Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-03-15
At HIS OWN EXPENSE
Foraker Employed Agent in the
Brownsville Inquiry.
LOOKED UP THE TESTIMONY
His Course Approved by His Asso-
ciates.
FERGUsoNs CASE DISCUSSED
Series of Interesting Colloquies at
This Mornings Meeting of Senate
Military Affairs Committee.

The Senate committee on military affairs
experienced one of it's most interesting
hearings today. Its investigation into the
Brownsville ARRAY of last August has never
had more novelty, both in respect to the
coloquies between senators and the testi-
mony given, than was the case at this
mornings session, which was continued I'M
interruptedly until after o'clock.
The interesting colloquies between sena-
tors the committee occurred after a
series of questions by Senator Foster relat-
ing to the activity of a man namet- Fergu-
son in connection with the gathering of
testimony. Ferguson had been in COM
muncation with some of the witnesses, and
while Corporal John G. Rinnel of Company
NJ, 26th Regiment, was on the stand 1t de-
veloped that Ferguson had offered to act
as guide for Rinnel about the Capitol.
Senator Foster was driving in one question
after another, apparently for the purpose
of showing that Ferguson was tamperipg
with the witnesses.
Just at this point Senator Foraker in
terrupted and, with some show of feeling,
asked the witness whether he knew how
he came to be, subpoenaed to appear before
the committee. He replied that he did not.
Ferguson's Activity Explained.
ton concerning Ferguson's activity. which
proved to be entirely satisfactory to every
body and which closed the discussion on the
subject after an interchange of statements
made by several senators.
Mr.. Ferguson was requested by me-"
said Senator Foraker. Ito ascertain what
certain people. whose names were given me
in an anonymous letter as people who had
information that would be valuable did
know about this affair. Ferguson went to
Brownsville at my own expense and ascer-
tanned by making Inquiries all that wished
to know. and then subpoenaed these wit
neSSeS."
Turning to the witness on the stand, SEN
ator Foraker asked: You do not remem-
Der seeing him in BrownSville?'
mo sir, do not
IF anybody suspects the manner of con-
Quoting this investigation and the handling
OF witnesses here" said Senator foraker
Il would like to take the stand and make
an explanation"
Senator overman stated that it was
known that the Constitutional League had
been very diligent about this matter. and
that 1t was in evidence that affidayits
taken by member of that league did not,
in fact, represent the views of the men
whose affidavits they purported to be-
Senator Foraker said that it was also
true that affidavits taken by officers dld
not in some cases correctly represent the
views of the men who made them.
Foraker's Course Approved.
Senator Overman said that 1t was perfect
~ evident that Senator Foraker had a
right to do just what he had acknowledged
having done. He was sure that nobody
| would question that right
Now let US settle another matter-is
Ferguson white man or negroT"
II do not know" said Senator Foraker,
II have known him only since this matter
came up. have had the approval of this
committee in advance of the taking of testi-
mony to zee witnesses before they 60 on