The Black Hills union. [volume] (Rapid City, Pennington County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1889-1904, 1897-04-30
DOODLE BY WHOLESALE.
lore Bribery Investigations Testimony
Mr.. Keefer on theS stand.

investigation committee this morning
Horace Andrew Keefer, q representa-
tive from Leavenworth county, asked
what he knew of bribery in the legis-
lature, said he was convinced that
money was used - large amounts OF
money. He had no doubt that he
could have commanded $4,000. Never
had SO much money been use. in a
legislature before. He had no doubt
that if he had signified a~willingness to
accept a bride he might have had a
good round sum from the school book
lobby. He had no doubt that from the
actions OF members of his own commits
tee some Of them were bribed. He felt
certain that money was used in the
stock yards bill. Before the Legislature
was half over he was thoroughly dis
gusted and he wished himself out of it.
He was ashamed of his party after it
had promised so much reform to the
people.
Asked how he knew he could have
obtained 5000, Keefer said that to
answer that question would be to di-
vulge the names of men. He did not
AVA JuSplliSo W ASS&5S - AtAh1So
The floors were full of railroad and
other lobbyists, especially the floor Of
the senate.
Mr.. Smelling here stated to witness
the substance of the law of 1891 and
insisted that he answer the question.
keefer said that other witnesses had
refused, and he thought it unfair to
press him at this stage of the ~investi-
cation. He continued to beg to be ex-
empted. He said he was willing to
state facts.
''Well, state %facts,' Mr.. Smelling
said.
Sudden Forgetfulness.
'It is pretty hard for me to remem.
Der all the facts. A man who had met
me about the Legislature before came
to me at the door Of my room in the
hotel and asked me if / had a price. l
am satisfied hat l could have received
several thousand dollars. He said the
railroads were buying members, and I
might have some and go home fixed if
| would take it,"
Asked to give the mans name, Reef
cr said: 81 shall have to say l don't
recollect."
What kind of a looking man was
hep
"a large nan
"About how old was he?"
"About fifty
and you say you don't recollect the
name Of the man who was SO familiar
with you as to offer you several thous,
and dollars?:"
Eyes, sir; that is what I say"
Come now, give his name"
"Well, | have made myself clear on
that point. If | had evidence that
would convict men of attempted brib-
cry l would gladly give the committee
my assistance"
You know Frank Strickland? You
know where he stopped last winter?"
Bailey Wag sener's Big Fund.
81 saw him several times at the
Throop hotel. A certain gentleman
told me that Bailey Waggener settled
his bills there. The man who told me
this said Waggener was making brags
hat he had a fund of $50, 900 to de.
feat the Brown railroad bill"
l. CO1A you GlldC.
"Well, l possibly spoke too hastily;
I should not have said that. Well,
well; L guess he would not object.
Well, it was Ed Carroll Of Leaven-
worth. | think John Harmon was
also present when Waggcner said it,"
Keefer was proceeding to give a long
lecture on railroad legislation when
Mr.. Outcalt brought him back to
earth, by asking him to give the
names of the men he had misied into
approaching him with suggestions of
brides.
Now, Mr.. Chairman" Keefer re-
piled, 81 might answer that question
if the state OF Kansas would buy an
island in the Pacific ocean and send
the members of the legislature to
it for the rest Of their lives. I
would like to send two or three other
men to the island Of ST. Helena. As a
starter l would send Bill Higgins,
Oliver Hiatt and Frank Strickland.
They ought to be in exile. They stink
politically and whenever they cross
the state of Kansas, they leave a vile
trail
Are they the men you misled?"
ooh, well, I don't recollect.'
"Do you remember the name of the
man who inquired your price,"
II will state no., SIR
Very Sore Against Grimes.
Judge Grimes said: "Your INC
is pretty good about some things. Do