The record-union., 1893-02-08
REA'S CHARGES.
THE COMMISSIONER STANDS BY
THEM FIRMLY.
He Relates the Story of How Assem-
blyman johnson Would
Accept Money.

The charged made by Railroad Com
missioner Rea that Assemblyman John
son of Santa Clara offered to sell his vote
to him for 500, and that he could deliver
other legislators who were for sale, was
under investigation last night before a
select committee of Assemblymen.
Henry G. McPike, ex-United States Dis
trict Attorney, and Andy Clunie appeared
in behalf of Mr.. Johnson, and Hon. S. NJ.
Shortridge and Attorney Richards repre-
sented Mr.. Rea. Assemblyman Morde-
cal presided.
The charge made by Mr.. Rea was read.
A number of witnesses who had been
subpenaed were present. but were re-
quested to leave the room, until called
while Mr.. Rea testified.
Mr.. Rea said that for six years he has
been Railroad Commissioner He had
met Mr.. Johnson but twice, and had
conversation with him only once, in the
Office of the Electric Improvement Com
pany in San Jose last December-on the
9TH or Sth of the month.
Mr.. Rea said that a Mr.. Bethel once
told him that johnson was in his (Rea's)
Office and wanted to see him. He told
Bethel that he knew Johnson's mission
he wanted money-and did not want to
meet him. Johnson had called at his
office many times. He said he became
acquainted with Mr.. johnson through
Major harrington. Darlington. in intro
ducing Johnson, said he (JohnsonJ was
very friendly to the Railroad Commits
mission and would vote for any measure
in the Legislature which he Qtea) might
want him to, and that he (Johnson)
wanted to borrow Sl00. Darlington said
JotN Il 60.
amount. payable to bearer. He also said
Johnson was willing to sign paper to
| the effect that lie was friendly to the
Railroad Commissioners.
Il told Johnson / did not care anything
about the note, and knew that all he
wanted was money" said Rea. He asked
! Johnson why he signed the Ira tfic AsSo-
citation pledge if he was favorable to the
| Commissioners. johnson answered that
! there were votes in the willows which he
| could not get without signing the pledge.
| He said there were others who would
vote as he would if there was sufficient
| consideration.
| Continuing, Mr. Rea said he and John
son talked about; the United States Sena-
torial question, in which johnson said
| there were several legislators who could
| be secured to vote for a Republican
United States Senator. Rea asked John
son for their names and the districts they
represented. ne look Il pencil 10 write
the names on card and Rea told him to
be sure to write only names of those who
| could be induced to vote for a Republican
| United States Senator-if paid enough
Johnson said he could guarantee only
one, which he was directed to mark. Rea
then took the card.
Rea said the card was deposited in a
San Jose bank, and will be introduced in
evidence. Johnson marked his own
name and others, said Rea who were out
for money, but they would not positively
agree to vote for Republican Senator.
! Mr.. Rea said he then defined his posi-
ton in relation to the Traffic Association
/ bill.
| Rea said he recited his objections to the
| Traffic Association bill, and told Johnson
he would probably be approached by
Leeds in behalf of the bill, which Rea
said he thought could not carry. John
son said if he did, it would cut no figure
with him. Rea said that every decision
of the commission but one was inimical
to the railroad company.
Mr.. Rea said he gave the note back to
Johnson and did not have it more than a
second. He told Johnson he did not
want the note, nor cared anything for its
! Endorsement. He did not examine the
paper but was satisfied it was a note.
Major harrington said the paper he had
handed to him (Real was a note.
Mr.. Rea said that during the converse
ton with Johnson, that gentleman ap-