The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1903-01-24
LESSER TELLS
BRIBERY STORY
duplicates the Notorious LsmueI
Eli Quigg.
ALSO AN ELECTION OFFICIAL
REFUSAL TO ACCEPT BRIDE
COST HIM HIS SEAT.
Jan. 2s.-The house
w committee on naval affairs to-


w committee on naval affairs to
day began the investigation
authorized by the house as a result
of statements made by Representative
LESSER to the committee that he ha'
been approached with an offer of mon
ey to influence his vote in the commit
tee. The committee first went into ex
ecutive session.
At 1I:IO the doors We're opened anC
Chairman Foss announced the purpOs'
of the meeting, reading the resolution
adopted by the house yesterday. Mr.
Foss first called Representative Less
Ter, who was sworn.
Mr.. Tayler of the committee ques-
toned Mr.. Lessler, who stated that hf
was opposed to the building of more
submarine torpedo boats. Mr. LeSSlel
identified Philip Doblin and told of Z
converse ton he said he had with MIN
Mr.. LESSER said Mr.. Doblin came L
him one morning and asked If the HoE
land submarine torpedo boat propo-
sition would again come before the
house. Il said I supposed so. He asked
if l was still opposed to it, and l sale
was"
LemueI Eli Quigg Named
Mr.. Lessler testified that Mr.. Doblir
said he had been sent for by Mr.. QuiSg
and Mr. Quigg had told him there was
s., 900 in it if he (LesSler) could De
brought to the other side.
Mr.. LessIer said he said there must
be no further talk on that proposition
Mr.. Lessler then said that Doblin sug-
gested that Mr.. Quigg was a man OF
power and influence, and that II
wanted TO come back here would
be aiding myself by doing him this
favor"
Mr.. LESSER then told of a CONVEX
sation he said he had with Mr.. Quigg
at Lessler's Office, 81 Nassau street
New York He then said that before
the opening of congress. or during the
holiday recess, Mr.. Quigg telephoneo
that he wanted TO see him. = told hin
to come over, and he came to my OF
flee within an hour"
Mr.. Lessler said he then told Mr.
Quigg that there should be no ques-
ton of money. In answer to ques-
tions, he said Mr.. Quigg had not men
toned torpedo boats, but added:
Il had no other business with Mr.
Quigg and inferred that it was on this
account that he came TO see me-
The Notorious Mocullagh.
MI. Lessler told of a conversation he
had with John McCullagn, superln-
tendent of elections in New YORK, a
hfs hotel in Washington Mr. MCCuI'
Iagh. he said, told him that there were
men in New York who could re-elec'
him or defeat him, and that they
wanted him to support the measure.
Mr.. Lessler said he told Mr. McCul-
Iagh that he would not do IT,
Mr.. LESSER said that at the time OF
the conversation with DOblin the lat
Mr. Met rUtlaEn- 5
office. He said that Doblln got some
mail in his 0essler's) Office and had
the freedom of his Office He said also
that Doblin was an ardent and faith
full political friend, and he (Lesslerl
felt under obligations to him. he did
not know except through the news
papers that DOblin had been ordered
off the floor of the board of aldermen
in New York.
Asked what were the political rela-
lions between Mr.. Quigg and Mr.. Nc
Cullagh, Mr.. LESSER explained the po-
iticaI positions held by the two men.
He knew of no relations except that
Mr.. Ouigg was probably one of those
who advised McCUnagh's appointment
Quigg Had Friend.
AT the request of Mr.. Quigg. Mr.
Delaney NichoI, an attorney, ques-
toned Mr.. LessIer His questions
dlIlCu 10 uEhEAup l14C ACAclNAOAA C@NAE7IAAAs7
between Mr.. Lessler and Mr.. DOblin.
Mr.. Lessler said he believed Doblin
was authorized TO come to him Mr.
LESSER said that Mr.. Quigg had told
him that he (Quigg) had no interest
in the Holland boat. but that a friend,
a Mr. Hunter of Virginia, as he re-
membered the name. was interested in
them and he wanted TO do him a favor.
ITO whom, if anybody. did you tell
the story of the prOpOSal2' Mr.. Taylel
asked.
ITO Mr.. Foss and Mr.. Dayton of this
committee, shortly after congress
opened, he replied. Mr.. Lessler added
that he had also told Representative
Wheeler about it.
Lobbyist Attorneys.
John NJ ThuTston announced TO the
committee that he represented the HOl-
land Torpedo Boat company and said
that inasmuch as nothing had beer
said TO connect the company with tht
charges, he did not desire to ask any
questions but asked to reserve the
right to interrOgate witness if neces
sary-
Former Senator Hunton Of Virginia
the next witness. said he was cOunse
for the Holland company.
Have you any acquaintance Will
Mr.. Quigg?'
Yes. my acquaintance began witt
| him at II O'Clock todag in the commit
| tee room" He said he had never al
! thorized any one TO make a propose
and had never heard Of Mr.. Quigg be
4 ing connected with the company
| Mr. LeSsler's secretary testified to
| conversation which took place, h,
| said. between Mr.. Lessler and Mr.. Me
/ Cullagh at Mr. Lessler's hotel il
| Washington. when he said Mr.. McCul
lagh told Mr.. LESSER that he repre-
! scented men who could either defeat hi
nomination or nominate him, anC
lcnntinI,ed ON Pc e.