New-York tribune., 1910-01-22
s0NGER NO GUTTER
sEEKS NOTED LAWYER
Bribery Investigation VII Go
to Bottom of affair.
Tpy relerraph to The Tribune. J

TBy Telegraph tc The Tribune.l
Albany. Jan 2l-Indications OF q grim
determination TO have the entire truth
,nown about the case cut of which the
siIds-Conger bribery charges have grown
re seen here. Some persons profess to see
= the scheme for trial by the entire Senate
device to put on the soft pedal and
smother any Legislative and political scan
lei which otherwise might result. but It
gems practically certain that any such de-
ice must prove useless in view OF the
critical situation and the great public in
crest which is being manifested in the
proceedings TO protect the dignity and in
egrity of the Senate.
IL was learned to-day that Senator Benn
-onger out of whose statements at the
so-called insurgent Senator's conference
grew these charges. had been in consulta-
ion with one of the best known criminal
awyers in the state. Probably he viii en-
rage this man his counsel. This lawyer
s fighter Of bulldog determination and
much resourcefulness adroit in cross-eX-
animation and familiar with procedure and
9receden. in important cases. His integ-
,ity is beyond question and his reputation
SUCH that authoritative mention of his
aame ia connection with this case would
mean decision on Senator Conger's part
- ESTl GledE 70 lLe SnU, Whatever ~
might be.
Moreover, 1t Is known that certain OF the
Senators who heard the Conger statement
made and Hho probably will figure promi-
aentiy in the inquiry have engaged counsel
and are acting at present under the advice
u their lawyers. These men say that such
/ step was not rendered necessary by the
existing situation, but that they chose TO
safr,
ne affair. Also, they will be prepared at
iny time in the proceedings to intervene
and if they think il wise or necessary, TO
saTry out an interesting or significant line
# testimony 10 its logical conclusion.
u have heard whisperings that because
y the possible effect on men high in politi-
eal life and the Republican machine this
affair was TO be hushed up in some FASHION
with rs little damage as possible to either
Senator involved" declared one Senator to-
lay. Let ne tell you right now, That ii
won't work / am prepared if necessary to
snd my political career on this affair, but
II see that the inquiry goes through to the
End, no matter who may be hit or where
ihe trail may take US. 1t strikes me such
course will be wiser for the party in the end
than for 1t to lie under the stigma OF hay
ing tried TO cover up scandal for the sake
Of any individuals, however powerful in
It's ranks
There is still q great deal of speculation
about the procedure TO be- adopted in this
ease Some Senators believe the Senate
Itself should not engage counsel or be rep
resented even by member of the body as
counsel. Others contend vigorously that
aWyer as eminent as it is possible TO OBJ
tain should be engaged by the Senate as
counsel.
OF course, lawyers for Senators Aids and
Conger would have regular standing in the
case Many think the general rules of
procedure. which governed the Hooker
Joint inquiry in 1865 viii be adopted
Then. both houses of the Legislature sat
rs court. Regular rules of evidence as
obtaining in courts were followed. Cues
tons raised by counsel or witnesses were
decided by the Lieutenant Governor, pre-
siding, unless twenty members asked that
the question be submitted to q vote Of
both houses. Also, no debate could be
had. save on request OF twenty members
IL the Senate sat as a committee of the
whole, one of its members would preside
and pass on questions of eveidence, unless
there We're debate and the committee re-
solved itself into the Senate, when the
Lieutenant Governor might be called on to
decide the issue.
Questions are being raised here about the
power OF the Senate TO take punitive action
There is much doubt about the power Of
the Senate TO expel either party to the
controversy. il seems, although it always
has been held that each house of the Legis-
lature is the judge Of the qualifications of
!ts members TO sit.