The Taney County republican. (Forsyth, Mo.) 1895-1992, 1905-01-19
SENATOR SUI LrvAN CAN VOTE
Denies Statements Of City Papers Says lie
Can Practice Law.

Editor Republiciln:-OwiDg 10 the
fact that the press of the state has had
much 10 say concerning myself and my
indictment by the Cole county grand
jury on charge of soliciting bribe, and
my subsequent conviction by a Cole
county petit jury on the said charge,
none Of which comments so far rs have
seen, being either fair or just toward
me, and being apprised by both former
and recent experience that have many
friends in Taney county, Task you to do
me the kindness to publish in the col
umns OF your valuable paper correc-
tion of the most recent Of these false,
and in some instances malicious, publi-
cations.
1t has been repeatedly published by
the metropolitan press since the decis-
ion of the Kansas City court Of appeals,
affirming the decision of the trial court
in my case, that by the judgment of that
court am deprived OF citizenship in
the state Of Missouri, which would pro.
hibit me from voting or holding office,
etc. | have recently procured copy Of
the courts opinion, and after full and
careful examination thereof find that
such reports and publications are utter
ly false and unfOunded, as the question
of citizenship, and no other question not
raised in the trial court, is raised or dis
cussed by the appellate court in its opin-
ion, Let it be understood that have
no desire to hold Office, as have had all
the otlicehoding experience | want;
but am still possessed of desire to
vote the Republican ticket atevery OPP
portunity, which | will proceed to do.
ldesire to say further that this indict-
ment and conviction were had and pro-
cured on the testimony Of a single wit
ness who, 1t was proven on the trial,
was at Jefferson City during the sitting
of the general assembly with an unusual
and unreasonable amount of money in
his possession, for the purpose of inilu-
encing legislation in behalf of his COM
pany and others engaged in similar
business. Three witnesses, including
myself, none of whom were impeached,
testified as to the attempt Of the prose-
cutting witness to bribe me. All this
testimony of these three witnesses was
entirely disregarded ION what theory
your readers must determine for them
selves) and the testimony Of the single
witness, Layton, relied on wholly as the
basis of conviction. On such testimony
no other man has been convicted in
Missouri. fought for my rights as
long as there was court to which |
could appeal, but the Kansas City court
of appeals being the court OF last resort,
| must submit to its decision, which l
have done as gracefully as Is becoming
former member Of the Missouri state
senate.
Notwithstanding the Indictment and
conviction as aforesaid, have no re-
morse Of conscience-no self.accusing
remembrances that have done aught
but what then believed, and still be-
lieve, was TO the best interest and well
fare of the people of the state, and par
ticnlarly those resident in the 10Th sem
atorial district. have been unfortun-
ate in never having the support Of the
metropolitan press OF the state, which
is the only manner In which ones real
position on matters of public interest
can be made known to his constituency.
The petition circulated in your county
asking Governor Dockery to pardon me
was useless, as no pardon is required,
but wish to say that the efforts of my
friends in this regard and in my behalf
are as fully appreciated as though it
were necessary. have lost none OF my
courage and yet have confidence that
somewhere, sometime, the injustice done
me will be righted. Tony true friends
in Taney county wish to express my
most heartfelt thanks. Your unwaver-
ing confidence in my honesty and sin
cerity OF purpose, your loyalty TO me at
all times when called on, has been one
OF the strongest ballasts to me in the
darkest hours of my adversely. One
and all sincerely thank you, and be-
lieve me,
Yours very respectfully,
w. p. SULLIVAN.