Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1906-03-01
By the Answers Of Canal
Witness Cromwell
who Seems Full Match for
the Alabama Senator.



convened today Senator Morgan resum-
ed his inquiry in relation to the plan for
{ for the characterization Of the Pana-
ma canal. Mr.. Cromwell said his reply
would be the same as he had made on
yesterday. that professional secrets
were involved. He said he entered the
employ Of the new Panama Canal Co,
in 1856 and the employment still ex-
lists.
Question after question was asked by
Mr.. Morgan and the witness replied to
each one: II make the same reply or
"whatever knowledge l acquired was
gained in my professional capacity"
Your case Of lock jaw seems to be
getting worse" said Mr.. Morgan. who
added that he was not shutting out any
information.
Then why are you asking these
auestions?" asked Senator Kittredge.
Il want 10 see if the witness can tell
the truth OH any point" said Mr.. Nor
gan. Furthermore, if any senator
cares to interrupt he should address
the Chair do not choose to be inter-
-rupted fl this way
MIR. Morgan asked: did you assist
Senators Hanna and Kittredge in maxi
ing the minority report from this COM
mittee?" (The report referred to was
against the Nicaragua route and in ia
yor of the Panama route)
II decline to answer" said the wit
mess.
Senator Taliaferro took up the exam
inatiOn and the witness said whatever
information he may have furnished was
a.,
Co. Mr.. Taliaferro asked the witness
concerning the monetary agreement en-
tered into between the secretary Of war
and the republic OF Panama. particu-
larry the part he played in the transact
ton.
rs this not covered by your profess
sional .reticence?" asked Mr.. Morgan.
mo. SIR" said the witness. land 1
hope I may say this finally"
mo. we shall return to it again, if
see flt." said Mr.. Morgan.
Every well, you seem to enjoy it. and
1t IL the first vacation have had in a
long time" replied the witness.
Mr. Cromwell then explained the
coinage system on the isthmus and for
the first time since he went on the
stand was permitted to proceed with
out Interruptions. In the meantime,
Mr.. Morgan was searching the records.
Mr.. Cromwell said his activity in
this monetary agreement was by rea-
son of an invitation from the secretary
OF war who knew OF his familiarity
with an agreement the Panama Canal
Company had had with the republic
OF Colombia. During this discussion
he referred to the Panama Railway Co.
and questions being asked him by Mr.
Morgan. the witness declined to answer
any hypothetical questions" concern
Ing his relations with the railroad COM
pany in a period prior to the transfer
Of the road to the United States in
May. 1904. Mr.. Morgan insisted upon
ruling as to whether the witness should
be compelled to answer.
Mr.. Kittredg0 demanded tue roll cal!
Those who voted against the witness be-
ing compelled to answer questions not
specifically stated were Kittredge. Dry
den. Ankeny and Willard The votes to
support Mr.. Morgan's position were Nor
Ran ana Talliaferro. Mr.. Morgan told
the witness to resume ard treated tho
subject as II he had expected to be over
ruled Great interest was manifested
when MFR. Cromwell said he had drawn
the monetary agreement. The agreement
said Mr.. CROMWELL. was made for the
beneft OF the Panama Railroad and the
dsthmian canal commission and the in
terest OF the republic OF Panama was ONLY
nominal
One senator asked Mr. Cromwell if it be
true that he had received no salary from
the republic Of Panama. what had induced
him to serve the republic as fiscal agent
Because Of my broad instinct of good
nature. which has prompted me to do so
much for this cause. and for the further
reason that ] have more money than I
know what to do with, unfortunately. -
said Mr. Cromwell.
Taking up the scheme for the "Ameri
canization OF the Panama canal" Mr..
Morgan asked il it was the same ..broad
instinct OF good nature that had caused
him to engage in that
Are you still harping on our daurh-
ter?" asked Mr.. Cromwell
she seems to be harm NJ MANI,
strings and / should like to know her
better" said Mr.. Morgan Then he asL-
Ed several questions concerning the
scheme. and the witness said.
SeH'ttor. nave declined to answer
those questions SO often that I think I
had better get a photograph
please remember that you are on tho
stand and have been sworn" sharply said
Mr. Morgan.
Il will remember" said the wines,
land decline to give the Information
asked for on the ground that Il, involves
a privileged communication"
At y o'clock Mr. Morgan asked for ,r
adjournment until o'clock but he was
overruled. He then went to the Senate
chamber and other members OF the com.
mittee resumed the inquiry concerning tn,
monetary arrangement.
The committee finally adjourned unit
tomorrow. when Mr.. Morgan will AGAR
examine Nfr. Cromwell
More than 100 members Of the New
england Pcstmasters Association at.
tended at banquet of the organization
At the American House. IN Boston
wednesday night. President John w
Cass. OF Woonsocket. r. l.. was toast
master. The principal speaker wa.