The times and democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1881-current, 1910-05-31
BRIBE CHARGE
Hest Vehemeudy Denied in Speech
by Senator Lorimer But
ANOTHER BRlBE TAKER

Confesses in Illinois Immediately At
ter the Senator Delivers Speech
on the Floor Of the Senate in
Washington, Which Fastens the
Crime on Him Again.
For just two hours Saturday SEN
ator Lorimer of Illinois stood in the
senate and in vigorous language de-
nounced as untrue the charge of
bribery made against him in connec-
tion with his election to the senate.
Upon leaving the chamber at the con-
clusion of his speech. Mr.. Lorimer
hurriedly put his affairs in order and
caught late afternoon train for
Chicago. In his address, Mr. Lomi-
mer made emphatic denial of all the
allegations of corruption and sought
to turn the accusation of wrong-do-
ing upon the Chicago Tribune, in
which newspaper the charges first
were published.
The speech was devoted to a re-
view Of charges and Illinois poll
tics for te past 25 years. He charg-
ed The Tribune with sinister mo-
tives in its attacks, and, saying that
it had been fighting him every since
1884, charging that its action was
inspired by its failure to cor troll his
course as public man. Mr. Lori
mer gave many particulars concern
ing his senatorial election, saying
that after persuading him to enter
the race, Gov. Deneen had deserted
him and sought to turn against him
those whose support he had former
ly procured for him.
At the close of his speech Mr.. Lor-,
inner offered resolution directing
that an inquiry into the charges be
made by the committee on privileges
and election. Under the rules of
senate the resolution was referred to
the committee on contingent expen-
ses to consider the question of cost.
In case of a favorable report from
that committee, of which there is no
doubt, the resolution will go to the
committee on elections for considera-
ton of the merits of the matter. Up
on report OF that committee the SEN
ate's action will largely depend.
Bribe Taker Confesses.
Bursting like a boom within few
hours after United States Senator
Lorimer's speech at Washington,
came the indictment of State Senator
John 3roderick, leading Chicago
Democrat, on bribery charge by the
grand jury at Springfield, Illinois.
Broderick's Indictment was the re-
suit OF confession made to the
grand jury by State Senator D. w.
Holtslaw, of Iuka, ILL.,, who says
Broderick paid him $4,000 to vote
for Lorimer for Senator.
Senator Holtslaw had been indict-
ed on a perjury charge in connection
with the furniture contract and upon
advice of his lawyers, when offered
immunity, agreed to make confess
sion. He told the grand jury that
he received $4,000 for his vote for
Lorimer; $500 as his share of
legislative Jackpot" and promise
of s1.500 as his share of the State
house furniture deal.
Senator Holtslaw's confession re-
garding the furniture deal was cor
roborated before the grand jury by
agent for the Ford-Johnson Furni-
ture, obtained the furniture con-
tract. The two confessions regard
ing the furniture contract resulted in
two additional indictments on con-
spiracy charge. These were Senator
S. G. Penzerton (Republican) of
Oakland, ILL.,, and Representative Jos.
J. Clark (Democrat) Of Vandalia.
Bench warrants were Immediately is
sued for their arrest.
After conferences with Attorney A.
NJ. Fitzgerald, his lawyer, Holtslaw,
worn, hazard and driven almost to
distraction during sleepless night,
told Prosecutor Burke he was ready
to confess and all liability to pros
ecution and punishment was waived
when immunity was offered and lat
er granted because Holtslaw was
material witness. Before going to
the grand jury room, Holtslaw made
preliminary statement to States
Attorney Burke as follows:
''In making this statement to the
Sagamond county grand jury regard
ing payments of money to secure
contracts for furniture and for elect
ing William Lorimer United States
senator, have been governed by
firm belief that my actions in this
matter have been reprehensible and
in this connection l offer no defense.
I have, however, determined to make
such reparation as is within my pow
er. and the only means by which
can do this, &c seems to me, is
by fully and taAaa,;. stating what l
know abou .1e ansactions.
II voted 40. william Lorimer for
United States senator and received
therefor s2,500. l also received $500
which was given me without eXpla-
nation. with the statement that 1t
was coming to me. I was promised