Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1909-03-10

are IdClS 10 SHON lIeA SuSU SOHlIIDu
tions were corrupt or unlawful. The
motion was voted for by the assem-
lblymen only AS three voted against
the motion, or for admission of evi
dence, the chair ruled that the wit
ness would be required to give ties
timony.
An Ethical Question.
Replying TO further objections from
Mr.. Hambrecht, the chairman said:
Il think it is our right and our duty
to enter into this question Of contri
buttons to churches. 1t is commonly
known that churches become very &C
tive before campaigns about getting
contributions. That is a practice that
should be considered reprehensible
by any member of this committee. Il
We can do anything by the throwing
of light on the practice We ought tc
go into the question as fully as We
can. Que of the purposes of the
committee. as I understand it, is tC
reveal some of the reprehensible
practices in connection with cam
paigns.'
Mr.. Hambrecht replied that he diff
fered basically with the chair 81
don't understand that that is the pur
pose of that committee hesaid my
belief in human nature does not con,
vince me that churches are corrupt
or that contributions given tC
churches even by politicians is given
with selfish purposes. 1t is wrong
TO attach improper motives to con
Itributions until there is evidence for
it."
Senator Marsh said that he knows
that Senator Stephenson's paid work
ers were active in churches, and that
congregations were more active where
contributions were made.
Mr.. Bray and Mr.. Hambrecht ST.
simultaneously are to quiz Senator
Marsh. For their private informa
ton" the chair offered that the
churches he has in mind are of the
Lutheran following. He said he would
have witnesses to prove his accuse
Ition.
MIR. EppIine Gets $500.
A check for $500 TO F. ]. Ep1ling
was introduced by Senator Marsh, as
the testimony was resumed.
do you know that bad anything
to do with the campaign
None that know Of"
Were you present when the gen
tleman received it?"
Yes, l drew it"
Did you hear TIE conversation be
tween Mr.. Stephenson and this man?'
Yes"
What was it?"
The man asked for a contribution >
WAS there anything said about
the campaign"
No"
did you hear all the converse
Etion?"
Yes. Until the check was drawn
] was in and out of the Office though
DO you know whether it is en-
tered as campaign expense?"
NO. 1t is under the head of contri
buttons"
Senator Marsh had the check en-
tered as an exhibit. The check is
dated July 6. and was referred to il
the testimony as check No. 6S1.
The office of Mr.. Stephenson con
lsists of two rooms. Miss Stringham
is in the room with Mr.. Stephenson
Ithe witness testified She testified
that as rule she knew the purpose
Iof checks drawn. Mr.. Stephenson is
in the custom of giving her full de
tails. She attends to nearly all the
correspondence. During the campaign
Ishe was assisted by Mr.. Patrick, Mr.
stephenson secretary of Washington
She testified that campaign letters
were either referred to headquarters
or destroyed at the Marinette office.
Two checks were introduced mys
teriously by Mr.. ingalls, dated Januar,
4 and May IA. The payee was a mem
her of the assembly and was candidate
for the assembly. Mr.. ingalls, asked
that the checks be entered as exhib
its. The reason for this he did not ex
actly know He thought that the
checks might lead to some clew. As
matter of fact the checks were
drawn in II. E1ern's name. He was
| the speaker of the assembly two years
| ago and was the chairman of the pres
idential delegation from Wisconsin tc
the Chicago national convention. The
sum is 81 600 The other check also
in Ekerns name, was donated in
Washington to La Follette's presiden
| tial campaign
Strange Explains.
Lieutenant Governor Strange ap
| peared to make q statement regarding
his receipt of money. After being
sworn, he was permitted to tell the
story in his OWL way
"A check was sent me by Mr.. Dicl
| for $50 to c. NJ. Perry. | turned il
| over with the letter enclosed to tins
man it was intended for | had nc
| connection with the campaign as fal
as money is concerned. want +
strictly understood that did not have
| anything to do with campaign expendi
1 lures. | don't believe in spendinl
money for elections. Mr.. Perry Is
/ man that / recommended TO Mr.. Dick
/ The only reason | can see why this
| check was sent TO me is that Mr. Dict
! did not have the initials Of the man.