The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1909-01-12

Tillman will ask the recognition OF
the chair on a question Of personal
privilege. Departing from his Gus
tom Of extemporaneous speaking, he
will read his statement, thus insur-
ing more careful adherence ito what
he desires to say than he would be
able to give in an ofhand speech.
The communication to Senator
Hale is nearly 5000 words long and
in addition there are appended num-
erous exhibits, including copies Of let
tiers written by Senator Tillman and
his agent, William E. Lee, showing
that they did make an effort to Sc
cure several quarter sections Of the
Oregon land, and the reports of the
postofice inspectors who investigat-
ed the transactions of the land agents.
It was through this Investigation that
the alleged interest Of Senator TIL
man was brought to light, and fate
fully, it appears, it was at his inst-
gation that the inquiry was begun.
Investigation a Duty.
The presidents communication to
Senator Hale opens with the state
ment that he secured for the SEN
ate information touching the employ
ment Of special attorneys, special
agents, inspectors, etc., and the re-
ports conveying this information he
was transmitting. Then he says that
it is "not only the right but the duty
Of congress ito investigate the work
:ngs of the secret service or detective
agents by which alone the govern
ment can effeotually safeguard itself
against wrongdoing, punish crime,
and bring to justice criminals. -
The president continues: .
"It nevertheless remains true that
this system is absolutely indispensa-
bic if the popular interest is ITO be
adequately safeguarded and wrong
doors taught to fear the law" /
~Tihe president says: - .
II would like to state here that
very frequently accusations have been
made to me privately by members OF
the two houses to the effect that the
secret service has been used as police
of morals on to shadow senators, con-
eressmen and other public officials.
Hitherto the effort to discover the
basis for such allegations has always
been frustrated. I should be greatly
obliged if any information could be
Furnished me tending to show any
instance where this has been done in
times past
The president enters upon discus
sion of the operations of the special
agents and inspectors, saying that in
the investigation of specific frauds
the operators ''sometimes come
across wholly unexpected phases Of
misconduct.
Often, says the president, the
abuse Of the franking privilege is
unknown to the congressman them
selves. Then, leading up to the Till
man matter, he says:
Case "of Different Kind.
"But a case has just arisen of a
different kind, which. it seems to me,
I SHOULD put before YOU as llustrat-
ing in striking fashion the way IN
(which Investigation begun by any OF
the various agencies in the strict line
! of their duty may develop facts OF
high Importance, which the investiga-
tors would not in the first instance
have sought to discover, which dis
covered. ought not to be hidden or
suppressed, but the development of
which may tend to create an erron-
eous impression that the agents IN
question were being used for purposes
not within the line Of their lawful
duty.'
Tie communication then recites
. thet Senator Tillman Oh February ~
. last. called the attention Of the SEN
ate to the circular Of the Oregon land
syndicate. which alleged that Sena-
tor Tillman was among those who
i,had spoken for part of the land TO
ho diSnosed of and quotes Senator
!; TIllnan's denial as follows:
II have not bought any land any,
} where in the West, nor undertaken to
buy amy. I have made some inqulr-
! les as one naturally would, in roaming
through the West. I simply want the
people of the country to be put on
nntioo that th1s SWindleT at Portland