New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-02-06

peared TO be acting as "go-between" in mat
ters pend:ng between the Panama government
and Secretary Taft Letters were read show
ing that Mr. Cromwell had brought about the
appointment Of Mr.. Wallace as president of the
Panama Railroad letter from Admiral
Walker which was put into the record declared
that Mr. Cromwens procedure was Irregular
The FIRST official notice of his appointment to the
Canal Commission came from Mr. Cromwell
ana III me latters office he was sworn in. Mr.
Wallace said
THE INTERVIEW WITH MIR. TAFT.
Mr. Morgan examined the witness regarding
! his interview with Secretary Taft in New-York
al which Mr.. Cromwell was present He said
Mr. Cromwell sent a man to meet him at the
wharf and Mr. Cromwell called at his hotel
delegated by Secretary Taft to arrange an in
terview."
Mr.. Wallace said he told Secretary Taft there
We're two reasons for his trip. one personal and
the other general. When asked by Senator
Morgan If he had protested when Mr. Cromwell
had been asked by Secretary Taft TO remain at
the interview. Mr.. Wallace said. mo. thought
l had made my wishes plain. and l was i'm
pressed with the fact that the Secretary seemed
TO be very angry and was trying to suppress his
feelings. 1 felt until my resignation was &C
cepted I was the secretary's subordinate did
situation changed my entire attitude"
Mr. Wallace added that Mr. Cromwell began
TO interrogate him. The Secretary and Mr..
Cromwell. he said, had been together a great
deal when the Secretary was on the isthmus
and the latter had delayed an interview con-
corning the canal work until Mr. Cromwell
could be present.
How did you regard him. as an adviser or a
spy" asked Senator Morgan. and Mr. Wallace
replied that he simply felt that Mr.. Cromwell
had q great deal of influence with the Secre-
tary- Senator Morgan asked what reply he had
made 10 the question as to why he had come to
New York
I said desired to resign as chief engineer
said Mr.. Wallace The Secretary made no re
ply and | outlined the method I'm which |
thought nv severance could be made without
injury 10 the work. The Secretary said he dis
agreed with me and he and Mr.. Cromwell
seemed 10 be making attempt to irrtate me
and cause me to lose my temper. l was ex,
amined as a witness in a court, and affirmative
and negative answers were demanded to uues-
lions. without giving a chance for qualifying
phrases. When this examination was over the
Secretary got off a denunciation of me- which
was almost word for word il appeared later
In the SecretarY's published statement concern
ing my action. asked the Secretary if he took
the position thai could not resign when l was
IN a position from which could be discharged
by Cablegram without moments notice lie
took that view OF il. and | told him that | would
not permit him or Mr.. Cromwell to dictate my
rotary said that L should have given a years
notice. and replied: That is q matter for dis
cussion. and / think should talk il over
whereupOn the Secretary said, Well, / won't
stop to dicker with you. That would be decker
ing
I told Secretary Taft had an offer should
like to accept that would give me a compensa-
IiOn practically double that l received from the
government. / told him all about the negota-
tons. as ] wanted to disabuse his mind of the
idea that / was coming TO him to get an increase
q salary. / had not accepted the higher salary.
nor have / since. I told the company Offering
the place that l would not accept II unless
satisfactory arrangements could be made for me
20 leave my work with the government"
Mr Wallace criticized Chairman Shontss
course in giving orders which he said, had not
been acted upon by the commission.
That was of the questions l desired to
discuss with Secretary Taft" said Mr.. Wallace.
Another thing Mr.. Cronwelrs connection
with affairs. He had done several things with
the railroad property which l questioned and
seemed 10 be the controlling force in the man.
agement Of the property. / considered he was
doing business along dangerous lines"
If l catch your meaning. part OF your bust
ness with the Secretary to shake Cromwell
off your shoulders" suggested Senator Morgan.
You have caught my meaning" the
reply.
The hearing was adjourned until tomorrow