Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-07-12
LEGAL OR ILLEGAL?
Continued from page u

second statement from Senator Gal
linGer. in which he afiirms that it was
Senator Chandler who had inStigated
the charges and not eX-Gov. Busiel
The commissioners, at the opening of
the afternoon session, announced that re-
porters would hereafter be admitted. The
principal feature of the afternoon session;
was Il long statement by Senator Chand
Ter, previous to which, however, Col. Ru-
fus II. Elwell, collector Of customs a.
Portsmouth. was called. COL. L.we;l
stated that he had received Il circular
letter from VIM. T. Thayer. treasurer OF
the Republican state COMMITTEES. asking
for contribution to carry on the com
mittce's work. Ossian d. Knox, post
master of Manchester, also testified, but
he said that he saw no such CIRCULAR and
furthermore, had not been asked to con
tribute to the lNN campaign
Senator Chandler then came forwar's
WITH his statement, which he prcfaceu
by short history of his connection with
political committees. lie said he retired
from the Republican national committee,
in 1SSi and from the state committee. in
l>90. Continuing, Senator Chandler said:
Il said To Senator Galiinger, in 1873. an!
again, in 1875. that he ought to 80 off OF
the state committee for reasons connected
with the civil service law, bul ne woulu
MOI 80. III 1910, flluCll ~ Sut pm II
took the craftsmanship of the state com
mittcc. After | had recovered from my
surprise | went to him to cndcaNUr to CO.
operate in the work of the campaign. W.
talked over the subject of raising money,
both agreeing that very little would be
needed. and talked over The means OF rails
ing il. We spoke Of individuals. of nom
inccs for state officers, but nothing va:
said OF federal ofiicehoiders rms was
Between that time and oct. H. |
heard that an assessment circular mad
hpcn sent to federal oiticcholders. Gov.
Eusicl asked me if | knew of this aSscsa-
mcnt. He said that he had reason TO be-
lieVe that Il circular for assessment ma!
been sent to OtficehOlderS, and he pro-
duced a circular which had been sent %
state officers, and said that soma OF them
had been sent TO federal oihceAo4utFs:
We had Il long conference, the result OF
which was that he said he would com
plain to the civil service commission IN
less some other way could be found y
prevent these officers from being assessed.
AccordiEgly Gov. Busiel, with my know
edge asked the commission about tnt
terms OF the law He came TO me later
and said that he had determined to max
Il complaint. .
Oct. % was prepared, containing the
names of those to whom 1t was beilcVcd
that the circular had been sent. did not
20 aEain To the commission during tHS
campaign. The rest OF my colllccsloh
with the business was all in the CORES
pondence with the commission. 1 cailcd
ON the commission when ! went 10 W ASH
inrtnn last fall. ana told them that
w1Iild be at their service in the matter.
..iThis is substantially all wish TO say.
II find that the federal ofhccholders WI
have been required by the COMMISSION VI
aupear here DO not come. or II they come
and do not testify, | shall tell the com
mission all | know about the matter
At the conclusion of Senator Chandler
statement he. exchanged some warm
words with Senator Gallinger ON his
,Chandlcr's) contribution to the party
funds in 1894 and NC.
James o. Lyford, naval officer at the
mort of Eoston. was the last witness; and
testified to receiving the circular. from
Treasurer Thayer. lie also stated tina
the assessment circular was sent 70 leu
cral ofhcehuldcrs i'll 1876. ., y
The commission then adjourned untll y
\. NJ. tomorrow.