The record-union., 1893-01-20
BRETZ ON THE RACK.
THE ASsEMBLY'S INVESTIGATION
IN PROGRESS.
Lawyer Chamberlain Had Populist
Votes to Sell-Senator-elect
White Testifies.

The special Assembly committee ap-
pointed to investigate the charges of
fraud in the Senatorial contest, preferred
by Bretz of Alameda at the joint conven-
ton on Wednesday, met in Department
One of the Supreme Court soon after ad-
journment yesterday afternoon.
All members were present, and the
room was closely crowded with legislators
from both houses.
Gator and an Oakland attorney named
Chamberlain appeared for the defense.
Before the proceedings closed the latter
was put on the stand, and his testimony
furnished about the only sensational
phase of the investigation thus far He
admitted that he had offered to deliver to
John Gahy, Whites manager, four Popu-
lists votes for consideration. He also
stated that Gatfy, in reply to his offer, had
said that Mr.. White was not buying any
votes.
Senator-elect White was the first wit
ness called. Gator waived the preferred
privilege OF examining him pro tem., and
Chairman Shanahan asked a number of
questions, which elected evidence in sub
stance as follows: "kerns has been a
close friend OF mine for many years, and
/ have never doubted that he would vote
for me, although he never promised to do
so, and l have never questioned him as
to his intentions. He has never ask ed
me for any favors in the event of my
election, and | have never discussed the
subject of patronage with him in any
way. 1 urged him to be a
candidate for his present seat
In the Assembly and it was through my
influence that he was nominated for the
Democratic party. His constituency is
largely Democratic, and while there were
no promises made it was understood as a
matter of course that / was entitled to his
support"
Mr. White here read an interview with
Kerns, published in the Stockton Mall of
December 18th, in which he (Kerns)
spoke of White as the strongest possi-
bility for the United States Senatorship
and avOwed his ardent admiration for the
proposed nominee. Cannon is also a
warm personal friend of mine. In the past
] have assisted him in a political way, and
in supporting me in the contest just closed
he has merely paid a political debt
i have the greatest admiration for Cannon
and Kerns. l know them TO be honest
men. 1t has been matter of common
notoriety that Cannon has been in favor
of my election. 1t has been also well
known that Kerns would support me
when there was no longer possibility OF
electing Gator"
In the course of his testimony Mr..
White mentioned the fact of ''sackv
being used in a certain district in the
south during the last election. He did
not know of his own knowledge that
money had been given for votes in the
locality stated. but saw evidence enough
to convince him that Doodle tactics had
been in force.
Gator was permitted to ask the witness
some questions, and after several queries
as to alleged combinations with kerns.
Canon and others, he asked Mr.. White
in referring to the boodle case, cited by
him, why it would not be possible that
coin was used in his (White's) election
without the fact being generally known.
Mr.. Whites answer came like a
thunder clap out of a clear sky. "Any
man, said he, "who dares to insinuate
that money was used in my election is a
liar and dog"
tened to apologize by saying that nobody
lad accused him (White) of using
money.
Neither have my friends used
money" retorted White, sternly, "and |
will not sit here, Mr.. Gator and listen to
your groundless insinuations. True, you
did not make a direct charge. You do
not dare to do so.
lyon know there is no foundation for
such an accusation, but | will hear no
more of your clumsy innuendos against
those who have stood by me in fair and
honorable contest"
AT the evening meeting of the commit
tee Bretz was the first witness called,
After being sworn Gator was invited to
examine him, but declined, and Afford
of Tulare, by series of pointed ques-
tions. succeeded in drawing out the fol-
lowing statement concerning the ground
for the charges made.
In response to the question, "Have you
any positive evidence on which to base
your statements made concerning the use
of money in the Senatorial contest on
Wednesday last?" the witness said,
"I have no such evidence. /
stated what l believed TO be
a fact. This statement was based on cir
cumstantial evidence alone. kerns came
here pledged to vote for Mr.. Gator He
often reiterated his allegiance to the Peo-
ple's party. He signed an agreement to
stand with US upon all party questions.
Up to Wednesday morning he was firm
in this position, and it was his manifest
intention TO vote in compliance withIhis
expressed obligation. on the morning OF
the Senatorial election he went into the
library with John Gaf1y, Whites man
ager, and remained there for about ten
minutes. When be came out one of our
members talked with him as to his
intentions, and he replied that
everything had been fixed !
never understood that Kerns signed