The Washington times., 1902-03-28
DANISH ISLANDS BRIBERY
CHARGES ARE TAKEN UP


Continued from First Page.)
Through Niels Gron, a native Dane, and
naturalized citizen of the United States
this committee was in touch with a num-
Der of American financiers. H. H. Rogers.
Mr.. Perit, and others. The committee
Christmas says. worked with 1.-The knowl-
edge and full authority of the Danish
Minister of Finance, and the Minister had
given his consent to let the committee
dispose Of 10 per cent of the sales price
Tor furthering the project, since it was
taken for granted that the political con-
ditions in America were such that an
affair like the sale of the islands could
not be carried through without a sub
stantial expenditure of money.
For Ten Per Cent.
He further declares that Rogers ex
pressed his willingness to put the mat
ter through Congress for 10 per cent of
the price, the house of ]. p. Morgan and
the private bank in Copenhagen to repre-
sent the Danish Government. The Spanish
war put a stop to negotiations at that pc
riod.
When Christmas took up the matter he
says he wanted the Prime Minister to per-
NIT him to use the same amount Of the
purchase price and to name the sum that
Denmark would take for the islands. The
Prime Minister, after expressing pro-
found regret at the necessity for using
money to accomplish anything in the
United States, but admitting its existence
and warning Christmas that the King was
opposed to the sale of the islands gave
Christmas such assurances that he says
he felt at liberty 10 draw his own con-
clusion.
Christmas in Washington.
In October, 1899, Christmas came to
Washington. He says:
Il chose the firm of /. and W. Seligman
as one of the most recognized and re-
spected, and which at the same time
stood in closer touch with the Govern
mcnt. Mr.. Seligman secured me an in
PRODUCTION to President Mckinley Il rough
a wealthy shipbuilder of San Francisco,
MIR. Scott.
Besides, l made the acquaintance of
the Presidents brother, Abner Mckinley,
who is a lawyer, and has a business in
New York together with Colonel Brown
Captain Christmas here interjects some
criticisms OF both the character and the
business dealings of Mr.. Abner Mckinley
and Colonel Brown, adding, however, that
both have the entree TO the White House
in Washington.
They know most accurate all the .
winding paths through Congress, are well /
informed as TO what members of Congress
must be paid, as well as TO the method I
" no To
As tie situation was, ! could not be I
too particular in the choice of my assist
ants, and i must say that the gentlemen, (
Mr.. Brown and Mr.. Abner Mckinley, rem /
dered me excellent assistance.
Il went TO Washington and obtained an
audience with the President, who re-
ceived me most cordially. | informed him /
Of the object of my visit, and expressed /
1t as my personal conviction that the /
Danish Government would scarcely refuse .
to treat with favor proposition from
the Americans for the transfer OF the ISL |
ands on conditions which should prove
fair to the inhabitants of the colonies. /
made it clear that | acted entirely on my
1wn responsibility, had no connection with /
the Danish Government, and told my Eio
tive was simply my own pecuniary in
terest IN such sale.
Christmas found Secretary Hay excel
ands, and had several interviews with
him. November IS. he says, he received
letters from the Secretary, including one
If instruction to Ambassador ChcaJe, at
London. He sailed for Europe, saw the
ambassador, and says Secretary White
went with him incognito to Copenhagen
10 discuss the matter with the Danish Of
hcials.
In the course OF these interviews
hrfC ba oil Ir;, N;,,fc
-er of his promises TO p Mckinley and
Brown and others, including two press as
;ociations. and said he could not get
along with less than 10 per cent Of the
purchase price. The German committee,
previously referred to. he says, advised
Christmas to make satisfactory terms
With Gron and Rogers, and subsequently,,
he says he offered them 5000, 600. Mr..
Whites interviews with the Prime Min
ster were satisfactory, and he departed,
aging that in his opinion the Islands
would belong to the United States within
year.
Christmas sailed for the United States
January 3. 1900, and on arrival sent let
ers of introduction to Rogers and Gron.
The former he says, declined to commit
himself As to the sum he wanted for his
assistance in the affair. but requested him
o see Gron, adding. says Christmas:
NOW, MI. CniIStlnds, uoh hHo" IL
We can come to an agreement or not. But
mind you, this island business will never
Ass through Congress without my con-
ent. i am able to swing twent~ six votes
n the Senate, and don't you forget it
Gron wanted Christmas to take s25, 900
md leave the matter in his hands. but
he latter refused, and in turned offered |
iron and Rogers $500, 200. which the lat
er refused.
Gron continued to fight Christmas, and
'as aided by the Danish Minister, Mr..