The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-04-08
Latter Gave Him Information, but
Not Concerned i'm Negotiations
for the Danish West Indies.
TESTIMONY OF SENATOR DEPEW
c. w. KNOX, SENATOR BACON AND
ISAAC n. SELIGMAN.
w. j. Bryan Not Introduced TO Christ
mas-Secretary Hay to BE Heard
Orally by the Committee.

special House committee investigating
charges in connection with the Danish
West Indies negotiation. His statement
was brief. He expressed establishment at
having seen his name in the Christmas re-
port. He did not know Christmas and
never had seen him, as far as he was
aware, although he met thousands of peo-
pie, and couldn't say just who he had not
seen. But as to this Danish island ques-
ton he had never had a discussion with
anyone on the subject.
c. w. Knox, of Glenelg, Md, whose
name was mentioned in the Christmas re-
port, told of meeting Christmas, whom he
considered a cultivated man who had be-
come entangled with sharpers. The wit
ness said he consented TO assist Christmas.
and a contract was submitted to the COM
nnittee, by the terms of which Knox
to assist in any proper manner in bring
ing about the transfer, Knox to receive
$4,000 in case of sale, and $3.50 per month.
AS to s. transaction which had been re-
ferred to, Knox said he had given Christ
mas his check for S., which was indorced
by Hansen, and he produced the check.
This the only financial factor in the
entire affair. 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 members
of the committee Mr.. Knox specifically
denied that he had introduced Christmas
to w. ]. Bryan. that he had claimed to
Christmas that he was an intimate friend
of Senator Hanna.
Senator Bacon, of Georgia, told of two
casual conversations with Christmas. AS
to the latter's statement that Mr.. Bacon
took great interest in the purchase of the
Danish islands, the senator declared 1T
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 it seemed
necessary to take them.
SECRETARY HAYS LETTER.
Chairman Dalzell presented the following
letter from Secretary Hay on the subject:
ITO Hon. ]. d. Dalzell, chairman of select
committee, etc:
81 have received your letter of the 31st
of March, and in reply beg leave to say:
In the early part OF December, 1899, Cap
tain Christmas called upon me at this de-
partment and informed that through
private and personal sources in Copen-
hagen he had become aware that there was
a disposition among some of the leading
members of the Danish government to re-
gard faVorably an overture from the gov
eminent of the United States looking to
the acquisition of the Danish islands. He
said that he had been a naval officer. and
spoke at some length in regard to the de-
STABILITY of the Island of ST. John as a
naval station for the United States At
my suggestion he conveyed what further
technical information he had this SUBJ
ject to Admiral Bradford, of the Naval
Department. Although he presented no
credentials whatever and expressly de-
clared he had no officiel character. |
thought his story was of sufficient interest
to be worth investigation. L told him L
would send a confidential and trusted
agent of this government to Copenhagen
to ascertain more officially the true state
of affairs and mentioned to him the name
of Henry White, first secretary of the en-
bassy 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.
gave him a note of introduction to Mr..
White and they met in Copenhagen, where
Mr.. Christmas had arranged for inter
view before Mr.. White and member of
the Danish government.
'Mr. Christmas was not present at this
interview and his connection with the lat
ter ceased entirely at that time. He after
ward returned to Washington and | saw
him once or twice, but told him that there
was no need of services of any private per-
son in any negotiation which might be
taken up between the two governments in
regard to the acquisition of the islands.
inclose a copy of a letter which L gave to
the Danish minister in Washington at the
time of the signing of the recent treaty,
and also copy of a letter which | have
received from the Danish minister, Mr..
Brun, dated the 31st of March, 1902
NOTE TO MR. BRUN.
In a letter to Mr.. Brun, of Denmark in
closed Mr. Hay referred to the signing of
the convention of cession, and adds: 1.-The
government of the United States is in no
manner under obligation to the good office
of private parties in reaching the agree
ment now happily brought about between
the United States and Denmark, and can
not admit for its own part or support in any
way, any such claim against Denmark for
commission, compensation or remuneration
of whatever nature which might be made
by private parties for alleged services in
connection with the cession of the islands
in question to the United States"
letter from Mr.. Brun states that Capt
Christmas had no authorization whatever
TO enter into negotiations in the name of
the Danish government nor to make any
promises IN the name of the government
in connection Herewith Mr.. Brun also
says he gave Captain Christmas no au-
thority of introductions but refused his
requests in this connection
Representative Richardson said he
thought Mr.. Hay should come before the
committee and SnOuld produce any letters
he had in connection with Christmas going
to Copenhagen.
Chairman Dalzen stated that Secretary
Hay was ready 10 appear at any time his
presence was desired. The chairman rather
emphatically dissented from Mr.. Richard
sons suggestion that as the secretary
had used this man" there should be "A
more detailed explanation of any COM
munictions sent TO him. No arrangement
was made TO Mr.. Hays appearing. but
is was understood he would be heard later
Isaac y. Seligman, of the firm of j. q W
Seigman, bankers at New York. told of
Christmas asking the firm TO take charge
of money transfers in case Of "A cession of
the islands. The firm wrote 10 the private
banker at Copenhagen mentioned by
Christmas, and the answer from that in
sttution was unsatisfactory, giving no con-
firmatien of Christmas's authority. After
that Mr.. Seligman said the firm dismissed
the matter. When Mr. Cousins asked as
TO Christmas's statement that he Silig-
mans had guaranteed certain contra cts,
Mr. Selgman laughingly declared such
statements were made out of whole cloth
The committee adjourned on call of the
chairman.
Revolt Feared at 1T. Thomas.