Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-12-19
CHEERS FOB MIR. MARTIN.
The Nominee Loudly Applauded
During His Speech.
DIR, PRIDDY'S EXPLANATION.
Letters Between Him and the Ex-Gov-
erner-Many Other Witnesses Heard
Adjourned to This Morning.

Ube senatorial investigation continues.
YDere were three sessions yesterday, ana
the Increased interest was manifest In
ths crowds that assembled 30 witness the
uroceedings. OF all the formal inquiries
into matters of State or local import
IN Virginia IN recent years this has been
characterized by the highest degree OF
personal feeling Tho pulse Of the attend
ing assembly has been many times felt
IN the examination and the result has
been an outburst OF applause in each
INSTANCE.
During tho morning session yesterday
General R1tzavgh Lee was upon the
stand. and In the afternoon the features
of the inquiry was the testimony of the
sx-Govsrnor. Of DR.. A. s. Pr1ddy, OF
Hon. Thomas S. Martin. and Of Hon. j.
Taylor Ellyson. chairman OF the state
Democratic Committee. Mr.. Martin came
upon the stand voluntarily, and bis state
ment was succinct, clear. and forcible.
lie evidenced considerable feeling as he
talked, and his remarks were frequently
interrupted by applause which at times
became vociferouA
LEE AND MARTIN CHEERED.
II was almost Impossible for Chairman
Nicoll, dlgniied and conservative though
he is. to preserve order while either the
senatorial nominee or General Leo were
on the stand The admirers OF both the
Victorious and the defeated candidates
wauld cheer when favorable statements
w., made by thelr champion. Mr.. Mar
IT, unquestionabiy made a fne impress
sion. and there was q subdued whisper
throughout the Senate chamber when he
concluded what he had TO say. During
the course OF his remarks he became so
deeply affected by the situation that his
voice faltered.
Captain shepperd the First Witness.
The investigation was resumed In the
Senate Chamber promptly at 10 o'clock.
Captain Ham shepperd was the first
witness sworn. The Chairman read the
resolution and asked him TO state any
thing he knew about the subject OF the
inquiry.
Mr.. Shepperd said the only thing that
he knew was what was told him by Mr..
s. Ii. Thompson. OF Patrick. He said
that he Crhompson) had received from
DIR. Priddy-
Here the witness was interrupted by
Mr.. Tredway. who objected TO Captain
Shepperd testlfying as TO what Mr..
Thompson said. as the latter gentleman
was on hand and could come upon the
stand himself. The motion was made TO
have Mr.. Thompson placed on the stand
as a witness.
Mr.. Mushbach asked the gentlemen II
they knew that this was an inQusitorial
committee. and that such evidence should
be turned over to the Legislature to pass
upon its relevancy.
Mr.. powning was Of the opinion that,
no matter whether the committee was an
inquisitorlal one or not. no hearsay testi-
mony should DO admitted.
The Chairman: DO you know OF any i'm
proper influences TO secure the election
Of members OF the Hoase OF Delegates or
Senate with view that they should vote
for any special person for the United
States Senate?
Mr.. Shepperd; do not. sir.
DO you know OF any improper influences
upon any one in reference TO the senator
ship after the assembling Of the Legisla-
turei before the election OF senator by
the Democratic caucusg
do not.
Several other unimportant questions
were asked the witness. and as he only
had hearsay evidence he was excused
for the present and Mr.. Thompson was
called.
THOMPSON GOT MONEY.
Mr.. Thompson said he knew OF no
methods that were exactly improper. A
friend Of his came TO his county Just
before the election ana said something
about the County Committee being In need
OF funds, and that he could get them for
It's use on the condition that no would
be favorable 10 Martin for United States
Senator after his election. Later on the
witness said DIR. Priddy came to tina
county. but he did not see him. He after
wards received letter from DIR. Priddy
stating that the money had been left on
The assurance Of q friend that be fThomp-
sop vould carry out the instructions OF
the oehs> friend In this matter.
Mr.. Downing: What becsme OF the
money!
Answer: Only about twsnty-four dollars