The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-03-28
ALLEGED SCANDAL
SENSATION CREATED IN THE HOUSE
BY MIR. RICHARDSON.
Captain Christmas's Charges Re-
vamped by n Tennessee Democrat
of Book "Graft" Notoriety.
VAGUE CHARGES REPEATED
CoNGREssMEN AND OTHERS ACCUSED
OF ACCEPTING BRIDES.
Dane, Who Promoted the Sale of the
Danish West Indies, Said to Have
CorruptIy Used s50O,OOO.
INVESTIGATION TO BE MADE
COMMITTEE OF SEVEN APPOINTED
AFTER A LIVELY DEBATE.
Names of Abner Mckinley, Colonel
Brown, G. NJ. Knox and others
Mentioned In the Report.
DEN0TINCEn RY MR. CANNON
Names Of Abner Mckinley, Colonel
Brown, c. vi. Knox and Others
Mentioned in the Report.
DENOUNCED BY MR.. CANNON
CAPTAIN CHRISTMAS CALLED A
sBRIBER AND WORSE"
Richardson Possibly Used by the Dam
fsh Faction which Is Oppos-
ing Sale of the Islands.
speciaI 10 the Indianapolis Journal.

Special TO the Indianapolis Journal.
WASHINGTON, March q. = James d.
Richardson, of Murfreesboro. the gentleman
from Tennessee, who some time ago in
creased his income in a book transaction,
which some people were mean enough TO
call scandal, and who is floor leader of
the Democratic minority in the House,
to-day created a sensation by revamping
charges made by Capt. Walter Christmas,
OF the Danish government The latter
alleged that congressman and others had
been bribed TO secure the purchase of the
Danish West Indies.
For a long time persistent efforts have
been made in Washington to secure the
publication OF the story that agents Of the
Danish government had arranged to bribe
officers and legislators of this government.
Morct than a week ago the story was ped
died Nround to the newspaper offices. Only
one pAter Of standing used any of the in
formation. 1t has been assumed by those
approached with the information that the
object was 20 secure defeat of the pro-
posal to annex the Danish islands in the
West Indies. The newspaper correspondents
refused TO have anything TO do with the
charges because they were most serious
and without any substantial support. The
report is much more serious than appears
in the legislative presentment. and it is
suspected that the lost page refers to
matters which are on their face so ridicu-
lous that those interested in the matter
were compelled to withhold it in order to
avoid making the others appear silly.
The American State Department has been
familiar with the scandal for some time.
In fact. il has been acquainted with the
details as developed. Nearly two years
ago "a plain Christmas brought to the at
tention OF the State Department in Wash
ington the fact that the time was oppor-
tune 10 resume negotiations for the sale
OF the islands to this country. Secretary
Hay instructed Henry White. secretary of
the British embassy. to go from London to
Copenhagen and make inquiries. Mr.
White is our crack diplomat. He went to
the Danish Foreign ONCE, either with Mr.
Christmas or some one designated by him.
He got a very cool reception on account
of his associate. From that time on the
American government has had no relations
with Christmas. Mr.. White ascertained
that the way was TO deal direct with the
Danish government. The negotiations have
had the progress which is generally known,
although there may be some features which
have not yet been made public. After they
mad progressed 10 certain point, claims
for percentage earnings began to be made
10 the Danish government. 1t will be very
difficult TO learn the exact status of these
claims.
1t is assumed here in Washington that
certain men having in mind the making Of
a little money out OF the Danish govern
ment made certain representations of work
these islands. 1t is manifestly impossible
10 find out whether the Danish government
countenanced the work Of so-calIed agents
Their actual experience with other govern
ments might lead them 10 suspect that il
was necessary. Even If this were so the
government could not admit any phase of
It. The fact that the government ignores
the whole thing and has no objection to
publicity leads TO the supposition that
there was never anything but the slightest
connection with these representatives.
II is very likely that a change Of minis
try in Denmark threw Christian out of his
brfbing Job. A very slight investigation on
the part OF a new foreign minister-and
\ there was a change about this time-wouId
have convinced the Danish government
that it was being bamboozled. Nels Gron
seems 10 De a sort OF nanny man on any
side OF question. In 1896 he had charge of
| a Scandinavian campaign for the Repub-
| licans in Minnesota. Since then he returned
| 10 his native country and has been taken
| UP by the anti-treaty faction TO secure the
defeat OF the annexation OF the islands II
IS assumed that the publication of this
story at this time will cause sufficient op-
! position q the apprOpria ton TO stop the
House from finding the money 10 carry out
the treaty.
| resentatiVe Richardson is being used by
the agent Of the anti-treaty faction I'm Den
mark The Democrats have nothing TO
| gain because ~ Is not expected that they
will seriously press the charges against the
Republicans.