Los Angeles herald., 1906-03-01
SENATOR MORGAN
GR|LLS CROMWELL
DEMANDS THAT LATTER AN
SWER HIS QUESTIONS
Inquirty Into Plan for Americanization
of the Panama Canal Brings
Out Spirited Dia.
logue
BY Associated Press.

By Associated Fress.
WASHINGTON, Feb. %. - Senator
Morgan resumed his examination of
William Nelson Cromwell today. The
inquiry was in relation to the plan for
the Americanization 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. "It
is the most remarkable case I ever en-
countered."
Again declining TO answer any ques-
tions?" asked Senator Kittredge.
told by Mr.. Morgan that he was not
shutting 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..
Morgan. Furthermore. If any senator
cares to interrupt he should address
the chair / don't choose to be inter-
rupted in this way"
Continuing his inquiry, Mr.. Morgan
said.
did you assist Senators Hanna and
Kittredge in making the minority re-
port from this committee?'
(The report referred to was against
the Nicaragua route and in favor of the
Panama route.)
Witness Declines to Answer
IT decline to answer" said the wit
ness.
Senator Taliaferro took up the exam
ination and the witness said that what
ever information he might have fur
nished was given as counsel for the
Panama Canal company. The succeed
ing questions were based upon the as
sumption that the witness had admitted
that he had assisted the committee,
but Mr.. Cromwell promptly interposed
that he had made no such admissions.
II 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 con-
fidential character" replied the wit
ness.
Mr.. Taliaferro asked concerning the
monetary agreement entered into be-
tween the secretary of war and the
Republic of Panama, particularly the
part he played in the TRANSACTION.
rs that not covered by your pro-
fessional reticence?" asked Mf. Morgan.
Morgan Insists on Answer
mo sir. said the witness, "and
hope l may say this finally"
mo, we will return to itiagain if 1
see fit" said Mr.. Morgan
Very well. You seem ITO enjoy it,
and it is the first vacation have had
in a long time," replied the witness
with ill-concealed sarcasm.
Mr.. Cromwell then explained in de-
tail the coinage system on the 18TH
mus, and for the first time since he
went on the stand was permitted to
Mr.. Morgan was studying
the records.
Mr.. Cromwell said his activity in this
agreement was the result of
an invitation from the secretary of
war, who knew of his familiarity with
an agreement the Panama Canal COM
pany had had with the Republic of
Colombia.
The witness declined to answer any
Hypothetical questions" concerning
his relations with the railroad company
prior to the transfer of the road to the
United States.
Mr.. Morgan insisted upon n ruling
as to whether the witness should be
to answer.
Roll Call Demanded
Mr.. Kittredge demanded roll call, |
voting as their names were
called. Those who voted against the
witness being compelled to answer any
question not specifically stated were
Kittredge, Dryden, Ankeny and Mil
lard. The votes to support Mr.. Nor
gan's position were Morgan and Talia-
ferro.
At 12 o'clock Mr.. Morgan asked for
an adjournment until p. m., but he
was overruled. He then went to the
senate chamber and other members of
the committee resumed the inquiry con-
cerning the monetary arrangement.
At 1880 p. m. the committee adj
journed until 10:30 o'clock tomorrow,
when Mr.. Morgan will again examine
Mr.. Cromwell.