The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1902-04-05
THE DANISH BRIBERY SCANDAL.

| The House OF Representatives at
| Washington is now investigating the
alleged bribery in connection with the
purchase OF the Danish Islands for
>5,OOo,OOO by the United States. One
Captain Christmas says he represent
ed the Danish government in the ne
| gotiation for the sale of the islands to
this country, and he claims that the
commission on the sale. An official
of the Danish government denies that
| Christmas was ever given credentials
as agent and consequently that the
Danish government owes him nothing
He insists that it does, and declares
that he made Il confidential report to
| the government which was stolen and
given to Congressman Richardson, of
| Washington, by one Niels Groen, Il
Danish-American employed by the Re
publicans in Minnesota during the
last presidential campaign.
1t is said that the Christmas report
contains some references to members
of Congress. both in the House and
Senate. and that they We're paid half
Il million dollars for their influence in
concentrating the deal. Christmas,
however, denies that any member of
the American Congress was either di-
rectly or indirectly interested in the
purchase or sale of the islands. Con-
gresham Richardson demanded an in
vestigation in order to remove any
suspicion that may rest OH any of the
members Of either branch of Congress.
and a special committee of the House
was appointed by Speaker Henderson
to probe the matter to the bottom.
So far, but little progress has been
made in the investigation. Last Tues
day Niels Groen took the witness stand
and refused to tell where he got the
report, but declared that it came from
the ministry. He testified that he had
first shown the papers to Congress
man Grosvenor. of Ohio. who took
them to Secretary --ay. That func
tionary returned them. saying that the
state department would take no ac-
ton. Groen then gave them to the
newspapers. which published portions
Of them. and subsequently he gave
them to Mr.. Richardson. who drew
the attention of the House to them, as
stated.
What there is to the Danish bribery
story it is hard to say at this stage
of the proceedings. The fact that
Abner Mckinley. brother of the late
president. is mentioned in connec-
tion with the bribery of the men,
bers of Congress. lends the case
an added interest. Ie appeared
before the committee on Thursday, but
what he said we do not know at this
writing.
There must be something rotten in
Denmark, or Republican senators and
representatives would not manifest a
to ignore the charge Of brib-
cry and corruption as they have done.
No legislative body of the dignity Of
the Senate of the United States should
hesitate for a moment to make a
investigation, but the leading
Republican members of the upper
house. such as Hanna and Lodge, do
not want an inquiry. 1t may be that |
the bribery story is without particle
of foundation, and that the Christmas
report is lie, pure and simple, but for
the sake of the honor of the United |
States it should be thoroughly
sifted, and in the words of Grant,
mo guilty man should escape" Con-
gresham Richardson was amply JUST
fed in bringing the scandal before the
house, and public sentiment sustains
him and his confreres on tile commit
tee in examining witnesses in the most
searching manner to get at the true
fa cts in thn case