Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1891-11-05
Senator Sawyer and Ex-COngressman
LaFollette Hold an Important
Interview in Milwaukee.
But They Cherish Different Opinions
as to What Was Said During
its Continuance.
The Subject Under Discussion by Them
the Trial of the Sc. Called
Treasury Gases.


charges of R. NJ. La Toilette, in regard tc
the Plankinton house interview:
Il have read with great surprise the
statements Of Mr.. La Toilette in the Mil
waubee Sentinel of this morning. The
facts in the case so far as | am concerned
are as follows:
II had talk with Mr. Harshaw and
Mr.. Felker about employing counsel in
Madison to assist in the trial Of what are
Known as the treasury cases. Mr.. Har.
shaw stated that because of his election to
the bench, and of domestic affections in
his family it was very doubtful if Mr..
Pipney could assist at the trial of the
cases, and that at least he felt that he
would not be able TO do anything in the
preparation Of the cases for trial; that
there was large amount of work to be
done in Madison, in examining the jour,
nails Of the senate and assembly and other
official documents 10 prepare for the trial
OF these cases. The names Of several law
yers wer mentioned, among them Mr.. La
Follette's; and finally it was agreed, that
| should see Mr.. La Toilette and ascertain
whether he would take retainer in the
cases. Acting upon this conversation !
made tie appointment with Mr.. La Fol
lette to meet me in Milwaukee.
&c L
tween Mr.. Harshaw, Mr.. Felker and my.
self, | asked Mr.. Felker if Mr.. La Toilette
would take a retainer, how much should
it be. Mr.. Felker said the cases were i'm
portant, and that not less than $3.50 and
from that to $500 ought to be offered to
any attorney retained in the case 1t was
also talked over between Mr. Harshaw,
Mr.. Felker and myself, that Mr.. Harshaw
had said good many things about Judge
Siebecker, which probably had come to his
knowledge, and that it was import
ant to know and to ascertain from Mr.. La
Toilette, if possible, whether, in his opin-
ion Judge Siebecker was man who would
be prejudiced against Mr.. Harshaw for
that reason, in the trial of the cases.
81 met Mr.. La Toilette at the Plankin-
ton during the state fair week, the exact
day do not remember, and had a CONVEX
sation with him about the matter | told
him of the conversation ! had with Mr..
Felker and Mr. Harshaw, and that we
were desirious of knowing if Judge Sic
becker was prejudiced against Mr.. Har-
shaw, and that it was necessary to employ
an attorney at Madison, who would look
after the preparation of the case ana asked
him if he would take retainer.
''He then told me that he was a brother
in-law Of Judge Siebecker, and that was
the first knowledge that | had that he was
in any way or manner related to toe
judge, although | knew he had been his
partner. He said that, inasmuch as he
was Judge Siebecl1er's brother-in-law, if
he was employed in the case an improper
construction might be put upon il, and
that under the circumstances he did not
feel that he ought to accept retainer.
81 told him thought he was right, if
he felt that way, although | told him he
had perfect right to be retained, and he
said that he thought SO, too, and that if
be couldn't practice in Judge Siebecker's
court be would have to starve
But we both agreed that inasmuch as
the cases were of q sort of political ma
ture, he had better not take a retainer in
these cases.
81 then talked to him ABOUT Judge Sic
becker. He said that he was fair mind
ed man. He stated that he had talked
with him on the subject, and that he was
sure that the judge would not let the fact
that Mr.. Harshaw had opposed his APP
pointment or had talked about him, have
any influence with him in these suits.
''W hen | offered to retain him as attor-
ney, told him that | would pay him a
retainer of $500. He said he was a
poor man and would like the retainer,
but under the circumstances he
thought he ought not to accept
it. | did not tell him that l did not want
to hire him as attorney in the case and
did not tell him that | did not want him tc
go into court. Neither did l offer him
$50; did not say to him 1 will give yor
81 900 or thousand more when Siebeckel
decides the case right
Nothing of the kind was said, and moth
ing was said from any such inference
could be drawn. As SOON as learned thai
he was Siebecker's brother-in-la fell
the improperly of his being employed II
the case, because of the political turn the
cases had taken, at least so far as the
newspapers are concerned. He never sale
to ne:
Senator Sawyer, you cannot know
what you are saying to me-. If you strucl
me in the face you would Nc insult ME a
you ipa me now
'Not word of that character was sal,
by him. Neither did he say to me:
\ "'You do not want to employ me as a.
attorney. You want to hire me to talk t
the judge about your case off the bench.
''After my return ] saw Mr.. Felke
within few days afterward) and toll
him of theS conversation | had had wit
Mr.. La Toilette and that Mr.. La Toilette ha
told me that Siebecker was his brotheri in
law and Mr.. Felker said in that case it wa
very proper that he should decline re