The Portland daily press., 1880-03-03
THE BRIBERY INVESTIGA-
TION.

Old Story Oyer Again-Significant Testi-
mony for Defence-Mr. White Not Yet
Heard.
Especial Despatch to the Press
AUGUSTA, March 2.-There was another i'm
mense crowd in attendance this afternoon
during the investigation of the bribery
charges against Wallace R. White, who was
present, with his counsel Nearly every seat
in Representatives Hall, where it took place,
was filled, with both sexes, while the floor and
galleries were also occupied by mass of
humanity.
The examination of Swan was resumed and
continued at length, or nearly two hours, and
then he was followed by E. H. Cove, who was
Secretary of State, when the alleged bribery
took place, Scion Chase, the pater of the
Greenback party, and Hartman, the consort
of Swan in his nefarious business.
The testimony Of both Swan and Hartman
accepting their own statements, went to show
that they committed crime by taking bride,
and that they obtained the money under
false pretences. Cove believed it was justifi-
able to advise Swan to accept the bride in order
that the transaction might be used against the
Republican party, and SO did Chase, who ad-
mitted it was done to "spring trap" on the
Republicans. Neither he, nor Cove, who was
State official at the time, seemed to have
any conscientious scruples in the matter and
Chase was forced to admit virtually when
driven into corner, that the legislature was
organized by a fraudulent count In the
evening the committee held another session
and examined Hartman. Nothing important
was elected from him except that Pillsbury
was among those he consulted with after re-
ceiving the money.
ITO the Associated Press.]
AUGUSTA, March IA large audience as
sembled in Legislative Hall to hear the con-
tinuation of the Wallace b. White investiga-
ton. The cross examination of T. B. Swan
was continued by L. T. Carleton, counsel for
defendant.
Swan said: May have talked with others
on Sunday and Monday. DR.. Bradbury first
told me of rumors that the Fusionists had been
bribed. Stated the facts of bribery at Mechanic
Fall substantially as they were. Did say that
I heard these rumors early Monday. Went to
the Fusionist caucus Monday night. Don't
recollect of talking with any one before gong
to the caucus Can't remember all the events
which occurred six weeks ago. Can't say
when got to the caucus. Think it was about
II o'clock when left the caucus Don't recol-
lect of going into any place on Water street
that night Don't know what time got to
my boarding house. Called at the Augusta
House. Should think it was about II or II
oil Tall xxxs% n
time. Wouldn't say that it was Monday
night. 1t was between 10 and II O'clock. Don't
remember of talking anything with him about
the organization. Talked with W. r. White
that night. Think it was after the caucus
Don't remember whether introduced myself
two minutes with him about bill had sent
him to collect. Had no direct knowledge that
he was attempting to bride, but certain in
direct knowledge had been conveyed that he
was attempting to bride members. j. O.
White said, II have been offered $1,000, Of
fered by one Libby" Told White if any one
approached him not to repulse them too sud-
denly. Did not form the resolution to take
the money till saw Messrs. Cove and Chase.
He was examined infinitely with regard to
his interviews with Cove. Chase and Harri-
man, and also as to the alleged transaction
with White in the court house, but nothing
new was brought out except that the man
White rode back to the court house with after
going for the money looked like a man who
had been pointed out to him as Sheriff Libby.
Couldn't swear that it was he. He said he
never belonged to Baptist church, was not
professor of religion and never pretended to
be. Never said that the count out was id
steal. He was lawyer and had canvassed for
the sale OF trees and vines. Was ready to re-
turn the money to Wallace r. White when he
called for it and told who gave it to him. If
he didn't call for it should give it to some
charitable institution. He had used this par.
ticular money. Got the check cashed
at the Casco Bank in Portland.
Teller gave me $500 in money and deposited
the rest. Deposited the money for Thos B.
Swan, treasurer of Minot. There were some
coupons coming due the 9th of February, and
thought could use this and then substitute
the city's money for that used. Kept the $500
check between three and four weeks. Will
produce the treasury books of Minot. They
have been here. Have drawn some money
from the CascO Bank since deposited. Had
less than $50 when came here.
Witness then stated what money he had
spent while in Augusta since he first came.
Have not loaned any money. There was be-
tween $1100 or $1,000 in the bank and safe be-
longing to the town when / left home. Did
not receive $500 of the towns money just bc-
fore coming. Had other money on hand, per-
haps $500.
Mr.. e. Fl. Cove and Scion Chase were then
called and sworn. Cove, on direct examina-
ton, said: Was Secretary of State last year.
Was here on the 9TH of January last Was
acquainted with T. B. Swan. On the 9Th was
called up from my room about midnight Mr..
Swan and j. o. White were present. 1t was
in the corridor. The conversation was sub
stantially as Swan and White stated Went
down to M V. B. Chase's to see Scion. Drew
up the paper. Scion Chase and 1 witnessed
it. The conversation was rehearsal of what
occurred previously.
CroSs-erdmined-Wa occupying the 70 ON
with Mr. French. Mr.. Swan called me into
night at Chase's. Swan said that he had b cen
approached by j. o. White. Couldn't say
that he spoke of W. r. White. Swan said he
had been approached by an agent of the Re-
publican party, but didn't say who the agent
was. Was at Solon's about 80 minutes. Got
back 15 minute before o'clock. Nothing was
satd aboat inserting W. r. Whites name in
the statement Was alone with Mr.. Chase af-
ter Swan left. Didn't want to be seen with
Mr.. Swan. Afraid that the affair might mis-
carry. The agreement was not dated in the
paper. Various sums of money were mention
ed, $500, $1,000, $3.50 to be received, Thought
1t necessary to secure the mrney because more
conclusive. / knew at the time he intende d
to receive the money under false pretences
Scion Chase's testimony was substantially
the same as Mr.. Gove's. To the question,
"If you were on the other side would you have
thought it wrong to use bribery to destroy a
fraudulent quorum" he replied, "Well, 1
don't know" daughter and applause.)
Hartman was called and said: Jan. 9Th l
came here. Have been acquainted with Swan
three years. Had conversation with him on
the attempted bribery. About midnight of the
9th Swan told me that these parties were try
ing to break up the organization of this House,
and will be one to help stop it, will you be
another? After time 1 said I thought 1
would. Don't know where Mr.. Swan went.
went to my boarding place. saw him the next
morning at the Augusta House. He said he
was going down after the money. Asked me
if l would 60 and and l said 1 would. This
was ahnut Q O'clock Tuasdau I x1ront III, 70