Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1902-04-11
HAY EXPLAINS MATTERS.
The Secretary of State Tells of His
Connection with the Christi
mas Affair.

washington, April S.-Cnalrman
Dalzell Monday presented to the spe-
cial house committee appointed to
investigate the Christmas charges
regarding the alleged bribery in con-
nection with the sale of the Danish
West Indies, the following letter
from Secretary Hay on the subject:
ITO Hon. John Balzell, Chairman Select
Committee, ETC.: l have received your
letter OF the 3lst of March, and in reply
beg leave to say:
''In the early part of December, 1899. Capt
Christmas called upon me at this depart
ment and Informed me that. through pri-
vate and personal sources In Copenhagen
he had becorle aware that there was dis
position among some of the leading men,
bers of the Danish government to regard
favorably an overture from the govern
ment OF the United States looking to the
acquisition of the Danish islands. He said
thss he had been a naval officer and spoke
~ some length In regard to the desirabllity
of the island of st. John as a naval sta
tion for the United States. At my sugges-
ton he conveyed what further technical
information he had on this subject to Ad-
miral Bradford, of the navy department..
Although he presented no credentials what
ever and expressly declared he had no off,
cial character, thought his story was OF
sufficient interest to be worth investigation.
I told him 1 would send n confidential and
trusted agent of this government to Copen-
hagen to ascertain unofficially the true
state of affairs and mentioned to him the
name of Henry White, first secretary of
embassy at London. Capt. Christmas said
he would like to be In Copenhagen when
MIR. White arrived and bring him into COM
munication with the members of the gov
ernment whom he had mentioned gave
him a note of Introduction to Mr.. White
and they met in Copenhagen, where Capt.
Christmas had arranged for an interview
between Mr.. White and member of the
Danish government. Mr.. Christmas was
not present at this Interview and his con-
nection with the latter ceased entirely at
that time. He afterward returned to
Washington and saw him once or twice,
but told him that there was no need for
services of any private person in any nego-
iation which might be taken UP between
the two governments In regard TO the ac-
quisition of the islands. ! enclose a copy
of letter which l gave to the Danish min
lister In Washington at the time of the sign
ing of the recent treaty and also copy OF
letter which / have received from the
Danish minister. Mr.. Brun, dated the 31st
day of March. 1902.
VERY sincerely yours,
John HAY"
In a letter to Minister Brun, OF
Denmark, inclosed, Mr.. Hay refers to
the signing of the convention of ces
sion and adds:
1.-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 cannot admit for its own part or sup
port In any way any such claim against
Denmark for commission compensation
or remuneration of whatever nature which
tnlV h. = I.. ,Ara, fnr oil.
| legged services in connection with the ces-
sion of the islands in question to the United
States"
A letter from Minister Brun state:
that "Capt. Christmas had no au
thorization whatever to enter into
negotiations in the name of the Dan
ish government, nor to make any
promises in the name of the govern
ment in connection Herewith"
Mr.. Brun also says he gave Capt
Christmas no authority of introduc
tions, but refused his requests in thii
connection.
Representative Richardson said h,
thought Mr.. Hay should come befor,
the committee and should produc,
any letters he had in connection will
Christmas going to Copenhagen.
Chairman Dalzell stated that Sec
retary Hay was ready to appear a
any time his presence was desired
The chairman rather emphaticall,
dissented from Mr.. Richardson's sug
gestion that as the secretary "hat
used this man." there should be
more detailed explanation of an,
communications sent to him. No ar
rangement was made as to Mr.. Hay
appearing, but it was understood h,
would be heard later.
Senator Depew, of New York, ap
peared before the committee, but hi
statement was brief. He eXpresse,
astonishment at having seen hi
name in the Christmas report. HI
did not know Christmas and neve
had seen him, as far as he wa
aware, although he met thousands o
people and could not say just VIII,
he had seen. But as to this Danisl
island question he had never had
discussion with anyone on the sub
ject.