Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-04-10
DENIES
CHRISTMAS
CHARGE
OTHERS, TOO, BEFORE THE
COMMITTEE, KNOW NOTHING
OF THE BRIDES ALLEGED
WERE OFFERED.

WASHINGTON. April s.-senator De-
pew, Of New York, yesterday appeared be-
fore special committee in connection with
the Danish West Indies investigation.
He showed establishment at having his
name connected with this matter. lie
said he never heard of Christmas, so Tar
as he was aware. but he had met thou
sands of people and could not say whom
ne 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 prop
er manner in bringing about the transfer,
Knox TO receive $4,000 in case Of sale
and $3.50 per month. AS to a IS transac-
ton which had been referred to, Knox
said he gave Christmas his check for 20
which was endorsed by Hansen and ne
produced the check. The witness said he
never bribed any one and nothing OF the
kind was ever contemplated. He never
received any money from Christmas.
In response to questions from the COM
mitteemen. Mr. 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.
Senior Bacon. of Georgia. told of two
casual conversations with Christmas. AS
to the latters statement that Mr. Bacon
took the greatest interest in the purchase
of the Danish island, the senator declared
IL was absolutely untrue as he did not be-
lieve in the acquisition of the islands and
considered it unfortunate that the United
States was in position where 1T seemed
necessary to take them.
Fo11
ing letter from Secretary Hay on the sub
Jeet:
ITO the Hon. John Dalzell. chairman
select committee: l have received your
letter of the S1st of March and in reply beg
leave to say:
s"In 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 disposition among some of
the leading members of the Danish gov
eminent to regard favorably an offer
from the United States government look
ing to the acquisition of the Danish West
Indies island 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 pre-
sented no credentials whatever and ex-
pressly declared he had no official char
acter, I thought his story was of SUM-
Client interest to be worth investigation.
told him 1 would send a confidential and
trusted agent OF this government to CO.
penhagen to ascertain unofficially 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 Mr.. White arrived and
bring him into communication with the
members OF the government whom he had
mentioned.
81 gave him a note of Introduction to
| Mr. White and they met in Copenhagen
Captain Christmas had arranged for an
interview between Mr.. White and a mem
Der of the Danish government. Mr..
Christmas was not present at this inter-
view and his connection with the latter
ceased entirely at that time. He after
ward returned to Washington and saw
him once or twice. but told him there
was no need for services of any private
person in any negotiation which might be
taken up between the two governments
| in regard to the acquisition Of the islands.
| I enclose a copy of a letter which / gave
to the Danish minister In Washington at
the time Of the signing of the recent
treaty and also copy OF letter which
1 have received from the Danish minister
Mr.. Brun, dated the 31st of March, 1902
Very truly Yours.
JOHN HAY"
In a letter to Mr.. Burn of Denmark
enclosed. Mr.. Hay refers to the signing OF
the convention of cession and adds:
THE government of the United States
is I'm no manner under obligation to the
good offices Of private parties in reaching
the agreement now happily brought about
4 l. . -
/ and can not admit for its part or support
in any way any such claim against Den
/ mark for commission, compensation OF
| enumeration of whatever nature which
| might be made by private parties for all.
| eyed services I'm connection with the is
lands in question to the United States.
"A letter from NJ. Burn states that cap.
! tain christmas had no authorization
| whatever to enter into negotiations in the
name of the Danish government nor te
make any promises in the name Of the
| government in connection Herewith
Mr.. Brun also says he gave Captain
| Christmas no authority of introductions
but refused his requests in this connec-
ton.
Representative Richardson said he
/ thought Mr. Hay should come before the
committee and should produce any letters
/ he had I'm 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 rath-
er emphatically dissented from Mr.. Rich.
ardson's suggestion that as the secretary
| had used this man" there should be .
more detailed explanation of any commu
| nications sent to him. No arrangement
was made as to Mr.. Hays appearance
but 1t was understood he would be heard
| later.
Isaac n. Seligman. of the firm of j. &
| w. Seligman: bankers. at New York, told
/ Of Christmas asking the firm to take
charge Of money transferred in case of &C.
cession of the islands. The firm wrote
to the private banker at Copenhagen
mentioned by Christmas. and the answer
from that institution was unsatisfactory
/ giving nc confirmation of Christmas au.
| thorlty. After that. Mr.. Seligman said
the firm dismissed the matter.