The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1903-05-18
FLORIDA DEVELOPS A
DOODLE CASE

Tallahassee, Fla, May 15.-(Special.)-
A few minutes after the house of rep
resentatives met for the afternoon ses-
sion today strong reminder of the boodie
business which has attached itself so III
sepa ra te with recent Missouri legislation,
was presented by the Introduction py
Representative Stroller, Of Marion, OF
house resolution, which was adopted. call
ing for the appointment Of joint COM
mittee of five to investigate the charge
that Jefferson B. Browne. chairman Oh
the Florida railroad commission and pros
rective candidate for governor OF florloa
next wear. had accepted a fee or Sl,"o
to lobby through the legislature hilI
appropriating $4,000 to purchase lot tlie
state from Monroe county an arInor9 s'1~
and building in Key West
The bill in question has passed oo'"
houses and become a law. MI bro"nN'
in a ouiet way, was very active III ll'
support while it was pending Nheli l"0
bill passed. Senator Hunt Harris, OF MOI
roe county, received a telegram lloi' 'i
uncle. DR.. Nining Harris. supcrlh' eh"e'il
Of schools for Monroe county, aoNi7'i'e
him oe the contract between the 'O"l''
commissioners and Jeff Browne to pay
the latter 10 per cent of any amount n0
could get out OF the legislature. ii'''
seems to have been the first ln'l"la l'oii
Senator Harris and Representative ho0
erts, also of Monroe, had recelVeu VIC.
Mr. Brownies activity was promp'eu ~
a money considerations
Mr. Browne drafted the bin in question
and 1t was introduced by RePresehtatiNe
KnowIes of Monroe Different state
-i.af u
knew of Brownies arrangement for lee
senator Harris took his telegram to Gov
ernor Jennings, and on account OF tne
high official position occupied by JeH
Browne. the governor asked that ne pe
advised direct by the county authorl-
ties as 10 the truth Of the Harris lei-
egram. 1t was duly confirmed ana tis
governor wired for a certified copy OF 'le
minutes of the Monroe county conmlN-
sioners embodying their agreement Win
Mr.. Browne AT the earnest solicitation
Of the Monroe county delegation, the gov
ernor approved the bin and 1t became
law
When Stroller introduced his resolution
this afternoon demanding an lnNeS'ts"
ton Of the matter, because o. me
that Browne is a high state othclaI De"lS
chairman of the railroad commiSslon II
was bitterly attacked by St. CAR AIlfd
hams of Lake, who contended ina
Browne had perfect right in his personal
and professional capacity as lawyer 90
render this service, that it had no CON
nection with his official position or duties,
and that il was matter with which the
house had no proper concern.
In reply. Stroller defended his resolu-
ton with vehemence He called attention
to the scandalized feeling with which the
report Of Mr. Brownies conduct had been
received on all sides He claimed that ii
Browne is innocent of the current charges
he is entitled 10 vindication by com
mittee.
st Clair Abrahams moved TO lay the
motion on the table, but this was lost by
a vote Of u to A. and the resolution was
adopted without further opposition. 1t
IS learned that the admins rativc depart
ment has taken the matter up with the
county commissioners of Monroe and is
investigating and comforting as to what
steps If any. should be taken