The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-05-16

and the burden Of proof did not rest upon
them. From their we'll known character
do not believe them dishonest, and even
if they were it must be remembered that
there was much legislation before that
assembly involving millions OF dollars, i'll
which some of the memorialists were
deeply interested, and although they ap-
pear here as apostles of purity, it is we'll
known in Montana they would not fall 10
test the probity of every man in the
most INSCRIPTIONS manner to promote
their own interests.
';They were actively engaged in pre-
venting the revision of the infamous cleo
tion law enacted at their instance, which
the honest people of Montana were en-
deavoring to correct with regard to the
cross in the circle, by which these people
have been enabled to coerce every man
in their employ into casting his ballot to
suit their wishes.
"They were also deeply interested III
attempting the repeal OF law requiring
safety cages in every mine, which law
they have totally disregarded. 1t is
charged that many lives have been lost
by reason of this disregard of the law.
He sharply criticised the committees
findings in detail and attributed his de-
feat for Congress in 1888 to Marcus Daly's
"envious and diabolical desire to forever
destroy my political influence
He introduced an original affidavit by
George E. McGrath, who says DAILY told
him the only effective course open to
force his (Clark's) retirement was to
charge Clark morning, noon and night
with bribery to have the DAILY men in
the Legislature procure money from the
Clark people, and then expose the bribery
and later suggested letting three or four
of his (Daly's) men have a few thousand
dollars to show in the Legislature as
Clark's money. The committee had re-
fused to hear McGrath. The vote of Re
publican legislators for him, Mr.. Clark
explained was the result of caucus action
and acquaintance with local conditions.
He charged the committee with seeking
TO enact laws for Montana. He arraign
ed Congressman Campbell as betraying
his friends receiving the political sup
port of the Clark people and after cleo
tion being employed by the Anaconda
Company and working for Clark's defeat.
He reviewed Daly's course in the State
capital fight and charged the Anaconda
Company with spending million dol
lars.
Mr. Clark then read his letter of
resignation addressed to the Governor
ami dated May 11th as follows
Dear Sir:
"The sixth legislative assembly on the
aSth day of January, 1899. elected me to
represent the State of Montana in the
Senate of the United States for the term
commencing on the fourth day of March,
1899.
Under the authority of the credentials
signed by the Governor of the State |
entered upon the discharge of the duties
of that position on the first Monday of
last December after qualifying by taking
the oath of office prescribed by law
"On the fourth day of December, 1899,
two memorials were presented TO the
Senate of the United States praying that
my right and title to continue to act as
Senator under the credentials which
certified to my election should be inveS-
tigated. These memorials with the ac-
companying papers were referred to
standing committee of that body. After
a prCtracted investigation of the allega-
tions of said memorialists, the committee
has submitted it's conclusion to the Sem
ate in which it finds that the seat which
| now occupy under the credentials issued
by authority of the vote taken in the
Joint assembly of the Legislature on the
2Sth day of January, 1899 should be-
clared vacant.
"None of the charges affecting my per-
sonal honor, or which alleged that | had
personally been guilty of corrupt practices
have been sustained by the finding of the
committee.
Conscious of the rectitude of my own
conduct, and after critical examination
of all the evidences taken by the commit
tee: convinced that those friends who
were so loyal to me during that bitter
contest did not resort to dishonorable
or corrupt means to influence the action
Of the members of the Legislature in
their choice of "a Senator yet ] am un-
willing to continue to occupy a seat in
the Senate of the United States under
credentials which its committee has de-
cared rests for their authority upon the
action of Legislature which was not
free and voluntary in its choice of SEN
ator.
Self respect and due regard for the
opinion of my associates and a sense of
duty to the people of the State of Mon
| tana demand that l should return the
| credentials under which l am acting as
1
of the United States leaving the State and
| her people to take such action as will
| conserve and promote her best interests
| in the national council
Influenced by these considerations I
| deem it eminently proper without un-
| necessary delay, to resign the position Of
| United States Senator, from the State OF
| Montana, to which ! was chosen by the
Sixth legislative assembly of Montana,
| on the 2Sth day of January. 1899.
with sentiments of esteem, l remain,
Respectfully Yours,
| (Signed) ''W. A. CLARK"
The case then on Mr. Clark's request,
| went over until tomorrow. Mr.. Ross (Vt),
| urged his bill regulating appointments
| and removals from civil officers in out
! lying dependencies. Mr.. Hale (Maine).
called attention to the "monstrous evils"
! which always have attended a colonial
! policy. Final vote on the District of Co.
| lumbia Appropriation Bill was arranged
| for tomorrow.
At 1870 p. III. the Senate adjourned
CLARK TO SUCCEED HIMSELF.