Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-02-06
Cromwell's Right to Participate.

The inquiry was pursued by Senator Nor
gan to determine what Mr.. Cromwell had
to do with it,"
Mr.. Wallace then read from public let
ter issued by Secretary Taft, saying that
Mr.. Cromwell through designation of the
President, had been acting in an advisory
capacity on all matters relating to canal
affairs. Referring to visit made by Secre-
taIy Taft to the isthmus, Mr. Wallace said
that Mr.. Cromwell was member of the
party and appeared to be acting as a go
between In matters pending between the
Panama government and Secretary Taft.
Letters were read showing that Mr.. Crom-
well had brought about the appointment of
Mr.. Wallace president of the Panama
railroad. a letter from Admiral Walker
which was put into the record, declared
that Mr. Cromwell's procedure was irregu-
lar The first official notice of his appoint
ment to the canal commission came from
Mr.. Cromwell. and in the latters office he
was sworn in, said Mr.. Wallace.
Interview With Secretary. Taft
Mr.. Morgan examined the witness re-
garding his interview with Secretary Taft
In New York, at which Mr.. Cromwell was
present. He said Mr.. Cromwell sent a
man to meet him at the wharf and that
Cromwell called at his hotel, delegated by
Secretary Taft to arrange an Interview"
Mr. Wallace said he told Secretary Taft
personal and the other general.
When asked by Senator Morgan If he
had protested when Mr.. Cromwell had been
asked to remain at the interview by Sec
rotary Taft. Mr.. Wallace said:
NO l thought / had made my wishes
plain, and | was impressed with the fact
that the Secretary seemed to be very angry
and was trying to suppress his feelings I
felt until my resignation was accepted I
was the Secretarys subordinate 1 did not
wish to preclpitate any i'll feelings, but the
situation changed my entire attitude
Mr.. Wallace said that Mr.. Cromwell be-
gan to interrogate him. The Secretary and
Mr.. Cromwell, the witness said, had been
together great deal when the Secretary
was on the isthmus, and the latter had
delayed an interview concerning the canal
work until Mr.. Cromwell could be present
How did You regard him, as an adviser
or q spy asked Senator Morgan, and
Mr. Wallace replied that he simply felt
that Mr.. Cromwell had a great deal of in
fiuence with the Secretary
Senator Morgan asked what reply he had
made to the question as to why he had
come to New York.
Il said l desired to resign as chief en-
gineer," replied Mr.. Wallace THE Sec
rotary made no reply, and 1 outlined the
method in which thought my severance
could be made without injury to the work
The Secretary said he disagreed with mo
and he and Mr.. Cromwell seemed to he
making an attempt to irritate me and canse
me 10 lose my temper. l was examined as
negative answers were demanded to oues-
lions without giving a chance for uualify.
Ing phrases. When this examination was
oyer 1he secretary got off a denuncation
OF me. Whlch was almost word for wor5
as IL appeared later in the Secretary's nub
ilsneo statement concerning my action.
asked the Secretary IL he took the no.
sitlon that l could not resign. whe, WAS
IL position from which 1 Womb no NC
charged by cabiegram without a moment,s
notice; he TOOK that view Of It, and / told
Elm that l would not permit him nor MT
Cromwell to dictate my rights as = knar,
them myself. Then the Secretary SO III th.,t
replied: anu
I" That is a matter for discussion and l
the Secretary said:
Well, won't stoop to dicker with vo,,
That would be dickering'
told. Secretary Taft I had an offer
should like to accept that would give mo a
compensation practically double thar re-
cefved from the government l told him All
about the negotiations, as l wanted to dis
abuse his mind of the idea that was com
Ing to him to get an increase of salary
had not accepted the higher salary mar
have I since, told the company ofrer,ng
me the place that would not accent il nm
less satisfactory arrangements coud be
made for me to leave my work with the
government.
Criticised Chairman Shonts, Course.
In repiy 10 questions. MT. Wallace said
he felt he was better fitted than Mr.. Shonts
for the actual direction or the canal work.
He criticised Chairman Shonts' course In
giving orders which Mr.. Wallace said had
not been acted upon by the commission.
THAT was one of the questions desired
to discuss with Secretary TAFT, said mr.
Wallace. Another thing was Mr.. Cron,-
wells connection with affairs. He has done
several things with the railroad property
which questioned, and seemed to be the
controlling force In the management of the
property. considered he was doing BUSH
ness along dangerous lines"
If catch your meaning, part of your
business with the Secretary was to shake
Cromwell Off your shoulders? suggested
Senator Morgan.
You have caught my meaning" was the