The morning call., 1893-01-24
THE BRETT INVESTIGATION.
Gator Makes an Argument in Defense
of the AsSembIyman.

SACRAMENTO, Jan. 23.-The Special Com
mistee of Investigation met again this even
Ing. The minutes Of the day of the ballot
ing, showing the language used by Bretz,
viz: Eve believe this change has been
brought about by the corrupt use of money.
and We believe Marion Cannon is the Dego-
tiator," were submitted in evidence by
Chairman Shanaban.
Gator, counsel for Bretz, took exception
on the ground that the joint convention
dropped the proceedings which the Assem-
| bly, has taken up, and he desired to have
that fact also form a part Of the evidence.
The chairs ruling that the committee is
acting under a resolution for an investiga-
ton as offered in the Assembly, and not
under the proceedings Of the joint conyen-
ton. was sustained. Gator disclaimed any
| intention of appealing from the committee
to the House.
BretZ offered in evidence a letter from
! Ida Brooks of Los Angeles. stating that
| she was informed that over $1,000 had been
raised by subscription and sent by certain
| Los Angeles banker and others to Saera-
mento to aid in the election of White.
Gator said he did not offer il. but was will
| ing il should be accepted as evidence
Shanahan said there was no authentiea-
| ton OF the letter. and ruled it out.
Gator then began his argument. He said
| that loyalty 10 ones friends was one of the
greatest human virtues. The question be-
| fore the committee was whether Bretz had
| right 10 believe. and TO express that be-
| lief in j'int convention, that money had
been corruptly used. lie went into tie
! question as to the sufficiency OF circumstan-
! tial evidence tn support a belief. II the
| evidence precluded the idea that emolu-
ments or Office had been offered, the only
presumption left was that money had been
used.
Gator reviewed Kerns' political career.
| lie said the latter had made his canvass on
the POpUlist platform. The falsity of the
statement that Kerns was not bound to the
Popuiists was shown by letter from the
latter to the Peoples party convention at
San Francieeo on December 9, 1892. held to
indorse Senator. saying that lie was not
pledged TO any man and that he would moi
pledge himself until he reached Sacra-
MEMO.
Kerns demanded that the letter be pro-
duced.
Gator referred to the pledge signed by the
Populists. including Kerns, wherein they
declared that they would act as a unit
whenever and wherever POpulisr princi-
| Piles were concerned. The understan ding
of all save Kerns was that the pledge was
inyiolable. Kerns never dissented from the
caucus Endorsement of Gator. On the con
trary, he cast his first vote in the Assembly
| for Gator.
Gator then recited the incidents OF the
day Of the joint convention and said that
kerns had promised Adams that he would
vote for Gator all that day. The essential
point in which Kerns must be tested for
truth and veracity is reached in this state
ment Of Adams, the Popnlist preacher.
Adams communicated Kerns promise TO
all the Popnlist Assemblymen and the sit
nation was believed to be safe. The Popu-
list candidate for Senator left the capitol
and was not seen again until after the final
vote had been taken.
Gator said that a comparison must be
made between tie testimony of Kens and
that OF Adams on this point Kerns' man.
ner upon the stand. his looks and acts be-
fore the entire Legislature on the day OF
the balloting led to the belief in his
treachery.
Shanahan asked If Adams had not him.