Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1894-06-20
SENATOR c4MDENS EVIDENCE.
He Tells Of Interviews Bet'reen senator
Jones and Sugar Trust OFFICIALS.

WASHINGTON, June Ex-senator Cam
den, Of West Virginia VAS also witness
before the investigation committee to-day
He answered in the negative the formal
questions concerning ownership and specu-
lation in stocks and then made a formal
written statement Of his part in bringing
about the interview between Senator Jones
and Mr.. Havemeyer. He explained that
he and Senator Jones had been on intimate
terms for ten years and it had been no IN
usual thing for them to confer on matters
Of importance in the Senate.
"After the report of the Senate finance
committee had been made 20 the Senate,
carrying with it its amendments to the Will
son bill, it became evident" be said, that
some notifications and compromises would
be necessary in order to pass tariff bill
through the Senate in any reasonable time.
One of the chief difficulties was the adjust
ment Of the sugar schedule, and, in gener-
al conversation with Senator Jones, l urged,
first, that the Democrats must pass tariff
bill, and, second, that speedy action in the
passage Of the blu was Of far more impor-
lance TO the business interests Of the coun-
try aud 10 the Democratic party than shades
of difference as to items making up the
schedules. Aud / told him that in my
Judgment such concessions ought TO be made,
within reasonable limits, as would unite the
Democrats in the Senate in support Of
bill, in view Of the fact that it was extreme
Is desirable that at least forty-three Demo
cratic votes should be cast for whatever bill
should be passed. The general situation
was fully fully talked over from time to
time and Senator Jones exposed himself
favorably TO that view Of the situation, and
the duty Of the committee and the Senate,
provided i, could be done on the general
line Of Democratic policy. At the same
time Senator Jones stated to me that my
business and personal relation in the Senate
could be Of service te the committee, and
asked me if would help him and other
members of the committee in ascertaing
and arriving at the real points Of difference
to be adjusted, which I readily consented to
DO"
Mr. Camden referred to the meeting Of
Mr.. Searles in a committee-roon with SEN
ator Jones. The latter said after Mr.. Scar
les left that he Mr.. Jones was not satiied
with the explanation, aud suggested that it
would be a good thing for some one high in
authority on sugar matters TO present the
facts they relied upon so that he Mr. Jones'
might Judge for himself Senator Camden
continued Il replied that had no doubt
il could be brought about. / afierward re-
peated the conversation to Senator Brice or
some other person but my present reeollec-
ton is it was Senator Brice. At any rate,
through means Of which have no personal
knowledge, Mr. Havemeyer came to Wash
incton and / was advised that Mr.. Have
never was at the Arlington Hotel and de-
sired to appear before Mr.. Jones or the sub
committee, and so informed Senator Jones
and asked HIM where he would prefer Mr..
Havemeyer should see him"
Mr.. Camden then detailed the particulars
Of the interview between Senator Jones aud
H. o. Havemeyer in his (Camden's) rooms.
He said to his best recollection he had never
seen Mr. Hayemeyer before this visit Of his
to Washington on this occasion, and his
conversation with him on sugar on this visit
was confined to q few casual remarks.
he said he had several talks with the
Louisiana Senators and had urged upon
them the necessity of making some AMIGA
bic arrangement and Of making sacrifices
for the purpose Of securing, if possible, the
passage Of Democratic tariff bill. He said
he had conferred with the representatives
Of other interests, and be regarded his efforts
to bring about harmony on the sugar SEIZED
ule as a part of the representative duty OF
Senator, who is presumed to legislate in the
interests Of the whole country.
Senator Camden, in response to questions
from Senator Davis, said he had considered
it necessary to conciliate the Louisiana Sen
ators and one or both Of the California Sen
ators on the sugar schedule.