The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1906-03-01

Senator Morgan Fails to Get An
swers From Witness in Pan
ANA Canal Case.
INFORMATION PRIVATE
TELLS OF COINAGE SYSTEM IN
VOGUE ON THE ISTHMUs.

Washington, Feb. Ex-senator Morgen
resumed his examistion of William
Nelson Cromwell TO-DAY. The inquiry
was in relation to the plan for the
characterization Of the Panama canal.
Questions were asked by Mr.. Morgan
and the witness refused to answer.
Your case of lockjaw seems to be
getting worse" Mr.. Morgan said. 1T
is the most remarkable 1 ever encoun-
tered
Again declining to answer any ques-
tons upon the subject. the witness was
told by Mr.. Morgan that he was shut
ting out any information.
Then why are you asking these Ques-
tiOns?" asked Senator Kittredge.
Il want TO see if the witness can tell
the truth on any point" said Mr. Nor
gan. Furthermore, If any senator
cares to interrupt he should address
the chair. I do not choose to be inter-
Tupted in this way"
Continuing his inquiry, Mr.. Morgan
asked:
Did you assist Senators Hanna and
Kittredge in making the minority re-
port from this committee?"
The report referred to was against
the Nicaraguan route and in favor OF
the Panama route.
I decline to answer" said the wit
ness.
Confidential Information.
Senator Taliaferro took UP the ex-
animation and the witness said that
whatever information he might have
furnished was given as counsel for the
Panama Canal company. The succeed
ing questions were based upon the as
sumption that the witness had admit
ted that he had assisted the committee,
but Mr.. Cromwell promptly interpOsed
that ne had made no such admission.
ct, ask you again, did you give them
information asked Mr.. Morgan.
Il make the same reply" said the
witness.
what was the reply?" asked Mr..
Morgan.
That my actions were in the course
of my professional duties and of a con-
fidential character" replied the witness
Mr.. Taliaferro asked the witness con-
corning the monetary agreement en-
tered into between the secretary of war
and the republic Of Panama, particular
" the part he played in the transaction.
rs this not covered by your profess
sional reticence?'' asked Mr.. Morgan.
NO sir said the witness, 'and I
hope may say this finally"
mo, we Will return to it again If I
see fit" said Mr.. Morgan
Very well, you seem to enjoy 1t, and
long time" replied the witness with
3fll-concealed sarcasm
Mr.. Cromwell then explained in de-
ltail the coinage upon the isthmus, and
flor the first time since he went upon the
stand was permitted to proceed with
out interruption In the meantime Mr.
Morgan was studying the records
Little End for Panama.
Mr.. Cromwell said his activity in this
monetary agreement was the result 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.
The witness declined to answer any
Hypothetical questions concerning his
relations with the railroad company
prior 10 the transfer Of the road to the
United States, and continued the dis
cussion Of the monetary matter saying
he had drawn the monetary agreement.
The agreement, he said, was made for
the benefit of the Panama railroad and
the Isthmian Canal company, and the
interest of the republic Of Panama was
only nominal.
At 1880 O'Clock the committee ad-
1ourned uptil 1890 o'clock tomorrow,
when Mr. Morgan viii again examine
Mr.. Cromwell.