Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1892-11-22


present.
NJ. Argelies opened the Panama debate.
He said that his object was 10 defend the
interest of the shareholders. He reminded
the Chamber that it had authorized the
issue Of shares in 1883 under exceptional
circumstances.
NJ. Rouvier Minister of Finance, inter.
posed to say that the Chambers had not
pledged the responsibility either Of the
Parliament or of the Government. M.
Argelies said that it was none the less true
that the action of the Chamber was con-
trary to law, and had therefore been in the
nature of privilege. The fact of grant
ing it entailed moral responsibilities. 81
call upon the Government" said he, "to
make declaration reasSuring the small
shareholders"
NJ. Delahaye arose and declared: 'This
is a question Of public morality. | ask the
Chamber, for the sake of my honor and OF
your honor, to order an inquiry into the
facts am about TO submit TO yOu.'
There was commotion in the Chamber
for minute, followed by a moment of sus-
pense. NJ Delahaye then continued; II
will give no names, as ! do not wish 10 ap-
pear as q denupciator." There was an
other prolonged disturbance in the Cham
Der. When quiet was restored the speaker
continued: THE scandals in the Panama
matter exceed those of the Wilson affair.
The inquiry demanded is in the nature of
a general publication TO be effected in the
broad daylight"
Here the speaker was again interrupted
with an uproar among the Deputies. When
be was able TO resume, he said: I'M. De
Lesseps in 1890, had vainly traversed
France appealing for subscri bers, when an
individual, whom l shall not name. pro-
posed to the Panama directors a system Of
lottery bonds. He was the evil genius Of
the company. The directors duped the
public; he duped the directors. He first
asked for 100000 francs, declaring that
he could purchase Herewith all the neces-
sary couscienCes in both chambers Of the
national legislature"
There were renewed Interruptions here
and cries of name him." NJ. Delahaye re-
piled: "If you want names, you will vote
for an inquiry. Butt can,sag t1at tho me-
diun. 4 tbssF trapSpo JOE VAS d 'IB'tS
named Arton who has siI,-o I'd t1e coqn-
try to escape punishment for embezzle-
ment of a large sum from a dynamite
manufacturing concern of which he was q
director" NJ. Delahaye proceeded: !:
"There was q sum Of 3,O00,000 francs dis
tributed among $50 Deputies aud Sena-
tors" (Violent uproar among the Depu-
ties.) But the appetites thus excited,
grew greedier, and the hnancier managing
the matter was compelled to ask the Pana-
ma directors for more millions of francs.
The money was demanded for election ex-
penes in the department of Ncrd."
Intense excitement broke out again in
the chamber and NJ. FlOquet arose and eX-
claimed: II was Minister Of the Interior
at that time and desire to solemnly state
that | received uOthinQN
M. Delanaye waited for the confusion
which existed TO abate and then continued: /:
"Three hundred thousand francs was spent
in buying three papers. A minister now
dead asked 100000 francs, another 200, 900
francs, which was paid for a Journal Of lit
tie value, but behind which hidden
influences were worked. A for
eign paper was bought for
100000 francs. a check for which was
signed at its office. can name the person
who acted as messenger between the con-
tracing parties" Cries of name him"
NJ. Delahaye did not notice the interruption
but proceeded: "Now for the last scandal
The committee of this chamber charged
with the duty of examining into this lot
terry bond scheme comprised five favorable
te it and FIVE opposed TO 1t. The eleventh
member, before casting his vote,
offered his services 10 the com
pany for 100000 francs. AS the company
refused his proposition he formed a syndi-
cate, being aided by a banker and caused a
fall in the shares ana compelled the com
papy to yield. The scheme was approved
bv the committee, but the banker was not
warned in time. The shares recovered and
he was ruined. [Great sensation. You
ask me for proof Although the authori-
ties conceal evidence, there are hundred
10, -har- hnf
found. There are two categories OF depu-
ties-those who received money; those who
did not"
Indescribaole uproar followed this as
sertion. NJ. Floquet, President of the
Chamber, intervened TO say: you can
not come into this house aud accuse the
entire body.n There were renewed calls
upon NJ. Delahaye for names. He replied:
.'Vote for the inquiry" NJ. Floquet asked
him TO give names, as such course would
be more dignified than an anonymous de-
nunciation. IL consider myself attacked,
said the presiding officer OF the Chamber.
AZ am not only unopposed 70 an inquiry,
but have demands therefor signed by our
colleagues"
This announcement was greeted with
prolonged cheering, during which NJ. Della
have Quilted the tribune. As be walked 10
his seat there was an unparalleled scene OF
confusion. He was Kissed and hooted and
a violent dispute began at the same time
between NJ. HuOard and DerOl0ude.
Hereupon Premier Loubet ascended the
tribune He was unable 10 speak for a
time. When finally he was able 70 make his
voice heard he said he would not reply 70
NJ. Delahaye's allegations, as he believed
that the charges arose from violent pOliti-
cal passions. The government, however,
could cot refuse the demand for an inquiry.
IL was In the interest Of all that light
should be thrown upon the matter. The
government had nothing TO hide. The
Chamber agreed that committee OF thirty
three should be appointed with extraor-
binary powers to examine all the charges.
NJ. Delahaye urged the most searching
investigation be made as TO the responsi-
bility Of the government, the press, the
leading fnanciers and contractors were in
volved.
The Chamber then by a vote Of 81 70 244
decided that the investigating committee
should be appointed az To- morrow's sitting
by Scrutin- De-Liste, add the Chamber ad-
iourned.
Deroulede and Hubbard afterwards ap-
pointed seconds 70 arrange for duel
After the adjournment Of the chamber,
there was an animated discussion in the
Hobbies. The scenes Of the debate are de-
scribed as recalling the days Of BOulang-
len in the conduct Of the deputies and the
fiery character OF Delahave's accusation.
NJ. Delahaye's own friends blame him
for his wholesale charges. while admifling
that be kept his promise 70 avoid personal
tics. Tho latest news Is thai clue mas