The Washington times., 1906-05-04
PIERCE TO CARRY
THE CONTROVERSY
BEFORE CONGRESS
Wants to Refute the
Statement of McWade
to the Committee.

The sensational statements made by
Robert McWade. former consul general
to Canton. before the House Commit
tee on Foreign Affairs last yesterday
afternoon, IN defense Of charges made
against him by Third Assistant Secre-
tary Of State Peirce in his confidential
report relating 10 the American consular
service I'm the Far East. has opened up
a bitter war between the State Depart
ment official and the former consular
official. who. il is alleged was ousted
from office on the strength Of Mr.
Peirce's recommendation.
This battle VIII be fought out before
the Foreign Affairs Committee and per-
haps carried 10 the floor OF both he
House and Senate, as Mr. Peirce already
has asked the committee the privilege
of appearing before it at its earliest
convenience 20 refute the counter
charges brought against him yesterday
afternoon. and TO introduce all the doe
uments and exhibits he has bearing on
the case and which have not yet been
made public
Also 20 prove the charges contained in
his report and which recently were
made public In a message by the Presi-
dent. transmitting them to the Senate.
That Tiger Skin Rug.
In this battle, a conspicuous object
will be a handsome tiger skin rug. Mr.
McWade startled his hearers yesterday
by declaring that when Mr. Peirce was
in Canton and was being entertained at
the residence of the consulate general.
the State Department official, who. he
declared. seemed more interested in the
collection Of carlos than pursuing the
business on which he was sent. so great
~ admired the rug he felt impelled to
present it to him.
The story of the rug was really what
caused the sensation among the Repre-
sentatives who heard Mr.. McWade' 8
story, and which caused Mr.. Peirce
promptly TO ask TO tell his side, and tell
it completely. As to whether this hear
ing will be granted. in view OF the fact
which is supposed 10 fully cover the
case I'm all its phases. already has been
| suomitted, remains question
MIR. McWade. II is known has n num-
| Der Of friends in Congress, both the
| House and Senate. and it is understood
today that they will put up a fight in
defense OF the former consular official.
Among these, II is anticipated that the
most active will be Senator Penrose, of
Philadelphia, who was mainly fnstru-
mental in Mr.. McWade obtaining his ap-
pointment over half dozen years ago
and who has been his loyal defender ever
since
Moth- and the Rug.
Il had never mentioned the matter
of the rug to Mr. Peirce since he left
Canton with it." said Mr.. McWade. to
Times reporter. this morning. 1T
was practically new rug at the time.
| It having been presented to me by a
friend in Canton. When il was re-
turned by a colored messenger last night
an examination showed that IL was bad
iy moth-eaten and otherwise damaged,
almost beyond recognition. No note or
message accompanied IL. There was
to it. the paper bearing the heading of
| The Third Assistant Secretary Of State
and on it was written, in ink. my name
and house address,"
Rug Came Unexpected.
To Times reporter, Mr.. Peirce ex-
planned the incident of the so Otiger
skin While in Canton I bought a lot
| or Chinese tea tables which fit one into
the otner and on these tables / desired
the manufacturer TO print my name In
Chinese characters. I was compelled to
| depart from Canton almost at once. and
! this work could not be completed for
some time" he said Accordingly. |
arranged with Mr.. Mcwade to shin
they to me. When 1 arrived in wash
/ ington. quite awhile after that. | found
large box had come containing the
/ tables Imagine my surprise when !
Continued on Page Thirteen.)
Fireproof Storage.
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