The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-03-28
Leads Carolina Dailies nNeWs and Circulation


in Washington, who represented Mr..
Gardner and his friends in the House.
| These took an active part in the per-
sonal agitation, since they talked with
| large number of members of Congress
and agitated for the purchase Of the is
| lands. l had contracts with them both,
according to which they and through them
certain members of Congress should have
share of the commission if the sale
| took place; but the two gentlemen's agi-
tation, expenses, etc, bills in restaurants
and hotels, / had to pay. The two press
associations, Abner Mckinley and Brown,
Evans, Knox and others, had promised
that their contracts SHOULD be guaranteed
by the House of Seligman. To this the
banking house had agreed, as it should in
one way or another have to be recognized
by the Danish Government"
Mr. Richardson said he did not charge
that any Senator or member of Congress
had been bribed He had simply pre-
sented the allegations of this agent that
money had to be used for bribing Con-
gressmen. The charges had been published
in this country and abroad he said. Civ
ing the impression that conditions in the
United States were simply horrible" lie
therefore proposed this inquiry, so that
each member could disclaim the charges
so far as it affected him. Mr.. Richard
son said there was one objectionable fea-
ture to The affair, in that the State De-
partment must have known of the publ-
cation of these charges prior to the rati-
fcation of the Danish treaty
Mr.. Cannon Qlls.), made the first re-
jonder of any length.
He pressed Mr.. Richardson to know
whether the report gave the name of a
member or members of the House said
to have been bribed and they engaged
in a very sharp clash. Mr. Cannon was
plainly laborng under considerable ex-
citement
Mr.. Richardson insited that the report
did charge members OF the House and
Senate.
Il have mentioned several of the
names" said he, 81 will repeat them if
need be-"
'It seems to me- said Mr. Cannon.
breaking in, that it would be wise to
make this investigation, if it is worthy
of investigation after the members of the
House have had an opportunity to exam
inc the documents which the gentleman
from tennessee has read.
Il do not believe that there is a man
in the House who wants to investigate
the mere statement of an acknowledged
thief
Mr. Cannon moved to postpone consid-
GRAFTON of the resolution until tomor-
row.
Mr.. Underwood (Ala), declared that
the honor of the country was at stake
in this matter. 1t mattered not, he said
whether Christmas was thief or knave.
He had made the charges. They should
be thoroughly investigated.
Mr.. Cannon declared that he had never
heard of this man Christmas until today;
he had no knowledge or information con-.
corning him, but according to his own
belief, he was a briber and worse.
But he was accredited by the Secretary
Of State, interposed MIR. Richardson
land instructed to go to our minister in
London"
THE gentleman artfully says the Sec
retary of State made this man his agent"
cried Mr.. Cannon, Indignantly. Il know
nothing about it. If anything ought to
be investigated 1 am for an investga-
tion"
But these charges were printed in
Denmark ard were known here from jan
uary % to ebruary H." interposed Mr.
Richardson. Does the gentleman not
think the Secretary of State should have
called the attention of the Senate to
charges that $1,000 was being spent to
bring about a successful termination of
the negotiatiOns?"
81 do not know anything about it, re-
sponded Mr.. Cannon. warmly, "and until
do 1 will say nothing that would dis
honor any one
II am not seeking to dishonor any one.
/ am seeking to prevent dishonor," replied
Mr.. Richardson.
The speaker then put the question on
Mr. Cannon's motion to postpone. The
Republicans generally voted for the mo-
tion. but such a stentorian chorus of noes
came from the Democratic side that the
speaker announced "the noes seem to have
it."
Mr. Cannon did not ask for division
and the speaker declared the motion
lost.
The resolutions were then perfected by
the insertion of sit is alleged before all
assertions of fact. At the suggestion Of
Mr. Lacey Gowa), the reference in the
resolution to newspapers was changed to
read newspapers or press associations.
With these changes the resolutions were
put TO a vote and were carried without a
dissenting voice.