. LIE Due, when the matter was again
alluded to, as | understood, but did not
understand the remark except as to pre-.
sumo that it related to this matter.
subsequently communicated this matter
to Mr.. Petit and later to MIR. Pillsbury.
oss-e.xan.ination-I was introduced
several wears ago. before 1862 or in that
wear, to Mr.. Dixie of Faribault, and
presume it may have been this gentleman;
cannst say positively that this is the
man, but presume it was this gentleman
met Major Dixie few days before in
the Metropolitan and had some CONVEX.
sation with him on that occasion on the
Senatorial question, in which
spoke in very high terms Of
Senator Ramsey. spoke to him in gen
eral terms in favor Of Senator Ramsey
think said that Senator Ramsey had
done me personal favors which | could
not forget. have also spoken to other.
in the same general terms IN relation t.
Senator Ramsey. Very likely | have
spoken to others in high terms Of Senator
Ramsey, praising him for his ability ant
integrity; this at the Metropolitan;
board At l20 Vest Fourth street; it wa
understood that the metropolitan
was the headquarters Of thu
Hennepin delegation and came there 70
the purpose OF consultation. | did no
regard the Msjsr intruding when he cam
: up and opened conversation with me.
was quite friendly with him and remem
bered that had talked with him on thi
same subject before. The hall was ordi
narily crowded. Several of the billiar'
tables were occupied. The plac
was the most public poln
in the hall. do not remembe
the form or manner Of his salutation I,
: me: do not recollect the language b
used. The first that he said, that Cal
recall, was that he had personal inter
est in seeing this affair ended. thinl
he made such . remark, as am tired o
this dead lock; have been here SOM
time in Ramsey's interest. and want t
90 home. think in general scr
= Of way. l would give thous
and dollars or two thousand dollar
# this thing was over and Senator Ram
sew elected. He did not offer me either 9
these sums. understood these remark
as an expression of enthusiasm. and n
added. do not understand that these n
marks are intended With view to bribin
ron. cannot remember whether di'
or not make reply to this. he vent O
to urrc the propriety of the election
Goyerncr Ramsey; he mentioned his y