Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-06-11
Vice President Arthur's Room the Con.
lessiOnal.

ALBANY June H. L c sPtNldi eVn''hiNsNN
to investigate the alleged bribery case met at
$40 Speaker Sharpe was sworn and SAID
know Samuel II. Bradley; had interview
with him night before last at the Delevan
House. about 9, in my room-
No one vas present except Bradley and
Jones' members of the republican State COM
mittee. Bardley and Jones came in together
and Bradley said he had an important thing
to saw to me; said that he had been approach
ed by letter while ago. and was offered
money to vote for Depew- | asked him If
he had any money. and he said yes. He said
that he had been given money. He then said
that he wanted ME to take it. | asked him
why, and he said chief officer of the House
he preferred to give it TO me. He said that
he wanted to know whether TO make the state
ment in the House or in joint convention.
He wanted my advice and l did not want
to give it, Nv impression is that he asked
Jones whether he should tell who gave it to
him. He told me that it was the sc natOr from
his di.trict (Sessions). Then he gave me the
money. counted it. there was 81 900 three
$500 and ten $50.
The speaker handed over the money to the
chairman of the committee.
Mr. Brooks moved that the money be de-
posted with the comptroller to be held for
final disposal by the speaker; carried.
Witness.-I had no other interview with
Mr.. Bradley.
To Mr.. Skinner-Jones said he thought it
to be Mr.. Bradlev's duty to do as he was
doing. was in the room from to 9 re-
ceiving people. 1t was known at the hotel
that was there: was not there specially to
receive Mr.. Bradley.
Mr.. Peckham inquired what decision the
committee had reached as to counsel for Sen
ator Sessions.
Chairman-Tne committee has no counsel.
Mr. Skinner said the committee had de-
cided to allow no counsel.
Mr.. Peckham cross-examined Speaker
Sharpe: l did not give Bradley any advice
telling him that while did not want to take
the money, still thought that he had a right
to leave it with me for a time. When |
took the money, l asked him if he had min
gled the money with any other. lie said he
had not. He asked Jones if he had received
the money. He then said it was the Sena-
tors money from his district, Mr.. Sessions.
He then asked me if would recognize him
on the floor Of the Assembly the next day.
He asked me if it would be in order, and |
told him it would be at any time. did not
advise him to see MIR. Sessions in the morn
ing. l did not see him again until | saw him
in the House.
The room the interview took place in was
Gen. Arthur's room. | was there receiving
callers. Mr.. Bradley and Mr.. Jones were
the only ones in the room at the time, and
they only stayed five or seven minutes.
To ex-Speaker Smith of Sessions coun-
sell was at Vice President Arthur's room
simply to receive calls. These callers came
on general business. The Senatorial ques-
ton was spoken of.
Mr. Smith-Why did you ask Mr.. Bradley
if that was the identical money.
Mr.. Sharpe knew of no reason for ask
ing the question.
Mr. Smith-Did you ever ask such qucs-
ton before?
Mr.. Sharpe Il never had such cause be-
fore.
Mr.. Smith-Why did you take memoir
randum of the bills?
Mr.. Sharpe have no reasons except
that to lawyer it would be reasonable to
take particulars of the memorandum.
To Mr.. Smith, spoke of the matter to
Gen. Arthur within halt an hour. He is the
first man to whom communicated it. He
was alone. | did not speak of it to anyone
else that night.
Mr.. Jones is named Orsini. He comes
from the Cattaraugus district. He was a
member of the republican state committee.
He is supporter of Conkling. There was no
DN WHICH L the Stdte-
ment from the chair corrobative of Mr.
Bradl ey's statement was not my duty to
do so, but as Mr.. Bradley had said, he had
gave me the money, deemed it my duty to
say the statement was correct.
To Speaker-My impression now is that
Mr.. Jones is not member of the republican
state committee.
Senator Williams Testimony.
Senator Williams worn-He related hav-
ing seen Senator Sess ions and Assembly, man
Bradley at Ike nmore Hotel night before last
He had no conversation whatever about the
Senatorial election with either. did not
see either before or after we spoke
to Senator Sessions and walked toward his
room.
The committee adjourned to this even
ing.
Other Testimony.
The cross-examination of Mr.. Bradley who
brought the charges against Mr.. Sessions
was postponed until tomorrow, when he will
be represented by his counsel.
James Armstrong, an Assemblyman, who
stated in the House that he had been ap-
preached regarding his vote improperly was
then sworn and testified: Was approached
week before last concerning the election OF
L. S. Senator by man whose name he
understood was Edwards, who offered him
money to vote against Conkling. This arm
strong refused