The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-01-15
CLARK'S enemies WEAK
What Careful Review of Last
Weeks Hearings VIII Show.
Considerable Doubtful Evidence OF
Montana Senator EngnEed in the
Alleged Questionable Transactions
The Promised Sensations Fail.

b thirteen WITNESSES btlJlt TIT
Committee on Privileges and Elections OF
the Senate in the Clark case last week
and it is said by those who have followed
the course Of the hearing that a great
many impressions have been produced or
members of the committee both for and
against Senator Clark, but that thus far
none OF the allegations set forth by the
memorialists has been proven. Much OF
the testimony against Senator Clark has
been of a questionable kind. The chief
witness against the present Senator ad-
mitted that he is an informer, and that
he is under Indictment for attempted
bribery. Another OF the witnesses prac-
tically admitted that he had committed
perjury in previous enquiry into the
bribery allegations, and several OF the
others testified that they sought for
bribes. Much of the testimony was dis
credited under cross-examination. Ii was
shown that practically every witness was
a DAILY man. This is important in The
light of the contention of the defence that
the opponents of Senator Clark have de-
clared their determination at all times and
under all circumstances, regardless OF the
party ties or the public interest to pre-
vent the political elevation of William A.
Clark
Mr. Faulkner hopes TO prove that II. II.
Carr was the only one of those charged at
the prior enquiries with having been cor
ruptly influenced, who at any time voted
for Senator Clark. 1t is the purpose OF
the defence TO cause the appearance before
the committee of every member OF the
Montana Legislature who voted for Sena-
tor Clark. A great many witnesses viii
also be examined in rebuttal to those
introduced by the memorialists.
The conduct Of this remarkable case by
former Senator Faulkner, OF West Nir-
ginia. shows that the investigation is to
be exhaustive. The line OF examination
so far has been to show the animus
actuating the witnesses, and in almost
every case it has been brought out on
cross-examination that the witness was
under some sort of obligation 10 MIR.
DAILY. the leader of the rival Montana
Democratic faction, or had long been
recognized as one OF his political lieu
tenants. In this manner Mr.. Faulkner
has offset much of the apparently will
ing testimony that has been given the
committee.
An examination OF the testimony so far
given shows that the sweeping charges
made in the memorial laid before the
Senate have not been sustained. That
document alleged that thirty-eight men,
bers of the legislature were purchased
to vote for Senator Clark at prices rang
ing from 81 600 TO 900 in each case.
The chief Witnesses for the prosecution,
thte men who say they exposed the al
legged acts of bribery. have been on the
stand and il looks as IL the most i'm
portant testimony would be given by
them. The leader Of the plan to expose
this alleged corruption. Fred Whiteside.
was on the stand -oany hours. and sub
jected to a most rigid cross-examination
by Senator Faulkner. He testified that
only four men had been bribed- to his
personal knowledge. Three OF these men
he admitted did not vote for Clark. He
also admitted that the one man whom
he charged with having received money
and who did vote for Clark, denounced the
witness on the floor of the Montana Cen
eraI Assembly as "a liar OF something
of that sort" This member thus charged
with having been bought has testified
before the Senate committee and denied
the statements of Whiteside.
The net results SO far, then. is the dis
covery OF one alleged corrupted voter, and
the testimony pointing to this has been
fmpeached The $4,000 with which these
four men were said to have been bribed,
was laid before the committee under dra-
matte circumstances by the State treas-
urer. but that official knew nothing as TO
where the money came from.
Henry B. Stiff, Speaker OF the Montana
House of Representatives. testified that he
had received two offers OF money. One
0a oaI hfG nm
that II Clark wanted his vote he could af-
ford to pay $4,000. and his negotiation
with one of Clark's friends on that subject.
Mr.. Stiff admitted he did not mention this
in the Montana investigations although
three of them were held. On cross-eE-
animation he also admitted that he was
one of Mr.. Dalys regular attorneys at a
stated annual salary. Mr.. Stiff also ad-
mitted in the appointment of the legisia-
tive committee 10 investigate the charge
OF bribery he had appointed men who were
known TO be unfriendly to Mr.. Clark.
The last three days Of the hearing de-
veloped little beyond cumulation of
hearsay testimony and reports" that
were current. but on Saturday two wit
nesses were discovered who endeavored to
fmplicate the Senator personally but their
stories were SO constructed that strong
impression OF doubt seems TO exist In the
minds of the committee and the spectators
who listened TO the evidence. This was
due to the improbability OF the admissions
alleged to have been made By Senator
Clark. which alleged admissions. former
Senator Faulkner declares, will be so re-
futed that not shred OF the two stories
viii be left. II has been apparent for some.
time that Mr.. Faulkner has been laying
the groundwork for proof that the $50. 600
surrendered in the legislature by White
side was In reality furnished by Mr.. DAILY
in an effort TO discredit Senator Clark.
The result of the eighth days testimony
has been disappointing in view OF the
startling developments that we're promised.
one man, according to the evidence, was
bribed, and that evidence was denied wit
nesses told OF men whom they had been
told were bribed; money, it was said. was
In evidence In the hands of certain men; no
evidence has been given TO show they were
the agents OF Senator Clark. The csc Of
money in the case OF men who did not vote
for Senator Clark. u is claimed. cannot he
used In attacking the integrity OF his ecat.
Similar charges were brought :gainst Spna-
tor Payne Of Ohio sorne years ago. but the
use Of money was meier traced to him: he
was held TO be not responsible for anything
his friends may have voiuntAr ly done and
the same rule Will without coLbt be applied
by the Senate committee II ;he considera-
tion OF bribery charges in the Clark case,
Whether well founded or not, me consensus
of opinion In the Senate appears TO b. that
the charges made by the memoriausts will
not be Droyen