The Washington times., 1902-03-28

hhthAlai. ut iidA III hlS i'soNshicA q - oiiS
lation OF the report, with the exception
of one page, which was missing.
Mr.. Payne-Nhen did the gentleman
examine the archives of Denmark to veri-
~ the report?
Never in Denmark.
Mr. Richardson-Oh. Mr.. Speaker.
have not been in Denmark, but I have
proofs here satisfactory to ne. state
ments of Danish newspapers that the
copy is accurate.
Speaker Henderson suggested that the
House had no jurisdiction over the con-
duct Of newspapers.
Mr.. Richardson-Maybe that part is
superhuous
The Speaker further called attention to
the fact that the resolution used the
words members of the United States Con-
gress." This included both Senators and
Representatives. AS far as the Senate
was concerned, he thought that body
would have to take care of its own NOR
ais There was no allegation specifically
relating to members of the House, he said.
and in that respect was not a matter of
privilege.
Representatives Specifically Included.
Mr. Richardson amended the resolution
so as to specifically include members of
the House. He said the House clearly
had the right and it was its duty TO in
vestigate the matter, inasmuch as the
treaty had not yet been ratified and was
still pending for appropriation to furnish
the money to be paid Denmark.
Speaker Henderson overruled Mr..
Payne's point of order, Mr.. Richardson
having vouched that the charges of brib-
cry were made. The Speaker said he was
in doubt as to how much attention should
be paid to the statements of a member
or representative of foreign Govern
ment, but. as amended. the resolution GER
tainly was enc of the highest privilege.
Mr.. Richardson then read the affidavit
of Niels Gron u naturalized citizen of the
United States and native of Denmark,
that he had delivered to Mr.. Richardson
copy of Captain Christmas secret and
confidential report lacking one page; that
il in substance had appeared in the news
Papers of Denmark; that the articles re-
ferred to had been translated by him and
fuTr jshed to Mr.. Richardson; that Christ
mas had admitted over his own signature
the truth of the statements and had con-
fessed 10 afiant thst they were true.
In a Copenhagen paper of February II,
1902, Captain Christmas asked how his re-
pb1l IthCntO litt Hubilt. but ulHt tupsSS
existed, one for each member of the Min
istry, and it would be interesting, he was
quoted as saying, to know who stole it or
gave it out.
Regarding his assertion in the preamble
that Christmas was at least quasi agent
of the United States, Mr.. Richardson said
that in his report Christmas stated that
after presenting to Secretary Hay the
question OF purchasing the islands he was
sent to London to meet Secretary White,
of the American Embassy in England and
conduct him to Copenhagen and to in
troduce him to the Danish Prime Minis
ter. This he did, and while Secretary +
White was in Copenhagen he was the |
guest Of Christmas at hotel.
Extracts From Report.
To show that he had not exaggerated, |
and that charges were worthy the atten-
ton of the House, Mr.. Richardson read I
some extracts from the report of Christ
mas, whom be denounced as "a corrupt |
bargainer.''
Made No Charges.
Mr.. Richardson said he had made no |
charges and made none against any mem
Der of Congress. These charges had been
published in Denmark and in England |
since January 2s. 1902, and yet on Febru-
airy Il the Senate had ratified the treaty /
for the purchase of the Danish West In
dies.
TIE Preamble Modified
At the suggestion of Mr.. Hit (Rep., |
nl), Mr.. Richardson modified the pre-
amble of his resolutions so as to describe
the report alluded TO as alleged, so the /
House should not be made to declare its
existence and authenticity.
Offered in Good Faith.
Mr.. Richardson-The resolution is Of
fered in good faith and ought to be
passed.
Mr.. Cannon-Then you want it passed
before the members can be informed of
the mass of fact and assertion upon which
the gentleman POUNDS it.
He moved that the resolution be post
poned until today.
Mr.. Richardson disclaimed any artful-
ness. He said that if the suggestion that
uad the Secretary of State been aware
of the fact that these charges were pub
Nshed in Denmark before the Senate rati-
led the treaty and should have conveyed
shat information to the Senate before it
acted was a reflection upon the Secre-
tary, he stood by it.
Mr. Cannon demanded vote upon his
motion TO postpone voting upon the reso-
luton until today. All of the Democrats
voted against postponement and some of
the Republicans. The Speaker declared
that the motion was lost and division
was not demanded.
The Speaker then announced the COM
mittee as above stated.
Committee May Meet Saturday.
Mr.. DalzeH, chairman of the committee,
will probably call the committee together
tomorrow for its preliminary meeting.
Mr.. Dalzell informed some of his col
leagues that he would call meeting soon
after copies of the papers in the case
were put in his possession. The investi-
CATION would then be pushed as rapidly
as possible.
Mr. Gardner of New Jersey, responding
to enquiries. said THAI 1t was quite prob
lble he was the Gardner mentioned in the
Christmas report. One day, he explained,
gentleman and lady were introduced to !
him in his committee room by news
,aper man. Their names were long and j
oreign, and he did not remember them.
But the card that the gentleman left, as
be remembered comprised four or five
names, one of which he thought was
Christmas. At a later day the same gem
leman and lady called at the House and
.ecured from him a card to the reserved
gallery That was the beginning and end
Of his acquaintance with them.
It was probable, added Mr.. Gardner,
that the introduction YVES sought 10 en-
lble Christmas to say that he was ac-
uainted with the members.
THE SECRET REPORT.