New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-01-18
CLARK INQUIRY RESUMED.
A WITNESS VOLUNTEERS MORE INFOR-
NATION THAN HE WAS
ASKED TO GIVE

Washington Jan. T7.-Wiluam ]. Cook and VIII
lam F. Rector We're before the Senate Committee
Privileges and Elections in the Clark invest-
cation to-day. Mr.. Cook Is an official OF the
Thomas Cruise Savings Bank OF Helena, and his
testimony related solely TO the deposit OF money
in the bank by persons who were regarded as
representatives OF Mr. Clark IN his contest for the
Senate. Mr.. Rector proved to be somewhat ire
pressible witness volunteering more information
than he asked FOR. He thus brought the
Lewis and Clark County Grand Jury investigation
into the committee inquiry, contrary TO the in
tentions Of the committee. which ere not TO take
1t up at all. The intrusion Of The matter caused
the defence to raise the point 10 whether the
charges IN connection with the Grand Jury should
be gone into, considered, and the committee ad-
journed until Friday without deciding IT, To take
up that phase of the question would materially
extend the inquiry.
Mr.. Rector testified that he had secured rooms
in Helena to be used in the Senatorial contest at
the instance Of A J. Steele, getting three rooms
in the Power Block, which met Mr. Steele's re-
quirenents of a vault and a number Of entrances
These rooms the witness described a trap
and said they were used for consultation with
members of the legislature He said that he had
seen several members in the room, and had heard
Messrs. Steele, Davidson end other supporters OF
Mr. Clark discuss WAYS and means OF securing
votes. He had seen sum Of money, which ne
thought $4,000. paid to OF the members
Referring cross-examination to bis relations
with Mr. Steele. the witness contended that the
latter was no especial friend OF his. The only
sign Of his friendship I received" he said,
was that after he had bought the Grand Jury he
gave me $50 watch them"
Mr. Faulkner insisted that II this testimony
to stand he should have opportunity to refuts It
The committee took the matter under advisement
The witness gave the amounts which were,
cording TO his Information. paid the different
members Of The Grand Jury. During the cross
examination a sharp tilt occurred between ex-Sena-
tors Edmunds and Faulkner. Of counsel oppo-
site sides of the controversy,
Don't try to take care Of the witness" said the
West Virginia ex-senator.
I viii take care Of you II you don't keep within
the rules" responded the VermOnter.
Senator Chandler interfered this point and
the investigation proceeded.
Mr.. Rector said he was positive that a member
of the Legislature paid for his in the
presence OF the witness and put the money in his
pocket. He said this of a number
Of Republican members who not
Immediately for Clark-not until the button was
touched
Replying 10 Mr.. FaIlkner's efforts 70 show in
consistency between the statements made to-day
and those made in Montana. Mr.. Rector explained
by saying: I have made study OF u because
there money in II for me-
Are you certain OF that?' asked Mr. Faulkner.
Not dollar the reply.
The committee adjourned before Mr. Rector
finished his testimony.