New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1910-04-01

LETTER OF CR4PSEY.
Based on Mistake AbOut Pay
ment, Says Former.
TBy Telegraph 20 The Tribune I

Rochester. y. Y. March 31.-Dr. A =.
Crapsey, who became nationally known
three years ago because of the heresy trial
which ended in his expulsion from the
Episcopal Church. has become so greatly
stirred over the results of the insurance
investigation that he publicly admits that
his conscience bothers him because he
wrote President Taft recommending George
". Aldridge for Collector of the Port of
New York. He had always been a sup
porter of Aldridge
DR.. Crapsey, writing 10 Aldrdgs about
the 5000 which Ijsh Kennedy testified
he paid Aldridge. stated that AIdridge adj
mitted the Kennedy payment was wrong.
Mr. Aldridge has explained that this money
had nothing to do with his efforts in favor
Of the bill relieving insurance companies
and their policyhoders of a tax n. F.
Atwood. vice-president of the Rochester
German Insurance Company, has said that
he and the late Frederick Cook asked Mr.
Ald-idge to help pass the hill, request
similar to dozens made 10 AIdridge and the
Monroe delegation yearly by many indus
tries and interests. and that no money fig
ured in the act. DIR. Crapseys letter and
Mr.. Aldridges reply follow:
Rochester. March IS. 1910
Hon George w. Aldridge, Plymouth ave-
nue., Rochester
Dear Mr.. Aldridge: Some months ago.
at the request of mutual friend, | wrote
a letter to the President of the United
states recommending YOU for the position
or surveyor of the Port of New York
In that letter ] expressed nv belief in
your executive ability and your personal
integrity
The fact that have written and Won or
the President holds such a letter gives me
the right and makes IL my duty to ask Of
You an explanation of certain transactions
Wh1ch have been brought TO light in the
nov going on in New York
rnltted that you were paid 81. 600 in recOg-
milton of your services in securing or pre-
ventlns such legislation as was desired by
the fire insurance companies and that this
$1,000 was paid You by their agent
II. FOR a money payment or other ma
terlaI consideration, YOU secretly used your
Republican organizat ton to secure or pre-
vent legislation. it would seem to me that
you We're guilty of a grave moral offence
than which none can be more corr,1nrfne
10 personal character, none more danger
Gus TO the welfare of the state
The explanation which you have already
gwen 20 inc public must. in the opinion of
right minded persons. aggravate the evil of
your action. II you took this money. as
you say, not for your personal use but for
the use and benefit of the Republican or
own influence but You sold the influence
OF great political party. For $1,000 you
barrered away the political integrity of
thirty thousand voters.
In view of the immense moral issue at
stake. think that | and others although
[ 81 eak only for MYSELF who so recently
gave you the benefit of onr Endorsement.
have the right to ask of You A full. frank
explanation of this whole matter. Do you
or do YOU not think il IS right to deal Sc
cretly with the various interests affected by
legislation and to take money payment also
secretly either to further or prevent legis-
lation?
AS this matter concerns not only YOU and
me. but every man. woman and child in
this county. 7 will be glad 10 make public
ceived. and l shall in any event make this
letter public Wednesday. March 81
| do not write this letter az the sug-
gestOn or with the knowledge of any other
person. 7 am forced TO this painful duty
by an offended conscience.
Trusting that you will free yourself from
money payment which now stands against
you, remain, very sincerely yours.
ALGERNON S. CRAPSEY.
Rochester. y Y. March 80. 1910.
Rev. A1gernon s. Crapsey.
My Dear DR.. Crapsey: Permit me 10
ter of inquiry and TO reply thereto.
I have already explained the Circum
stances under which Mr.. Kennedy made the
contribution OF money referred 70 in your
letter. Prior to that time | had interested
myself in the passage OF an amendment to
the tax law. but only after receiving the
assurances of the late Hon. Frederick Cook
and Mr. II. F. Atwood. both Of whom were
then officers of the Rochester German In
surance Company, that the proposed Srnend-
ment 70 the tax law was designed TO benetit
the insurance companies and policyholders
alike. That this legislation did, in fact.
accomplish just that purpose is preSImp
lively esta blished by the recent revision of
the tax law, made by trained experts, in
which this particular provision was re-
enacted and later approved by Governor
Hughes.
Mr.. Kennedys contribution was not made
in contemplation Of any legislation. 1t
was purely voluntary. after the law had
been passed, and after the Legislature had
adjourned. The funds thus contributed
were used. as 7 have already said. for the
benefit Of the Republican party Of Monroe
County.
I answer categorically the one question
of fact upon which you interrogate me by
saving | do not think 'it is right 10 deal
secretly with the various interests affected
by legislation, and TO take money pay