The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1908-10-01
BRYAN TO ROOSEVELT
ASKS THAT PRESIDENT PROVE
CHARGES AGAINST HASKELL.
II Treasurer Is Found Guilty by
Tribunal Selected by Roosevelt,
Commoner Will Drop Him.

Tribunal Selected by Roosevelt,
Commoner Will Drop Him
Detroit.-William J.. Bryan late this
afternoon addressed the following tele-
gram to President Roosevelt in reply to
the presidents statement issued yester-
day:
"Hon. Theodore Roosevelt,
president of the United States.
Dear Sir-In a statement given out
by you yesterday, and published in this
mornings papers, you indorse a charge
against Gov Haskell, of Okhhomn, to
the effect that he was once in the en-
ploy Of the Standard Oil Company, aud
ms such employee was connected with an
attempt TO bride or influence Atty.-Gen
Monet, of Ohio, TO dismiss the suits
pending against the Standard Oil Com
pany. In indorsing this charge you at
tack the Democratic party and its can
didate, saying that Gov. Haskell stands
high in the councils of Mr.. Bryan and
is the treasurer of his national cam
paign committee And you add that
the publication of this correspondence
not merely justifies i'm striking fashion
the action of the administration, but
also casts curious sidelight on the at
tacks made on the administration, both
in the Denver convention. which nomi-
mated Mr.. Bryan, and in the course of
Mr.. Bryan's campaign
Charge Is Serious.
"Your charge is SO serious that can.
not allow it 90 unnoticed Gov. Haskell
has denied he was ever employed by the
Standard Oil Company in any capacity
or was ever connected in any way with
it, or with the transaction on which
your charge is based.
Gov. Haskell demanded an investiga-
ton at the time the charge was first
made, offering TO appear and testify,
and he demands an investigation now.
agree with you that if Gov. Haskell is
guilty as charged he is unfit to be con
nected with the Democratic national
committee, and am sure you will agree
with me that il he is innocent he de-
serves to be exonerated from 50 damn
ing an accusation.
Demands Proof.
"As the selection of Gov. Haskell as
chairman of the committee on resolu-
tons at Denver AMI also as treasurer of
the Democratic committee had my APP
proval and Endorsement, feel il my
duty to demand an immediate investiga-
tion of a charge against him indorsed
by the president of the United States.
Your high position as well as your
sense of justice would prevent your Civ
ing sanction and circulation to such a
charge without proof and | respectfully
request, therefore, that you furnish any
proof which you have in your possession.
or if you have no proof, | request that
you Indicate a method by which the
truth may be ascertained. Without con
sulting Mr.. Haskell, | will agree that he
will>appear for investigation before any
tribunal, public or private, which you
may indicate, and | will further agree
that his connection with national com
mittee and with this campaign shall
cease in the event that the decision of
such tribunal connects him in any way
with this charge; or in case you, after
an investigation OF the facts. say that
you believe him guilty Of the charges
made.
Defends Democratic Party.
"As the candidate OF the Democratic
party, | shall not permit any response
BILE member of the Republican organiza-
tion TO misrepresent the attitude of the
Democratic party in the present cam
paign. | have assisted you TO the ex.
tent of my ability in remedial remedies
which | deemed for the public good
which you have undertaken; have
urged Democrats to support such meas
ures against private monopolies than
either you or your party associates have
been willing To undertake. The platform
of the Democratic party is clear and spe-
cifc on this subject, as on other sub.
jects, while the platform Of the Repub.
hean party is uncertain and eyasiye.
Democrats Hands Clean.
81 submit that our committee has
given the better evidence of its freedom
from connection VIII or obligation TO
the predatory opponents. Our commit
tee has not knowingly received dollar
from an official of any corporation
known as trust and il will not receive
any money from such.
"lf any money is contributed by such
persons without the knowledge of the
committee, il will be returned as soon
as the fact is discovered.
"fhe Democratic party is making an
honest and an honorable fight in defense
of the principles and policies enunciated
in its platform, and It expects and will
demand fair and honorable treatment
from those who are in charge Of the Re
publican campaign.
with great respect, etc, am truly
yours, Signed