New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-02-18
THE TESTIMONY IN DETAIL.
JUsTICE PIGGoTT RECALLED.


Before the committee began its work in the Clark
investigation to-day the word went around that
Senator Clark himself was TO take the stand The
Senator was not present. however when the
uittee called order. and Justice Piggott, Of
the Montana Supreme Court recalled TO make
additions to his testimony. He said, among
other things, that he and Justice Hunt had con-
suited TO the wisdom Of a criminal proceeding
against Dr. Tracey account Of his advances
toward Mr.. Hunt in connection with the Welcome
disbarment case. Their consultation had been more
matter of speculation than anything else and
both seemed agree that the situation did call
for such action, they thought Dr.. Tracey was
more sinned against than SHINING.
Justice Pggott also added the portion of his
testimony concerning Justice Hunts statement OF
his interview with DR.. Tracey. saying that he had
been impressed with Mr. Hunts statement that
there "a party here" he said that in
Helena, coming from Butte was always referred
70 coming over" and therefore the express
sion seemed 70 connect itself with the presence in
Helena of the special train party from Butte This
opinion had been expressed IN conversation with
Attorney-General Nolan Justice Piggott also
wished TO modify his opinion concerning the
tives Of Mr.. Corbett in coming MIN Au-
gust last saying that his mind not yet clear
o that point-that had belief the subject
STATEMENT OF THE CHIEF JUSTICE.
While Justice Piggott was testifying Mr. Clark
came into the Justice Piggott followed
by Chief Justice Theodore BrantIey. also of the
last member OF that body be examined II this
case. He said that on August s. when Justice Hunt
had his interview with DR.. Tracey and Justice
Piggott his interview with Mr Corbett. he was
the Pacific Coast. He had first heard Of the
Hunt-Tracey interview on his return in the latter
part OF August. Justice Hunt had then made a full
statement him. and had consulted with him and
with Justice Ptggott the wisdom OF proceed
ing against DR.. Tracey They had advised against
such a
Chief Justice BrantIey related an interview with
the Rev. DR. A. B. Martin, principal OF the College
Of Montana, a Presbyterian institution at Deer
Lodge The Chief Justice is a member CT the
Board OF Trustees Of this institution and Senator
Clark is it's president. The witness said DR.. Martin
came his Office and, requesting Interview,
showed him a letter signed bv Senator Clark, one
sentence of which follows:
See Justice Brautley and ask him not to allow
that good man Welcome TO be disbarTed.
After reading the letter. Justice Brantley said he
handed il back, saying he only member
of the court and could control its action. and
would not II he could He also assured DR. Martin
that there prejudice in the court against
Mr Welcome, and that he would have 4 fair trtal.
The Chief Justice said that ne the
letter shown him by DIT. Martin was In Senator
Clark's handwriting. The interview occurred in
his office Helena the latter part Of October last
Senator Chandler announced that DR.. Martin had
been sent for and that Dr.. Tracey was now
his way 10 Washington Mr Faulkner then asked
for decision TO whether Ben" FaIk was to
be allowed testify concerning Whttesides alleged
effort 10 bribe him. This raised the question
how many witnesses should be called for impeach-
raent purposes Mr.. Faulkner said he desired only
to irnpeach the testimony of three Witnesses
Whiresfde Clark OF Madison County. and Jackson,
Of Salt Lake City. Nj Campbell said he would not
call any impeachment witnesses providing the
Whireside episode not gone into. decision
on the question again deferred, and Senator
Clark was called 10 the stand
SENATOR CLARK TAKES THE STAND.
Mr.. Clark's appearance caused ripple of in
terest throughout the room After being sworn
the Senator took his quietly, and Mr.. Faux
ner Immediately began mis- questions. the first OF
which brought the facts concerning Nj Clark's
career political and otherwise. in Montana
Ha said he had lived IN Montana since 1853. most
of the time In Butte. and had been engaged in
many occ Ipattons. the principal Of which were
mercantile business banking. mining and the re-
duction of He said ne had taken an active
~ IN noIittcs especially for the last fifteen years
Coming 70 the campaign Of 1896, he said ne en-
tered II the solicitation Of a number OF friends
who had asked TO help them organize the
State against what called the DAILY power,
which I agreed 10 do with their aid ana assist
ance."
He then referred to the preliminary meeting OF
his friends the particulars-of which were toio oy
Ex-Governor Hauser. IN which he made the agree
unent related by agreeing 10 pay all the ex-
uenses II the others would do the organizing and
perform the work necessary in the campaign
Speaking further OF the motives actlating MIN
IN entering into this campaign. which was for a
few Of the State officers and for members OF the
Legislature, ne said he had sent out some friends
70 feel the pulse Of the State He also SAID that
Democratic politics IN the State had been running
wild for some years. The Democrats mad been
fusing with PopuIists and Silver Repubhcans, and
he was opposed 10 such a course because II re-
suited in the nomination OF men VINO were not
Democrats The object was so 10 organize as 10
break down the 'one man power In the state
After ascertaining these facts. the Senator said.
he very reluctantly agreed 10 the Proposiuon OF
81. friends and promised TO assist financially. fur
OF third page.
ONLY LINE ONE NIGHT OUT TO