The age-herald., 1902-04-08
Investigation of the Danish Is-
 land Scandal is Continued
MIR. HAY SUBMITS LETTERS
To the Danish Minister That Claims of Any Kind Whatever By Private Persons for Compensation
 Should Not Be Honored.

Washington April 7.-Senator Depew, New York appeared today before the special House committee Investigating charges of the Danish West Indies nego- tiation He expressed astonishment as having seen his name in the Christmas report He did not know Christmas and had never seen him, as far as he was aware although he met thousands of peo- pie, but could not say whom he had seen. But as to this Danish island question he had not any discussion the subject with anyone.
 W. c. Knox of New York whose name was mentioned in the Christmas report, told of meeting Christmas, whom he said he consented to assist and a contract was submitted to the committee by the terms of which Knox was to assist in any proper manner in bringing about the transfer, Knox to receive $15,000 in case of sale and $350 per month. As to that transaction which had been referred to- Knox said he gave Christmas his check for $5 which was endorsed by Hinsen, and he produced the check. The witness said he never bribed anyone and nothing of the kind was ever contemplated; he never received any money from Christi mas.
 Denies Christmas Story.
 In response to questions from that com mittee, MT. Knox specifically denied that he had introduced Christmas to W. J. Bryan or that he had claimed to Christ mas that he was an intimate friend of Senator Hanna.
 Senator Bacon, Georgia, told of two cas- ual conversations with Christmas. As to the latters statement that MT. Bacon too great interest in the purchase of the Danish islands the Senator declared it was absolutely untrue, as he did not be- lieve in the acquisition of the islands and considered 1t unfortunate that the United States was in position where it seem ed necessary to take them
 Chairman Dalzell presented the follow ing letter from Secretary Hay on the sub ject:
 Secretary Hays Letter ''To the Hon. John Dalzell, Chairman Se- lect Committee:
 'I have received your letter of March S. and in reply beg leave to say:
 "In he early part of December 1899, Captain Christmas called upon me at the department and informed me through pri- vate and personal sources in Copenhagen he had become aware that there was a disposition among some of the leading members of the Danish government to re- SdrQ 1aVOraDly an overture from the gov ernment of the United States looking to the acquisition of the Danish islands. He said he had been a naval officer, and spoke at some length in regard to the de- sirability of the island of St John as a naval station of the United States. At my suggestion he conveyed what further technical information he had on this sub ject to Admiral Bradford of the Navy Department. Although he presented no credentials whatever and expressly de- clared he had no official character, l thought his story was of sufficient inter est to be worth investigation. l told him I would send a confidential and trusted agent of this government to Copenhagen to ascertain unoffcially the true state of affairs, and mentioned to him the name of Henry White. first secretary of the embassy at London. Captain Christmas said he would like to be in Copenhagen when MT. White arrived and bring him in communication with the members of the government whom he had mentioned I gave him a note of introduction to MT White and they met in Copenhagen where Captain Christmas had arranged for an interview between MT. White and a member of the Danish government. Mir Christmas was not present at this inter- view, and his connection with the latter ceased entirely at that time. He after ward returned to Washington and l saw him once or twice, but told him there was no need of the services of any private per son in any negotiation which might be taken up between the two governments fin regard to the acquisition of the islands I enclose a copy of a letter which l gave to the Danish minister in Washington at the time of the recent treaty and also copy of letter which l have received from the Danish minister. MT Brun, dated March 3l. 1902.
 "Very sincerely yours,
 JOHN HAY"
 Letter to MT. Brun.
 Tn A letter to MT Brun of Denmark enclosed Mir Hay refers to the signing of the convention of sessions and adds:
 .eThe government of the, United States is in no manner under obligation to the good offices of private parties in reaching the agreement now happily brought about between the United States and Denmark and does not admit for it's part or support fin anyway any such claim against Dem mark for commission. compensation or re- muneration of whatever nature which might be made by private parties for al- legged services in connection with the cession of the island in question to the United States.v
 A letter from Mir. Brun states that Captain Christmas had no authorization whatever to enter into negotiations in the name of the Danish government. nor to make any promises in the name of the
 
 government in connection herewith
 Mir Brun says he gave Captain Christ mas no authority of introductions but refused his requests in this connection.
 Wants MT. Hay In Person.
 Representative Richardson said he thought MT. Hay should come before the com mittee and should produce any let ters he had any connection with Christ was going to Copenhagen.
 nal1 at hQt orxy Hay was ready to appear at any time his presence was desired.
 The chairman rather emphatically dis sented from Richardsons suggestion that as the secretary had used this man. there should be a more detailed explana- tion of any communication sent to him. No arrangements were made as to Mir. Hays appearing but 1t was understood he would be heard later.
 Isaac N. Seligman of the firm of J. and w. Seligman, bankers. at New York, told