Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1900-02-07
The Memorialists Closed the DI
rect Examination Last
Week
WRIGHT AND WATSON TESTIFY
Some Of the Witnesses for the De-
Tense Disgust the Grave and
Dignified Senator'S.

Washington Jan. 30.-At the after
noon session of the committee inves-
tigating the Clark cuse, ID. o. Becker,
clerk Of the Helena hotel, was called
to identify "A 800 bill with the ini-
tails ~. o. T." upon it. lie knew
nothing about them not having
placed them there, but suggested that
he might have deposited the bill and
the bank added the marks ms means
of knowing from whom it was re-
ceived.
Alex c. johnson, cashier Of the
American National bank, OF Helena,
testified regarding the sale Of $4,000
worth of stock In the Fergus County
bank, but only connected Hobson's
name with the purchase Indirectly.
G.. II. Fortman, treasurer of the
Jefferson club, OF Helena, identified u
letter received from Senator Clark In
which the latter had referred TO his
son, G.. W. Clark, and Welcome as
his representative in Helena, Mont.
Mr.. Fortman said that during the
sitting Of the legislature last winter
he had asked Clark for II contribu-
ton OF $500 with which To pay the
Indebtedness of the club and the lat
ter replied that he would refer the
request to his son or to Welcome, as
they had charge of all the expenses
In Helena.
Hon. j. IL. Geiger was the first
witness before the committee this
morning.
He was asked whether he had not
said in his speech accepting the nom
nation as the Republican candidate
for state senator that his vote could
not be purchased for n Democrat for
United States senator.
He replied that 1t was his intention
to convey the idea that he could not
be "handled." He had said that Il
he sold out he hoped that his con
stituents would take him out and
hang him. "And still feel that
way" he said. His financial condi
tion at the time of his nomination
he stated, was lust moderate"
Geiger hesitated somewhat whei
questioned regarding the money b,
deposited in the First National banl
at Kalispell during and since the sit
ting OF the legislature. He admitted
the transaction amounting to $3.50
and when questioned was asked al
to the source OF his revenue, frankly
stated having won In the neighbor
hood OF $4,000 at poker and faro.
"You were state senator at thu
time. Did you know 1t was a mis-
demeanor to play faro?"
"Well, ] was about as conscien
tious In that matter as some Othe
Montana officials"
As Geiger proceeded. his testi
mony became rather sensational.
when did you get the amour
you have not already accounted for
was asked the witness.
II cannot tell without uncoverin,
my private affairs"
do you decline to tell?'
81 do"
After consultation among tn
members Of the committee the ques
lion was repeated and an answe
demanded. After i've minutes paus
Geiger finally said he got the none,
!, In Helena. Chandler said:
snow, Mr.. Geiger, the committe
requires you to state from whor
, you got the money. Go ahead an
: tell what you know"
To this the response came quickly
81 found u package In my room col
tanning 81. 100. 1t was the time tina
the corporation bill 1872 was pending
III took the money and used 1t IN
never snid n word about It,"
Witness thought he knew who lei
the envelope In the room. bnt wa
not sure. He had intended To vo'
= for the bill anyway.