The San Francisco call., 1903-01-22
NAMES MEN
|. WHO TRIED To
INTINIDATE
LeSsler'S Charges
Turn Light on
Lobby.
Persistent Campaign
WlCn0uC Recent
Parallel.
Influence For Holland Boats
0verrides Opinions Of
Experts.
Special Dispatch to IN. Can.

Special Dispatch TO The Call
CALL BUREAU. 14O6 G STREET. ".
W. WASHINGTON. Jan. g.-Representa-
tive Lessler's charge that an attempt had
been made to bribe him into voting for
the construction of a large number OF
Holland submarine torpedo-boats has had
the effect Of directing attention to the
methods used during the last four or I've
years to influence Congress favorably to-
ward building large numbers of this type
against the almost unanimous protest OF
the most experienced officers Of the Navy
Department.
A campaign has been conducted IN the
halls and Hobbies of Congress, in commit
tee-rooms, in newspaper Offices. at social
functions and on yachts which for its
scope and persistence has had no parallel
in recent years. Naturally all sorts of
stories have been current as TO the meth
DDS used to get the support of members
Of Congress for policy which is con-
demned by naval experts until a fun test
has been made of the boats which the
Government now has. But Lessler is the
first member of either house who has
come out bluntIy and said that he was
INQUIRY IN SECRET.
The Lessler charges were the subject OF
an investigation to-day by sub-commit-
tee of the House Committee on Naval Af-
fairs. In connection with his accusations
Lessler has used the names of ex-Repre-
sentative Lemuel Eli Quigg and John Nc
Cullough, superintendent of elections in
New York. The proceedings have been
conducted in secrecy, and if the matter is
not cleared up tomorrow by a report
from the committee it is not improbable
that a resolution may be offered in the
House calling upon the Naval Committee
for statement concerning the charges.
LessIer declared that he had been ap-
preached by a former member Of Con-
gress with an offer of 5000 If he would
vote to report the bill providing for the
purchase of Holland boats. He persist
emily refused to give the name Of the al
legged briber, and upon being further
questioned qualified his statement some
what by saying that the offer had been
made TO his secretary.
The offer had first been made, he al
legged, shortly after his appointment to the
Committee on Naval Affairs TO succeed
the late Representative Amos J. Cum
mings. and it had been repeated since the
opening Of the present session As Less
ler's statement was somewhat vague and
indefinite, Representative Wheeler offered
a resolution, which was adopted. author
izing a subcommittee to make thorough
investigation.
ANTE-ELECTIoN THREATS.
Iessler made a partial statement to the
subcommittee yesterday and amplihed 1t
this afternoon. making it more definite.
He declared that early last summer John
Mccullough. superintendent of elections
in New York. had come to Washington
and in the presence of his secretary had
threatened him with defeat for renomina-
ton. or defeat at the polls II nominated,
in case he did not support a proposition
To purchase Holland boats. In disclosing
further pressure that had been put on
him Lessler used the name OF Lemuel Eli
Ouigg. He was unable to support his
statement with any documentary evidence.
although he did mention the names OF
persons who were present when a money
offer was made. He also declared that he
had been approached in other ways in the
effort to induce him to vote for the pur-
chase of HolIond boats.
The subcommittee tomorrow viii make
a partial report to the fun committee and
leave the matter in the hands of that
body to determine what further action
shall be taken
q : o
discussion upon the statement of Secre-
/ tary Emery that it was imperative that
the salaries and bills be allowed COmmis-
siOner Casey withdrew his motion for adj
/ journment. The matter Of electing tenn
| porary chairman was then taken up. and
Continued on Page 5, Column 8.