The log cabin Democrat., 1907-02-14

 Donaghey of Conway spoke to the members of the legislature last night in the House of Repre- sentatives. His subject was the erroneous construction of the new State Capitol building and he issued invitations to all the members to meet him at the appointed time.
 Senator Simms of Chicot coun- ty introduced MT. Donaghey and asked a respectful hearing for him, and also remarked upon his ac- quaintance with MT. Donaghey from the days of his poverty to those of fortune and ,fame-he was proud of him.
 MT. Donaghey thanked Col. Simms and then addressed the house of about one hundred repre- sentatives and senators, ln a con- versational manner for about two hours. In opening he re- marked that when man S convictions would not set the wheels of his life to moving they were about as worthless as the white door knobs we some times give our old hens to set on, and that if there were any mem- bers of the legislature present who had no convictions and was incap- able of matching them to life, his constituency had made a mistake in sending him here.
 "I have convictions, said MT. Donaghey on the construction ot our new state capitol. Two years ago I addressed the members of our thirty-ffth general assembly in a written communication. told them there that 1 was no more than any other tax payer of the state, and I tell you the same. had been a competitor for the contract of the capitol building, but the commission in charge of the work decided against me. There could then be nothing more done. The plans, specifications and contract were so devious and uncertain that any construction could have been placed upon them. Now, howev- CT, I repeat that the work forms an indelible record-inferior stone walls, small columns, light iron beams, cinder concrete and small strips of metal can be exposed to view.
 But added to this inference, " said the speaker, "are mis- erable convicts, sad widows and blacklisted orphans. The contrac- tors have themselves admitted that they spent about S2o, 900. co for the purpose of bribery. Hence again I appeal to you in the name of a proud citizenship and in the name of all our taxpayers to stop this grievous wrong. We have no one else to ask. You have original jurisdiction in the matter. MT. Donaghey then expressed his will ingness to talk about any division of the subject that any member would like to ask about and asked for questions in that line. Senator Rowland from Boone county asked the following question:
 "Mr. Donaghey, you say you were a competitor tor this contract. How much did you bid for it?'
 "$e37,45o.oo," came the reply.
 What was the bid of Caldwell & Drake" asked Senator Row. land.
 "They got the contract at S947- S46.oo. Since that time nearly enough has been added to make $1 ,ooo, ,ooo.oo for them, while think the work has actually beer diminished" answered MT. Dona- ghey.
 Will you kindly explain all the conditions, asked the senator "as to how it came about that you did not get the contract, you being the lowest bidder?"
 "The commission had special blank form prepared which the contractors were required to use ir filing their bids," answered MT Donaghey. s"I did not use this form, and the commissioners com plained because I did not. They also required bids to be submitted on three different classes of stone Specifving the grade and location