Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1899-07-15

Senator Gallinger accuse his colleague
Senator Chandler, Of speaking an UNI
truth. hut offered to back up his state
ment outside the committee room
Previous to this episode Senator Chand-
Ter became involved in a warm dispute
with Chairman Brewer of the commits
sion, and not only accused him Of par.
tiality, but threatened to ask for his re-
moval
The author of the assessment circular,
William s. Thayer, did not testify before
the commission. and 1t is the impression
that no further evidence will be taken.
The commission, however, has already
received communication from Mr..
Thayer, in which he stated that he pre-
pared the circular on his own RESPONSE
bility.
The hearings both Tuesday and yes
terday have been marked for their bitter
ness on the part of both senators.
No early witnesses were on hand when
the afternoon session was called to or
der. and Special Agent Wales read COR
respOndence between the commission
and William S. Thayer. treasurer of the
Republican state committee in 1898,
whose name was signed to the assess
ment circulars. Mr.. Thayer had replied
that he was elected treasurer of the state
committee on Sept. p. 1885, and that in
that capacity he had collected and dis
posed of the funds of the committee.
Being an officer of the committee" said
he. Il acted on my own responsibility,
and am answerable only to the commit
tee for what l did" In later letter,
Mr. Thayer said that neither Senator
Gallinger nor the state committee made
any suggestions about the circular.
The senator's letter referred to in
formed the commission that the charges
against him were concocted by evil
minded. malicious persons, and that the
complaints were not made in good faith,
hut for the purpose of revenge, and We're
not worthy the attention which the COM
mission seemed to be giving them. A
further letter from Senator Gallinger
stated that he. personally. did not at
any time discuss with Mr.. Thayer or
suggest to him the names Of those to
whom the assessment circular should be
sent"
After an alteration as to the opening
and closing of the case and the admis-
sion of evidence after the close of the
hearing. argument and brief. Senator
Chandler remarked: THE cOmmissi
seems to have found out everything con-
nected with this investigation except
who wrote the assessment. penned the
office holders. who fixed the sums to be
assessed. who directed the envelopes
and who sent them out. The essential
.hinoc hayo mt hapn aSnorfaipa1 1,
called commission to do this. and find
these men-"
Here he was interrupted by Mr..
Brewer: I object to these things being
taken down.
Mr.. Chandler-Very well, I will say it
without having it taken down.
Mr.. Brewer-Not in this room: this Is
my room and pay for it.
Senator Chandler am not to be
muzzled in this room; have my rights.
Mr.. Brewer-You have no rights except
those of a gentleman.
After further colloquy, in which each
by implication called the other to be
without the class called gentlemen. Mr..
Chandler proceeded to say that the man
most wanted in connection with the in
vestigation did not happen to be present.
"Mr. Thayer is in the city today. and l
believe he has been kept away from here
by Senator Gallinger."
Senator Gallinger and his counsel, At
torney General Eastman. at once shout
ed: That is absolutely false; it is not
true" Mr.. Eastman continued. calling
him IA liar" adding: II do not care if
you are a United States senator" Sena-
tor Chandler retOrted: And I do not
care if you are attorney general and are
defending criminals when you should be
prosecuting them
Senator Gallinger appealing to the
chair. Senator Chandler said: Men who
call other men liars do not need protec-
ton. I repeat, l believe Senator CALM
ger has kept Mr.. Thayer away"
Senator Gallinger shouted: You don't
dare to come outside this room and say
that"
Il will go outside and say it," replied
Senator Chandler, starting for the door,
Friends restrained both men, and after
a few minutes of confusion the hearing
went on. Senator Gallinger read pre-
pared statement showing that the case