The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-01-25
John McCuIlagh's observations Re-
garding Lobbyists and Their
Methods mt Washington.
LESSLER'S CHARGES DENIED
BOTH BY M'CULLAGH AND FORMER
CONGRESSMAN QUIGG.
Philip DobIin's Testimony Regarding
the Alleged Attempt at Bribery
what Was Said by Telephone.

WASHINGTON. Jan. A.-The naval af-
fairs committee of the House to-day re-
sumed investigation of the charges made by
Representative Lessler. of New York. that
he had been approached with an offer of
money for his vote in the committee. Philip
Doblin, of New York, the chief witness.
occupied a greater portion of the forenoon
session. He was followed by John Nc
Cullagh, superintendent of elections in New
York. Lemuel E. Quigg testified at the
afternoon session. At an executive ses-
sion of the committee held at the close Of
the hearing to-day, it was decided to call
two witnesses Monday.
Philip Doblln was the first witness called.
He was interrogated by Representative Tay-
lor, for the committee. He said he had
no employment at present, but was en-
ployed by the Republican committee dur
ing the campaign of 1902 and attended to
the distribution of literature and that he
was also a deputy in the Office of the super
intendent of elections. He said he did what
he could to aid in the election of Represent
ative Lessler, whom he had known since
1894. Answering Mr.. Taylor he said he
had been in politics for twelve years.
Il stood ready to serve Mr.. Lessler in
any way i could he said, when asked as
to his relations with Mr.. LESSER, whose
office he made his headquarters. Mr.. Dob
lin said he had known Mr.. Qugg since 1896.
TALKED WITH QUIGG.
"Did you ever talk with Mr.. Quigg rela-
tive to Holland submarine boats?"
"Yes, SIR.
when was that?'
December
"Where?"
81 received telephone message asking
me to come to 100 Broadway"
He said he went TO Mr.. Quigg's office
He had only seen Mr.. Quigg once since
the state convention up to that time. He
went TO Mr.. Quigg's office, he continued,
and went out to luncheon with Mr.. Quigg
MIR. Quigg wanted to know how Mr.. Less
ler and l were." he said, land 1 told him
| thought Mr.. Lessler and 1 were quite in
innate
He said they talked over the bill to build
submarine torpedo boats. Mr.. Quigg, he
added, was trying to get Mr.. Lessler favor
ably disposed toward the BILL
Mr. Doblin then detailed the further con-
nection he said he had with Mr.. Qugg He
said Mr. Quigg wanted to know "how Mr..
Lessler and 1 were. 1 told him L thought
Mr.. Lcssler and / were very intimate. He
wanted TO know if / had heard anything
about submarine boats. L said Yes 1
understand Mr.. Lessler made a trip on the
boat and was against the proposition OF
course 1 heard Mr.. Lessler say he was
against the proposition
What else?"
"We talked over the Roberts bill-that,
understand. is the name of the submarine
boat bill. Mr.. Quigg was anxious to get
Lessler's friendly disposition toward the
bill and he said after talking variously,
there is $500 in it,
Tell US as near as you can just what he
said
Mr. Quigg said he was not personally in
terested in this thing. He said: There is
some friend of mine whom desire to favor
If | can. III l can get the aid l want there
will be 5000. l think L can make IL thou
sand for you. You telephone me at o'clock
and / will let you know"
For whom did he say there was 5000
in It?
.'The man we were talking about. He
said he was the man.
lis that Mr.. Lessler?"
1--WE were talking about Lessler We
were not talking about anybody else. He
did not use his name. but he specifically
said: L may be able 10 fix 1t for thou
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