The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-04-04
Was Counsel for Captain Christmas,
Whose Alleged Charges Were
Aired by MIR. Richardson.
EVIDENCE OF LAWYER EVANS
WHO WAS PROMISED $4,000 BY THE
PENNILEss CHRISTMAS.
iiow the Latter IL Alleged to Have
Been BIed-A Peppery Letter
MIR. stones Statement.

WASHINGTON, April S-The investiga-
tion of charges in connection with the Dan
ish West Indies negotiations was resumed
to-day by the House special committee
having IL I'm charge. Among those present
when the hearing began were Abner Nc
Kinley, Col. w. c. Brown, Carl Fischer
Hansen and Representative Gardner, OF
New Jersey.
Mr.. Mckinley was the first witness. He
gave his residence at New York. his busi-
ness that of lawyer, and, in response TO
Chairman Dalzelrs inquiry, he said he was
a brother OF the late President. Asked as
to whether he knew Captain Christmas.
the witness said he had met him once in
the most casual way in the lobby OF the
Manhattan Hotel, New York. He never
held any conference with him OF any kind
or character.
was there any talk OF the Danish West
Indies?' asked Mr.. Dalzell.
None whatever, either remotely or 9TH
erwise," answered the witness.
Mr.. Mckinley went on to say that he had
never mentioned the matter TO the Presi-
dent He had no meeting with Christmas
beyond this casual one. when there was
nothing except an exchange or courtesies
of the day.
Representative Richardson asked the wit
ness If he knew Mr.. Hansen.
Mr.. Mckinley said he had known Hansen
for some time, and prior TO the casual
meeting with Christmas, Hansen had de-
sired to retain him in this matter. In re-
ply the witness said he told Mr. Hansen he
would have nothing to do with II. Subse-
quently when he met Christmas he passed
the time OF day and that was the end OF IL.
Mr.. Richardson asked IL Mr. Mckinley
ever had any talks with the Selgmans on
the subject. Mr.. Mckinley said he had
this transaction or with anyone except
Hansen, as he stated.
GARDENERS DISCLAIMER.
Representative Gardner followed with
statement discaiming all knowledge OF
Christmas except Of the most casual char
acter. Some one, he said, had asked per-
mission to present a lady and gentleman
at his (Gardners) room. There was a brief
meeting, and the card left bore the name
of Christmas. That was the extent OF his
acquaintance with Christmas. Mr.. Gard
ner said he had taken some interest in the
acquisition of the Danish West Indies and
had introduced a bill on the subject. But
this was before Christmas had made the
casual call. Mr.. Gardner also disclaimed
going over the subject with a Mr.. Evans.
who had been mentioned in connection
with the matter, except in a sidewalk con-
versation when Inquiries were made as 10
the prospects OF a sale Of the Danish
islands.
MIR. Richardson asked If Mr. Gardner
knew of the international Press Associa-
ton.
Mr. Gardner said he did, he had been
stockholder I'm the concern, which at one
time represented several New Jersey news
papers.
Col. w. c. Brown testified that he had
met Christmas once at the Manhattan Ho-
tel in New York. He had no conversation
with him at that one meeting except the
no business relations with him: none was
spoken of at that meeting, which was the
only one.
To Mr. Richardson's questions Colonel
Brown said he had no contract with Christ
mas or Hansen or anyone in connection
with the Danish islands.
Mr.. Hansen. the next witness, gave his
business as an attorney at New York. He
said Christmas told him I'm 1899 Of the
movement TO sell the Danish islands 10 the
United States. and OF Denmarks willing
Christmas desired Hansen 10 act coun-
sci. Witness called on Abner Mckinley
and asked him If he would become asso-
ciate counsel. Mr.. Mckinley replied that
he CHansen) ought TO know that he NC
Kinley) would not be retained on any ne
gotiation in which the government was
concerned. Mr.. Mckinley told him also
of showing a man out OF his office who
had sought TO bring up question of gov
ernment appointment in connection with
legal business. Mr.. Hansen said he had
urged that the acquisition OF the islands
was in line with this governments policy,
but Mckinley would have nothing 10 do
with the matter.
WHAT BROWN LEARNED.
Later Hansen said ne talked with Colonel
Brown, and requested him 20 ask the Pres
ident If there was any intention OF buying
the Danish islands. Colonel Brown made
the inquiry. the witness said. and was re
ferred by the President TO Secretary Hay.
When Colonel Brown returned 20 New York
he told Mr. Hansen that the United States
did intend to buy the islands. Hansen then
accepted Christmass proposition. telling
him however. he desired no compensation
except to be appointed attorney for Den
mark later II the negotiations were sue
cessful Mr.. Hansen then related what
Christmas had told him or coming 10 Wash
fu0ton and meeting President Mckinley,
Secretary Hay and Admiral Bradford. and
LATER OF going 20 Copenhagen with Mr.
White. the United state secretary OF the
Mr. Hansen also related a street meeting
with one OF the Seligmans, who had said
Christmas was progressing well With the
had met one OF the Seligmans on an ocean
steamer. and then had said that N any
thing came OF the negotiations they would
be the bankers. Later Mr.. Hansen said.
H. refused 10 stand sponsor for Christmas,
and witness learned from Colonel Brown
that the President desired no further deal
ings with Christmas.
Nj Hansen yielded temporarily 10 allow
senato- Lodge 10 make a statement Ths
senator said christmas had spoken 10 him
about the Danish transfer. Mr.. Lodge al
wavs had taken an interest IN the acauisi
tion OF the islands. lie told Christmas
however that there was no use staying
here as the Danish minister would attend
10 the negotiations. The senator speci1cal-
IL denied language said 20 have been USED
nv him according 20 the Christmas report.
ID pes,,rnlnr his testimony, Mr.. Hansen told
~ IearninE later that Christmas had been
clothed with authority BY Denmark. Christ
mas wanted him 10 guarantee conuaG