The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1902-03-27
WILL INVESTIGATE
DANISH ISLAND SALE

the retort. but that is not the only way
in which TO get a report Captain Christ
mas makes grave charges. and they ought
to be investigated. I disc!aim, in this
connection. all intention of sparring for
any political advantage in this matter"
Speaker Henderson said that Congress
had no jurisdiction to investigate charges
against American newspapers and he
questioned the right of the House to in
vesugate when members Of the House
were not specified in the resolution. Mr.
Richardson accordingly amended his reso-
luton so as to include members Of the
House
The Speaker thereupon overruled Nr.
Payne's point Of order.
How Reports Were Obtained
Continuing, Mr.. Richardson read an
affidavit by Niels Gron. a former citizen
Of Denmark, in which he stated that he
had seen the secret and confidential re
ports made by Christmas 10 his Govern
ment. and the statements published in
Copenhagen paIers. and setting forth the
charge that Christmas had been obliged
TO use large sums of money to subsidize
two press associations and members OF
the American Congress.
Mr. Gron's affidavit stated that Christ
mas had declared the truth Of the state
ments over his signature, and that the
printed reports we're correct
Mr.. Richardson then read translaticns
from a number Of Danish papers com
menting on the sale Of the Danish islands
and the report Of Christmas. as well as
his agreement with the Ministry that he
was to receive 10 per cent Of the purchase
/ price OF the islands.
Alleged Bnbes on Credit.
One Of the papers made the statement
that Christmas had bribed American leg
isIatorz on credit. the understanding be-
ing that he was to receive S5OO.OCO when
the sale was consummatcd with which to
pay them for aiding in bringing about the
purchase
Another paper said that Christmas had
carried on his negotiations with members
Of Congress through Mr.. c. ". Knott. an
intimate friend OF Senator Hanna" and
"R. P. Eddy, an attorney Of the city, a
friend Of Congressman Gardner"
Secretary of Embassy.
Continuing. Mr Richardson told Of Sec
retary OF Embassy Whites visit from
London to Copenhagen to further the sale
and that he was the guest OF Christmas
there.
Mr- Richardson then read extracts from
tbs translation Of Captain Christmas re-
port TO the Danish Government
Refers to AbneT Mckinley.
In these excerpts it was set forth by
Captain Christmas that he had made the
acquaintance Of the Presidents brother.
Abner Mckinley, and his partner, Mr..
Brown, who are gentlemen much respect
I ed, he says, and in position TO have in
/ fuence with business men and statesmen.
The report Of Christmas says further
that Abner Mckinley and Mr.. Brown had
entree to the White House. and knew
all about the affairs OF Congress. and are
well informed as to what members oi
/ Congress must be paid to accomplish re-
suits"
Dined Congressmen at Raleigh.
He also says that he had to promise a
/ certain sum to Messrs. Mckinley and
Brown, and 70 pay a large sum to two
I press associations. one in New York, and
. one in Washington. and that he had a
guarantee OF these amounts promised
from J. & ". seIigman, bankers. in New
York City.
Further his report says that he dined
/ Congressmen at the Hotel Raleigh to
further the purchase Of the islands and to
! give them the assurance that they
should have a share Of the commission
for the sale"