The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-02-18
mr.. CLARK ON THE STAND
The Montana Senator Testifies in
His Own Behalf.
lie Refutes the Accusations OF His
Political q, ponents-FranLIy Tells
the Particulars OF His Election-He
Was DESTROYS of organizing the
Democratic Party.

Senator william A. Clark Of Montana
appeared as a witness before the Commit
tee on Privileges and Elections Of the
Serate-the committee which is conduct
ing the Montana Senatorial enquiry-yes-
terday. Although it has been known that
he would take the stand in his own de-
fence, yet his appearance as witness was
n surprise. The first information which
The members of the committee. the counsel
for the memorialists, and the public had
was the calling of his name by former
Senator Faulkner, when that gentleman
was directed by Senator Chandler, the
chairman of the committee. TO put on an
other witness. The session chamber was
gell filled with spectators a. the time but
the news that Senator Clark had been
called to the stand Travelled fast and soon
the committee room and those parts Of
the corridors into which il opens became
crowded With men and women eager to see
and hear the principal figure in one of the
most sensational and important election
cases which has come before Congress
The examination of Senator Clark was
begun at 1I:55 O'Clock: at L O'Clock recess
WAS taken until 2:l5; at go the committee
reconvened. and Senator Clark was still
upon the stand when an adjournment was
taken at 1870. Although Technically the
witness was under direct examination by
his counsel-in-chief. Mr.. Faulkner. yet, in
fact. during much of the time he was under
the closest cross-examination by members
OF the committee. notably by Senator Hoar
Senator Turley Senator Chandler. and
Senator McComas. While Representative
campbell, leading counsel for the memo
rialists. and his associates. former Senator
Edmunds, former Representative Hartman,
and A. a. Birney. former United States
District Attorney for tie District OF Co.
lumbia, are severe in their cross examina-
ton of witnesses for the defence, yet rarely
are they so searching in their questions as
are the members of the committee.
Senator Clark was examined with great
reference 10 detail on the subject of his
relations with DR.. Ector of Missoula,
Frederick Whiteside of Kalispell, Mark
Hewitt, John b. Welcome. Walter NJ.
Bickford, and others who have figured
conspicuously in the case
Senator Clark was an impressive wit
ness. There have appeared in the case
many good witnesses, that is. witnesses
who have spared skillfully. parried the
keen thrusts OF attorneys and members
of the committee, and who have avoided
shedding light where they might have
done SO, but il was not in this manner
that Senator Clark appeared to the spec
tators as good witness. He made no
attempt TO evade questions. no matter
how keen they were. He was frank and
gave information readily as to all his
acts and the motives for those acts. as
the committee desired He frequently d.
crossed from the question TO make ex-
plantations which would aid the committee
in obtaining information
Chief Justice Brantley and Justice Pig
OFT OF the Supreme Court OF Montana.
who appeared as Witnesses. concluded
their testimony, and at the close of |
sharp colioquy between Mr.. Faulkner and
Mr. Campbell as TO the prospective i'm
parchment Of certain witnesses, Mr.. |
Faulkner said:
senator Clark Called to ss,e stand. |
Senator Clark, take the stand"
suppressed exclamation broke from |
the spectators as the Senator from Mon
tana made his way to the chair used by
witnesses. When he had been sworn by /
Senator Chandler Mr.. Faulkner asked:
VIII you state your residence" The |
witness answered: Butte
How long have you resided in Monta-
na."
Since 1862"
How long in Butte"
'.Since 1873
what has been your business since you
went to Montana?"
Il have been in~various enterprises, prin-
cipally mining and banking
Have you taken an active part in poll |
tics?"
81 have for the last twenty years I
"What are your affiliations
Il am Democrat"
Have you had any connection with the
National Democratic organization"
Il was a member of the National Demo-
cratic Committee in 1885,
Have you aspired TO any political Of
fice?"
Il was nominated for Congress in 1855
against my wishes. ] was nominated as
United States Senator in 1898 by the DEM
ocratic caucus. but there was no election"
Then was your next active participa-
ton in politics in ls9S?''
Yes"
Senator Clark then told of how be was
solicited by his friends TO become a can
didate for United States Senator He as
the candidate in opposition to the DAILY
power. Senator Clark told of the confer
ence which has already been testified TO
by McDermott, Cooper, Nellie, and others.
The purpose OF this conference was to talk
over the probability of effecting IN Or
ganization throughout the State.
The Object of Organizing.
What was the special purpose of or.
ganizing on that OCCASION
The politics of Montana, so far as the
Democrats were concerned, had been a
little Wild. There had been a fusion with
PopulIsts and with silver Republicans ]
!
opposed 10 II. We believed that through
fusion Mr. DAILY had secured control Of
the State. A number of psople were nomi-
mated who were not Democrats-at least.
the Governor was a Populist, and he was
elected to Office Our object was 10 en-
desvor to organize the State in the in
terest of the Democratic party and TO
break down what was called the one man
power IN that State"
Ibid you agree at that time 10 help
the Organization on that line financially"
There was considerable discussion and
talk about contributions. ] did under
take TO assist them so far as the financial
part was concerned. provided they would
undertake the matter of organi-
cation. ] said that ] had not time 10 give
much attention TO that. and did agree |
finally to furnish funds 10 the extent they
might deem absolutely necessary in pru-
dent way
Was there any discussion at that time
as to your being a candidate for the United
States Senator"
1T was mentioned incidentally by former
Governor Hauser. and also by MIR. Neill"
when you said you would contribute,
anS1ETTFbe ,e If ,asg' to- !.