The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-01-20
MR.. GROSVENOR'S DENIAL.
He Did Not Use the Exact Language
Charged by MIR. Lentx.


The House Committee on Postoffices and
Postroads yesterday resumed considera-
ton of the Lentz resolution calling for
an investigation of the charges made In
the public press and by Representative
elect Roberts Of Utah that the President
appointed polygamists TO Office in Utah,
viz: John c. Graham. postmaster at
Provo City, and orson Smith at Logan.
The committee met at 10 o'clock, but there
was a delay of half an hour. Mr. Lentz
was not present at the examination of
Mr.. Grosvenor, but came in later. Chair
man Loud read TO Mr.. Grosvenor the
statement made by Mr.. Lentz at the last
meeting In his statement Mr. Lentz said
Mr.. Grosvenor said TO him that the Re
pubiicans were not fools enough to let
any grass grow under their feet after he,
Lentz, had made his charges.
Mr. Grosvenor said he met Mr.. Lent on
train on the 18th of last December. He
had q conversation with him which he
considered private. He bad no idea 1t
would be reported. He said he told Mr..
Lentz the investigation would fail as there
was nothing in IT, Mr.. Grosvenor virtually
admitted the conversation reported by Mr.
Lentz. but was certain he never used the
language, I'VE would not be such fools as
TO let the grass grow under our feet
Postmaster General Smith followed Cen
eral Grosyeuor. He said that in regard 10
Mr.. Graham no charges had been made
whatever, and the department had no sus-
nj f he. fe-F
when an enquiry was made.
a letter to the President by Rev. Y. Z.
Clemenson, charging 0rson Smith with
polygamy and being In open violation Of
the law, had been received about Novem-
Der go 1897 after Smiths nomination was
sent 10 the Senate before the confirmation
There was some lively questioning as 10
why the department did not take notice OF
the letter, and Mr. Smith said that when
the appointments were made the papers
in the case we're filed away, and it
often happened that letters we're received
and filed without attention being paid 10
them. Letters concerning appointments
already made received less attention than
letters concerning candidates. When the
department made an appointment the case
was closed.
Representative Lentz was then called
and General Grosyenor's statement, which
he had not heard, was read to him. Rep
resentative Loud read the statement made
by Mr.. Lentz last Tuesday. and Mr.. Lentz
again stated that Mr.. Grosyenor told him
there were no papers on file in the case
You don't suppose We are such fools
as TO let the grass grow under our feet"
etc. said Mr.. Lentz. quoting General
GrosvenoT.
Mr.. Lentz said Mr. Grosyenor told him
there were no papers now on file.
General Grosvenor said that in his con-
versation with Mr.. Lentz he spoke OF
the subject in general way and without
investigation, and had no intention Of con-
veying the impression that he had already
made an investigation. At this point Mr.
Lentz interrupted by saying that General
Grosvenor had said. John. ! know you
don't love me, but ] know you respect
my intelligence, you don't suppose We
would let the grass grow under our feet
in case like this, do you?'
After a brisk exchange of more or less
complimentary remarks between Mr. Lent
and General Grosyenor, they withdrew,
smiling.
Fourth Assistant Postmaster General
Bristow, the next witness. was asked If IT
were possible communication to the
President could pass through the hands OF
the Postmaster General the Fourth As
siytant Postmaster General his private
clerk, etc, without anyone except the
clerks who briefed the letter on the packet
of the case knowing Of the contents of the
letter. MIR Bristow thought 1t was posi-
BILE He said neither the President, Post
master General, nor himself had any
knowledge of charges Of polygamy against
Mr. Smith before the nomination nor be-
fore its confirmation. II such letters had
been received, the clerk who handled them
had failed to call the attention Of the chief
OF the bureau 10 the letters.
General Bristow was requested TO APP
pear at 10 o'clock ON Tuesday next and
bring with him the papers in the case and
all the clerks who handled the letter in the |
Postoiiice Department
Representative Swanson wanted the |
course Of the letter traced through the |
White House, but this was not thought adj |
visable. The committee then adjourned |
until 10 o'clock next Tuesday.