The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-06-27
COOK ADVISED
SPEED NOT TO PAY,
Secretary of State Explains $500
Transaction With Former
Senator Lyons
TRIED TO PROTECT FRIEND.
Former Coal Oil Inspector Com
mended for Giving Circuit At
torney All the Facts in Fee
Bill Hold-Up.

Secretary VI SNdlc sodiH LUX. III piuct
TO see that former Senator w. F. Lyons
kept his promise to kill the bill reducing
the fees OF former Coal Oil Inspector r. B.
Speed of Nevada. was witness to the pay
msnt of $50 by Speed to Lyons in the Plant
ers Hotel in 1899
To friend in St Louis Mr.. Cook said
Thursday:
4 do not know on whose advice Speed
was 50 determined to pay the money, but
after 1 was unable TO persuade him not to
do SO, went with him to the room occu-
pied by Lyons and saw the money paid.
Speed did not trust Lyons and was afraid
that he would not keep faith
COOKS STATEMENT.
In Jefferson City Mr.. Cook yesterday made
the following signed statement as to his
connection with the Speed matter:
Mr.. Speed did entirely right in giving
Mr.. Folk the full facts concerning his pay
ment Of $500 to Lyons, He was under no
legal obligation to furnish the Circuit At
torney the facts, but he properly preferred
to follow the course prompted by honest
candor and to tell the truth.
When the demand was made on Mr..
/ Speed for this $500, under threat to pass an
act taking practically all the profits out
OF the office he was holding he did what
many honest men have done-permitted
himself 10 be '.held up by a legislative
sard-eagger. When Mr.. Speed came to me
with the information that a demand was
being made on him for money, promptly
advised him not to pay a dollar. When,
however. on the advice of others. he de-
cided to pay the demand, 1 still did what
l could to protect him.
Mr.. Speed had been my unselish, per-
sonal friend for many years. / knew him
to be an honest man and loyal friend.
Besides. he had been generous contributor
10 the Democratic State campaign fund
and for many years much of his time had
been unseltlshly given in behalf OF his
party.
When he was In trouble and asked my
assistance. 1 did what I would have done
for any honest friend who sought my aid.
and unhesitatingly gave it,
TO SUBPOENA LYONS.
1t is probable that Circuit Attorney Folk
will again subpoena former Senator Lyons
TO tell all that he knows about the trans
action.
Mr.. Speed has said that he does not re-
member who advised him to pay the
money. and it is thought that Lyons will
be able to supply the missing party to the
arrangements.
When Lyons stood on his constitutional
rights and refused to tell about the deal, he
said that it was all trick of Speed and
Cook Since that time, Lyons has evinced
IiSnnGifiNr1 10 fol
ter. He may not be able to shed much ad-
ditional light on this transaction. but his
relations with the organized lobby were
such that If he chooses he can assist in
uncovering much Doodle work which will
help bring men not protected by the
statute of limitations within the power of
the ST. Louis Grand Jury.
Mr.. Folk Yesterday received a telegram,
from the former Senator. who wishes to
confess his part in boodling. in which he
said that he was delayed and could not be
here before this morning. The Circuit At
torney still refuses to disclose the name of
the repentant or frightened sinner and
until he appears and makes his confession
will not shift blame upon him
CONFESSION EXPECTED.
1t is reported that the confession to be
forthcoming relates chiefly to methods
upon bill compelling surety companies
to deposit 100000 with the Secretary of
State before permitting them to do BUSH
ness in Missouri According to one infor-
mant. $500 was spent in killing this bill
and the name of a prominent official is con.
nected Herewith. The bill was introduced
by Senator Frank Farris.
1t is probable that the Circuit Attorney
will learn by the middle Of next week
whether d. ]. Kelley of the Royal Baking
Powder Company will return and be a
States witness.
Kelley is said TO be conducting the bust
ness 'of the American Queen. his publica-
ton, from Quebec. All of his mail is for
warded to this tall timber and the repIics
sent to New York City for remailins mr.
poses. To all outward appearances. he g
still operating in New York, even while bs
Is in Quebec.
a story gained currency yesterday that a
well-known States witness. who is the
strongest card in the hands of the prosecu-
ton. had agreed. for s25.000, to be paid in
monthly intsallments, to leave the United
States during Mr.. Folks term of office.
Two tickets are said to have been given
to this man on the understanding that he
would depart. He has returned to &, J.ou;s
and If the tale told among the politicians
is true, some friends of the defendants are
cut neat sum of money.
Three witnesses were before the Grand
jury yesterday. c. F. Wenneker. F. d.
Seward and A. j. Walters. all of whom vera
Questioned about the alleged payment of
$500 to kill the bill introduced by Senator
Jesse L. Jewell of Kansas City.
No meeting of the Grand Jury will be held
to-day. adjournment having been taken un-
I'll Monday. when the investigation will be
resumed.