New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-01-27
ACCUSES BEEF LAWYER
Federal Official Says Trust attorney
Bribed RepOrter.

Washington, Jan. 26.-By authority of Presi-
dent Roosevelt, correspondence was made public
at the White House this evening relating to the
method alleged to have been employed by at
torneys for the beef packers who are under in
dictment at Chicago to influence public opinion
on behalf OF the packers
The documents are communication made to
Attorney General Moody by United States Dis
trict Attorney Morrison, of Chicago. setting out
certain alleged facts regarding the payment Of
a sum Of money TO a Chicago newspaper re-
porter by one Of the attorneys for the beef
packers; letter Of the Attorney General to the
President, transmitting Mr. Morrison's report
expressing the opinion that no way existed un-
der the law by which the alleged offence could
be punished, and a letter from the President 10
the Attorney General directing the publication
Of the coTespon lence in order that the public
might be informed Of one situation, at least.
which the government has to meet in prosecut-
ing the case against the packers.
Attorney General Moodys letter transmitting
the correspondence to the President follows:
forward herewith the report Of Mr. Morrison.
the United States Attorney at Chicago showing
that one Of the counsel for the defendants in the
Indictment against the beef packers has given a
sum OF money TO a reporter Of The Chicago In
ter Ocean" engaged in reporting the proceedings
In that case, and unsuccessfuly attempted to give
a sum Of money to another reporter of the City
Press. OF Chicago, who declined tC receive il.
In view Of the fact that the articles of the re-
porter Of The Inter Ocean have been mislead-
ing, contain many false statements Of fact and
have been circulated widely throughout the
country. deem it proper to bring the subject to
your attention Under the statute. which rigidly
restricts the power Of the federal courts punish
for contempt Of court, there seems to be no
remedy. I am advised by the District Attorney
that proceedings for disbarment Of the offending
attorney would not be likely to prevail in the
federal courts.
District Attorney Morrison's letter gives the
details Of the alleged payment of money by
Judge George ". Brown to Mr.. Hasler, of The
Inter Ocean," and of the alleged attempt to
give a Mr.. Elwen, Of the City Press, 500
through Mr. Hasler. 1t transmits articles which
appeared in The Inter Ocean" after the date Of
the alleged payment, and also the explanation
of Judge Brown that he gave his own money.
without the knowledge of his clients. because he
said Elwel had written complimentary articles
about him.
The Presidents letter TO Mr.. Moody is as fol-
lows:
In view OF the fact that there seems to be no
opportunity for action before the courts against
the counsel Of the beef packers, who, il appears
from District Attorney MOTrisons statement,
has been guilty Of bribing a reporter-the re-
porter having disseminated false and misead-
Ing statements as 70 the case against the Beef
Trust--it seems TO that the only course left
is TO publish Mr.. MOTrisOns letter and the other
documents IN the case This direct to be done
Extraordinary efforts have been made in this
case, in one or two similar cases. to poison
the public mind by the dissemination Of false
and misleading statements, and 1t is right that
the public should know why and how their cir
Culation is secured.
Chicago. Jan. 26-George Wheeler Hinman.
Editor-in-chief Of The Inter Ocean, issued a
statement tonight in regard the correspondence
made public by order OF the President, saying that
Mr.. Hassler had ceased his connection with The
Inter Ocean," although he apparently had taken
the money innocently. The insinuation that the
general policy Of The Inter ocean" had in any
way been fixed by Mr.. Hassler NIr. Hinman called
ridiculous.
Judge Brown said that the Christmas present he
gave Mr.. Hassler, old friend and neighbor. had
bearing the packers trial. He gave presents
Of the same nature TO thirty thrty-fve persons.
The fact that he OF the general counsel Of
The Inter Ocean" and a personal friend Of the
editor showed the preposterousness Of the insn-
uations.
Mr. Hasser said he willing 10 stand the
records Of the in justification of the accuracy
and fairness of his reports.