Milford chronicle., 1901-03-01

vote for a Regular Republican, in
event of a Republican, Democratic
deal on the senatorships. Rep I
Layton, the accused, is
a young man from Bridgeville.
The case developed into a ques-
ton of veracity, with the word of
Hearn set against /
that of Representative Layton. who /
denied absolutely that he made an
offer to bride, or intimated that he
could get the money, Represen-
tative Layton characterized Mr..
Hearns announcement as "a lie,
and he further said that Represent
tative Hearn's actions OH a Del
aware railroad train, when the al
legged attempt at bribery was made
were such that he and another pas
senger were Of the opinion that
Mr.. Hearn was intoxicated.
Testimony of other witnesses
was adduced to show that Repre-
sentative Hearn had said that no
member or the House had APP
preached him with monetary in
ducements to absent himself.
Representative Hearn admitted
that he had said no member of the
House had tried to influence him,
but he explained that he was
prompted by the motive of shield
ing Mr. Layton, with whom he is
very &iendly, and because their
families are on most cordial terms.
Mr.. Hearn admitted; in reply to
questions in examination, that he
had informed Mrs. John M. Ford
and Miss Carrie Ford of Dover
that Representative Layton would
not be guilty of such a thing" as
the alleged attempted to bride him.
The hearing was held i'll the Hall
of Representatives,
! Representative Hearn was rep
resented by Alexander M. Daily
and John B. Hutton both of Dover
Henry Ridgely, Jr., of Dover, who
had been associated with Mr.. DAILY
withdrew as counsel and Mr.. DAILY
so informed the committee. PHILIP
Q. Churchman was present as lega
adviser to the investigating com
mittee. Walter H. Hayes anc
/ Joseph H. Caha,l also were in at
tendance, and after Representative
Layton had been accused, anuounc
ed that they would represent him
Members of the investigating
committee are Representative,
Chauncey P. Holcomb, chairman
/ Representative Thomas c Moore
/ Representative Theodore F. Clark
| Representative Samuel H. BaynarC
and Representative James 7. Shal
cross. After the committee haC
convened at 1920 o'clock anC
Representative Holcomb had rap
ped tor order, Mr.. Baynard read tn,
resolution under which the inves
tigatiOn was to be conducted.
PROCEEDINGS BEGIN.
Chairman Holcomb announced tina
the committee had stenographer pres
ent, and he was sworn in. The stenog
rapher was Joseph Gilbert, and his note
were consulted frequently during tn
hearing.
Representative Moore suggested tha
Sergeant-at-Arms Spanish be empowere
to summon witnesses, which was agree
to. Chairman Holcomb asked the com
mittee their pleasure about the proceed
ings. Representative Clark said h
thought The proper course would be /
summon Representative Hearn and hea
his statement. Chairman Holcomb arcs
and called loudly the name of Mr.. Hearr
but there was no response. Sergean
alarms Spanish was instructed TO sun
mon Representative Hearn at 1912
O'Clock. Mr.. Hearn and his counsel Ell
tered at 1885 o'clock and the hearin
was commenced Immediately.
Representative Hearn was asked t
take the stand, and he was sworn to te
the truth. He was slightly nervous an
, i'll at ease. Representative Holcomb r,
minded him thar at the previous meetiu
. he had requested until Tuesday mornin
to make his statement. He was iustru,
f ted to speak slowly and distinctly. H
;. said
' "On February IS I went to Wilnlin,
: ton to attend the ball, y he said. "WbiI
= on the way was approached by a ge,
5 tleman in the car. HE said, DO vo
4 know we are going to elect Mr.. Addicks
} l said, suppose So He said we are g,
ing to elect Mr.. Addicks and tweutv-si
r votes will elect on Thursday. He sal
there would be $500 or s., 900 in it fC
me if l would remain away from the Sc
sion on Thursday. He offered to call i
third party. I said. You can 90 to he
with your third party aud your none,
you cant approach me on any such sui
ject."
"Who was the man ?'' asked Mr.. Dial,
''R. Reese Layton, replied Represel
tative Hearn. There was a buzz of e,
citement throughout the room but til
announcement did not create consider.
/ bic surprise, for Mr.. Layton's name ha
E been carried about in rumOrs as havin
been connected by Mr.. Hearn in the al
legged offer to bride.
"a member of the Legislature p cor
!. tinued Mr. Daily.
:. Eyes, said Mr.. Hearn.
: vas there any conversation p
On rSesday afternoon the Democrat
members had a conference, and after