The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-05-15
May COME BACK.
Clark Has a Chance to Return
to the Senate.

Washington. May 15.-There is yet
some doubt as to what will be done
with the resolution of the committee on
privileges and elections in the Clark
case. This committee will hold a meet
ing to consider form of procedure.
Some of the senators think the senate
should take action on the resolutions,
but others say the resignation leaves
the seat vacant and no action is neces-
sary.
1t is said a peculiar condition exists
in Montana. The governor, an anti
Clark man, is in California, and Lieut..
Governor Spriggs, friend of Mr..
Clark, is acting. It is said by some of
the Montana men that Spriggs may
make an appointment.
CLARK'S LETTER.
Washington, May Ex-senator Clark
announced his resignation today, as
follows:
Acting upon my own Judgment and
holding no one responsible for the re-
suit, have concluded to place my res
ignation in the hands of the chief ex-
ecutive of Montana, and I herewith sub
init a copy of a letter addressed to him
under date of May IL, and which is now
in his hands,"
The letter follows:
Washington, d. c., May IL, 1900.
Montana, Helena, Montana:
Dear Sir:-The sixth legislative assem-
bly, on the Sth day of January, 1899,
elected me to represent the state of
Montana in the senate of United States
for the term commencing on the 4th day
of March, 1892 Under the authority of
the credentials signed by the govern
ment of Montana 1 entered upon the dis
charge 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 4th 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 a
senator under the credentials which GER
titled to my election should be investi-
| gated.
These memorials with the accom-
! panying papers were referred to a
| standing committee of that body. After
/ a protracted investigation Of the ale
! cations of said memOrialiStS the COM
| mittee has submitted it's conclusions tC
! the senate in which it finds that the seat
which 1 now occupy under the creden-
tials issued by authority of the vote
| taken in the joint assembly of the legis-
/ lature on the 28th day of January, 1893
/ should be declared vacant.
None of the charges affecting my per
| sonal honor, which alleged that I hao
been personally guilty of corrupt prac
tees, have been sustained by the finding
| of the committee.
| conduct and after a critical examination
| of all the evidence taken by the commit
tee; convinced that those friends who
| were so loyal to me during that bitter
contest did not resort to dishonorable Of
| corrupt means to influence the action Of
the members of the legislature in thei
choice of a senator: yet am unwilling t
continue to occupy seat in the senate
of the United States under credential:
which its committee has declared rest.
for their authority upon the action Of {
legislature which was not free and volun
tary in its choice of a senator
| Self respect and due regard for tn
opinion OF my associates, and a sense o
| duty to the people of the state of Mon
tana. demand that 1 should return tn
credentials under which I am acting a
one of the representatives in the Unitet
states senate, leaving the state and he
people to take such action will con
serve and promote her best interests il
the national council. Influenced by thes
consideration, I deem 1t eminently proper
position of United States senator from tn
state of Montana to which | was chOsei
by the sixth legislative assembly OF Mon
tana on the 2Sth day of January, 1889.
with sentiments of esteem remain
respectfully yours,
(Signed) w A.>CLARK-''
Addressing the president OF the senat
Mr.. Clark said:
Mr.. President, I desire in retiring frOr
the senate to state that here have form
ed some warm friends whom l regret
leave. have received from the honor
able presiding officer the most courteou
attention. 1 am deeply sensible of tn
generous sympathy and support OF almos
, all OF my Democratic colleagues, and 70
the cordial good wishes of a great nun
Der of Republican friends, 1 wish to eS
press my profound gratitude"
4, /