The Hattiesburg news. (Hattiesburg, Miss.) 1908-1917, 1910-04-07

couldn't recall names of all of them,
Judge Potter's idea was to wait un.
til positive evidence was secured and
then spring the matter at a session of
the caucus, but he could not recall
that he had expressed an opinion to
this effect. He was very closely
questioned at this juncture, the point
being of vital importance in view of
Bilbo's testimony that Judge Potter
had advised him not to spring the
matter before the election of senator.
as it might cause trouble, and possi-
bly, bloodshed.
witness declared that while he
heard occasional rumors, he had no
definite knowledge that the plan had
succeeded until the matter was
brought before the grand jury; that
neither Bilbo or Cowart advised him
that they had obtained any money, or
offers of money, nor did Bilbo ask
him IL he would be granted amnesty
in case he succeeded in getting him
self bribed
Questioned by senator as to
whether he had advised against max
ing any disclosures before the caucus
elected senator, as it might prove
dangerous to Vardaman. Judge Potter
said that he gave such advice only to
the extent that he thought substantial
evidence should be secured before
any exposure occurred; that the mere
statements of two unknown women
would not be accepted with any de-
gree of seriousness.
Witness could not recall whether
Mr. Poindexter was present at the
conference, and had never heard that
Bilbo claimed Dulaney offered him
money until the matter became pub
lie.
Judge Potter was a very careful
witness throughout He was cool and
collected, gave his answers with muca
de)iberation, weighing each sentence.
Thos. p. Barr.
Thos. p BarrAa Jackson merchant,
testified that he was present at. the
conference in Blakeslee's office, hav.
ing been invited by S. J. Taylor to be
there. The meeting was held after
the adjournment of one of the caucus
sessions. Eight persons were pres
ent, Bilbo, Cowart, Ben Ward, Douglas
Robinson, Vardaman, Judge Potter, s.
]. Taylor and himself. Blakeslee was
in and out during the meet
ing. After the meeting assembled
Bilbo remarked, Gentlemen, believe
somebody is trying to corrupt the leg
islature with money. I have been ap.
preached by a woman who says I can
make money out of this election"
Cowart made practically the same
but was not willing to go
into the proposed plot to unearth it,
saying he would not mix I'D in any,
thing in which a woman was involved. i
Bilbo expressed willingness to go |
INTO it and entrap the bribers. Judge |
Potter remarked that it would be a |
different matter to catch the man |
who was behind the woman. The |
natter was discussed at length. but |
10 conclusion reached. Mr.. Barr said |
lie volunteered to be witness in case
, trap was set
Two days later, said witness, 8. ]. I
Taylor telephoned him to come to
Vest Jackson Immediately, and get off /
he car at corner of Roach and Cap /
tol streets; that he hurried at once
o the scene, thinking Taylor was in
rouble. Getting off at the corner he
aw Taylor and Assistant Police Chief
aainey in front of the Busy Bee res
and Taylor said they were
trying to arrange that Bilbo matter"
About this time Bilbo came up and
allied the plan off, saying that the
'arties seemed to be suspicious
Witness reiterated that the plan
proposed was to have him concealed
IS one of the witnesses to the passage
# the money, but when cross-exam-
ned by Mr.. Anderson he said that he
lad never heard of any plan to have
he transaction pulled off in the as
lgnation house of Mary Stamps, and
ad never heard anybody mention
hat place as rendezvous He sup
osed the other persons had decided
n the place. If Mr. Poindexter was
resent he did not see him, nor did lie
now who the parties were tl.at Bill
o had referred to as being Suspicious.
r whether the money was o be paid
yer by woman or a nan: that the
leeting did not last more than five
linutes, and he did not pursue it any
irther.
Mr.. Barr admitted that he was an
rdent supporter of Vardaman, and
the conference the matter of ex-
osure was not discussed in any way
was merely decided that Bilbo
lould go ahead with his plan. He
card Vardaman say that he did not
ant to go into it, but suggested that
hers, perhaps disinterested parties,
r men who were opposing him, might