The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-02-27
GROIN WELL FACES
MORGAN GRILLING
lawyer Mixed Up in Canal
Affairs Is Quizzed by
the Senator. ID

Washington, Feb. 27.-William Mel
son Cromwell of New York, the law
yer who, as counsel for the French
Panama Canal company, sold the prop,
erty of that corporation to the United
States government, was yesterday after-
noon badgered and browbeaten by Sen
ator Morgan without limit, but came
out of the encounter but little the worse
for wear and tear. Honors We're even.
Mr.. Cromwell appeared as the star
witness before the senate committee on
interoceanic canals. He began by read
ing a prepared statement. 1t was de-
clared by Mr.. Cromwell that neither
himself nor his firm has been counsel
for the isthmian canal commission, nor
the United States government. Mr..
Cromwell read letter written by Mr..
Wallace to him about fifteen days be-
fore he left the isthmus to resign. The
letter was of the most complimentary
and friendly character. He. compared
this letter with Mr.. Wallace s testimo-
ny to show that some of his statements
were inconsistent.
"The only financial interest I have,
or any member of my firm has, on the
personal investment of ST. 900 in the
Panama-American company, which has
paid no dividends.'
drilled Dy morgan.
Senator Morgan began crosse exam
ination of Mr.. Cromwell which con
tinued for more than two hours: He
took up the interview between Secre,
tary Taft, Chief Engineer Wallace and
Mr.. Cromwell at the Manhattan hotel,
New York, June 25, 1908.
Mr.. Cromwell said he was present at
the interview between Taft and Wal
lace by request of Secretary Taft.
"What was the necessity of having
you present at the interview?' asked
Senator Morgan.
"That is for the secretary of war to
answer l merely obeyed his request, -
Cromwell replied. ~,
"Did you offer to withdraw
pressed Senator Morgan: ;,
Mr.. Morgan took up Mr.. Wallace s
arrival in New York and in the Hotel
Manhattan interview. Cromwell denied
that he had met Mr.. Wallace at the
pier or had one of his clerks do so.
He made call Of courtesy at his no,
tel at 10 O'Clock the next morning and
arranged an interview between Secre:
tary Taft and Mr.. Wallace. He SAID
Mr.. Taft was anxious but not resent
full when he left him in Washington.
He urged Wallace to do nothing rash.
He declared that Mr.. Wallace did not
protest against his presence at the In
terview.
Tears in Their Eyes.
cat the conclusion of this painful
interview Mr.. Wallace came around the
table and grasped my hands, said
Cromwell "Both of us had tears
standing in our eyes,
GAS a gentleman and a man, why
did you remain during the interview?
asked Senator Morgan.
''Secretary Taft requested me to &c
so, and Mr.. Wallace concurred by pro
ceeding with his statement,' said the
witness.
There were frequent tits between the
witness and Senator Morgan, because
the former was not more specific In, his
answers to questions by the senator
It eliminated dramatically at the close
of the day, when Mr.. Cromwell refused
to answer various questions asked by
the senator, and the latter declared he
would deal with the witness in the sen
ate when the facts regarding the resig
nation of Mr.. Wallace come out.
Mr.. Cromwell replied with, some
warmth that that was the 'only SAFE
place to do it,