New-York tribune., 1908-03-13

Mr- sperry's district and NJ. Gordon. Of Mdvaie.
Mich. IN Mr. Loud's district I have also been told
al lawyer in Texas in Mr.. Gregg's district 1
think his is Coward l do not think of any
at present, but if you will call these wit
nesses 1 satisfied in my own mind that you will
discover more There few members OF that
committee. 1 believe, they have given up. / do
not think you will unrayeI anv in Mr.. Foss's dis
trict in Mr.. Hobson's. in that OF Mr.
Padgett The electric company has attorneys in
New York City where Mr.. Olcott lives. 1 do not
know whether they are in his district Frost and
Johnson live there. and l have been told OF others
but I have forgotten their names
Mr.. Lilley said he had consulted ex-senator
Thurstor, of this city. who is the attorney
for the Lake Submarine Boat Company and In
sisted that Mr.. Thurston had not formulated his
charges.
Mr.. olmsted was insis,eut in his questioning
which led Mr.. Lilley to ask the pertinence Of
his queries. Il understand that am not on trial
here ne said, and how does It affect the investi-
CATION Of the Electric Boat Company as to where
GOT information who 1 counselled With
Mr. olrnsted-We may be investigating two COM
panies before We get through. We want to get at
thc bottom of this matter
Mr. LiIley-So far as am concerned 1 would be
willing TO incorporate IN my resolution that you
Investigate two all II the Lake company is pur-
suing similar methods to the Electric Boat Com
pany will introduce resolution TO have them in
vesttgated.
Mr.. Olmsted-I think in entire harmony.
Mr.. Lilley. No one is accusing you of anything
Mr.. LilIey said Mr.. Thurston told him that
Senator Marion Butler drew the amendment the
appropriation bill of 1907
Nr. Lilley asked if he had any additional
witnesses TO suggest at this time He replied that
he had not. but would be glad to give list Of
names Of who, he thought. would throw a
good deal OF light the subject
We propose to dig deep any OF these
submarine boats dig said Mr.. OlDlsted.
THAT won't be very far" replied Mr.. Ley. amid
laughter.
MIR. HOBsoN's TESTIMONY
AT this point Mr. Lilley was excused. and Repre-
sentative Hobson called.
Did person claiming to be a Representatives
Of the Electric Boat Company approach you in the
manner indicated?' asked Mr.. Olmsted.
Yes sir"
Who was the party
Lawrence Speer. of New York It in No
vernber last. Mr.. Speer my secretary first and
a few days later called up the telephone,
and il over the phone that he spoke TO me-
directly. lie had previously written TO me- stating
that there was matter OF mutual interest about
which he wished to confer with me, ana replied
thaC / would be glad 10 confer with him He said
over the phone subsequently that he understood I
wanted go the Naval Committee, and that
his company would be able TO help rne-had IN
fuence to bring that about If stood right on sub
marines
Nj Hobson-Yes. sir
Mr. Oln1sted-Whom did he say?
MI Hobson-I would rather not state that unless
you Insist.
MI Olmsted-We would like 70 have you state it.
AIr FIobson-He said the Speaker
Nj. Hobson further said that Mr.. sPeer had IN
formed him thar he would have to Look out for
Mr.. Williams. the minority leader"
Mr Olnsted-The idea was that Il you secured
the support OF M- Williams they would do the
rest?
MI Hobson-Yes. sir. They would use their in
fuence 10 have me placed Oh the committee.
Mr Olnsted-I understand that the naming Of
the Democratic members Of the committee was lett
10 Mr.. Williams by the Speaker If ne was IN
your favor you would have much difficulty
with the Speaker?
Mr. Hobson-I had some ideas on the subject ex-
cept IL exceptional cases that the Speaker would
abide by the recommendations OF the minority
leader.
Nj Olmsted-You were not one Of the e1cep-
tionaI cases. YOU. Mr.. Hobson?
MI F5obson-I ola not any reason why /
should De.
Mr. Olusted-You were appointed by the Speaker
on the recommendation Of Mr. Williams?
Nr. Fobsou-I think So
Mr. OlGsted-You did not require Speer ald OF
tlat os any one else?
Mr.. Hobson-Thar is a question l cannot answer.
MI OIrasted-Your appointment on the Naval
Committee was obtained in the usual way?
Williams and to the Speaker, and think that
was all. I do not reuember having urged my case
n the minority leader and do not know Whetner
any o. nv friends did 50. but il was known by
them generally that I wanted that conlnnttee'
told afr Speer that ! did not want the influence
-l.at his company had. and made no promise -
SUPPORT any naval proposition he might have 10
offer
Nj F4obson said he had seen Mr- Speer since
tins conversation occurred. and in reply TO ques-
-;on by Ny Litteton said ne and Speer had been
classmates 1t Annapolis and belonged to tie same
r.-7,- in +Ae nav Their relations had been
cordial.
S,orrf- before the committee adjourned Ton
ereseran Gregg. Of Texas. came into the room
and desired 10 ask Il number of questions OF Nj
Hey Chairman BouteIl told him to take tie
sia7d and. after being sworn, Nj Gregg SAID
Z had no ioea appearing as a witness. onf
vas told that Nj LiIley said there VAS an af1oT-
rez from my district representing this company
}-..re in Washington. That is made cut of "Hois
cloth, There is not q particle Of truth IN II
Chairman RotlteIl said that the cor7FnittNe ha1
-aoai,s5 letters from ex-senator Butler ana NJ.
,-&ei- asking the privilege of testtfyinS As
,..-7ar was present the committee adlourned n'i
-, O'Clock Monday morning
KELLOGG READY TO TESTIFY.