The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-04-08
DEPEW NOT
 INTERESTED Knows Nothing of the Christmas Charges. HAS NEVER MET THE MAN Secretary Hay Tells His Side
 of the Case. Says He Told Christmas That the Services of an Outsider Were Not Needed to Complete
 the Transaction.
HAS NEVER MET THE MAN

Washington, April 7.-Senator Depew of New York. today appeared before tht special committee in connection with the showed astonishment at having his name connected with this matter. He said he never heard of Christmas. so far as he was aware. but he had met thou sands of people and could not say whom he had seen. As to this Danish island question. he had not had discussion with anyone on the subject.
 c. w. Knox of Maryland, 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 mannef in bringing about the transfer. Knox to receive sl5,0o0 in case of sale and s35o per month As to a s5 transaction which had been referred to. Knox said he gave Christmas his check for 5 which was endorsed by Nansen. and he produced the check. The witness said he never bribed any one and nothing of the kind was ever con- tcmplated. He never received any money from Christmas.
 In response to questions from the com mitteemen, Mir. Knox denied that he had introduced Christmas to W. J. Bryan, or that he had claimed to Christmas that he was an intimate friend of Senator Hanna.
 Senator Bacon of Georgia, told of two casual conversations with Christmas AS to the latter's statement that MT. Bacor took the greatest interest in the purchase of the Danish island, the Senator declared 1t was absolutely untrue as he did no believe in the acquisition of the island, and considered 1t unfortunate that thu United States was in position where 1 seemed necessary to take them.
 Chairman Dalzell presented the follow ing letter from Secretary Hay on the sub ject:
 "To the Hon. John Dalzeli. chairman select committed: 1 have received your latter of the 31st of March and in reply beg leave to say:
 Tn the early part of December, 1899 Captain Christmas called on me at this department and informed me that through private and personal sources in Copenhagen, he had become aware that there was a disposition among some of the leading members of the Danish Gov ernment to regard favorable an offer from the United States Government lool<- ing to the acquisition of the Danish West Indies islands. He said he spoke at some length with an official in regard to this matter. At my suggestion, he conveyed what further technical information he had on this subject to Admiral Bradford of the Navy Department. Although he presented no credentials whatever and expressly declared he had no official character, I thought his story was of sufficient interest to he worth investiga- tion. told him I would scfid con fidential and trusted agent of this gov ernment to Copenhagen to ascertain un- officially 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 into communication with the members of the government whom he had mentioned.
 'I gave him a note of introduction to Mir White and they met in Copenhagen Captain Christmas had arranged for an interview between MT. White and a mem Der of the Danish Government. MT 1ITtStnldS WdA iOL pItStilb dl iulS luitT- view and his connection with the latter ceased entirely at that time. He after. ward returned to Washington and I saw him once or twice. but told him there was no need for services of any private person in any negotiation which might bC taken up between the two Governments in regard to the acquisition of the islands enclose q copy of letter which [ gave to the Danish minister in Washington at the time of the signing of the recent treaty and also a copy of q letter which have received from the Danish minister, Mir. Brun. dated the 31st of March, 1902.
 Very truly yours.
 John Hay"
 in letter to MT. Brun of Denmark, enclosed. MT. Hay refers to the signing of Ahe convention of cession and adds:
 "The 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 can not admit for it's part or support in any way'any such claim against Den mark for commission. compensation or remuneration of whatever nature which might be made by private parties for al- legged services in connection with the isl- ands in question to the United States"
 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.
 MT Brun also says he gave Captain Christmas no authority of introductions, but refused his requests in this connec- tion.
 Representative Richardson said he thought Mir Hay should come before the committee and should produce any letters he had in connection with Christmas go- ing to Copenhagen.
 Chairman Dalzell stated that Secretary Hay was ready to appear at any time his presence was desired The chairman rather emphatlcally d+ssented from Mir. Richardson's suggestion that as the Sec retary had used this man? there should be a more detailed explanation of any communications sent to him. No arrange meut was made as to Mir. Hays appear ance. but it was understood he would be heard later.
 Isaac N. Selgman of the firm of J. and N.- ha al Nau Xnrk told