The San Francisco call., 1910-05-29

Nv 7 ASHlNGTON, May 2S-For just
. w two hours today Senator Lori
ner Of Illinois stood in the SEN
ste and in vigorous language denounced
as untrue the charges OF bribery made
against him in connection with his cleo
tfon TO the senate. Upon leaving the
chamber at the conclusion of his speech
Lorimer hurriedIy- pub his affairs in
order and caught q late train for Chi
scago.
In his address Lorimer made en-
phstic denial Of all the allegations Of
corruption and sought 10 turn the ac-
cusation Of wrongdoing upon the Chi
cago Tribune. In which the charges
were first published.
Charges Sinister Motives
The speech was devoted to a review
Of charges and Illinois politics for the
last 25 years. He charged the Tribune
with sinister motives I'm its attacks and,
saying that II had been fighting him
ever since 1854. charged that 1t was in
spired because of its failure 10 control
his course as a public man. Lorimer
gave many particulars concerning his
senatorial election. saying that after
persuading him to enter the race Gov
ernor Deneen had deserted him and
sought TO turn against him those whose
support ne had formerly procured for
him.
At the close of his speech Lorimer
offered g resolution directing that an
inquiry into the charges be made by
the committee on privileges and cleo
fions.
Under the rules OF the senate the
resolution was referred to the commit
Zee on contingent expenses 20 consider
the question of cost In case of a
favorable report from that committee.
OF which there is no doubt, the resolu-
tion viii go to the committee on cleo
.tions for consideration OF the merits of
ihe matter Upon the report of that
committee the senate's action viii
largely depend.
Colleagues Interested
Soon after the assembling of the SEN
ete Lorimer arose 10 a question of
personal privilege and began his reply
20 the charges that have aroused wide
interest His statement on the floor
of the senate had been eagerly awaited
by his colleagues. Of whom there was
practically a fun attendance. and earn
est attention was given him.
Foremost in the answer OF the sena-
tor to the charge stood his assertion
-dhst it had been formulated by the
lChicago Tribune with the purpose of
destroying a new banking association
IN that city which Lorimer had organ
lied Concluding. he offered a resolu-
tion calling for a senatorial investi-
cation of the charges against him. this
resolution being as follows:
Resolved that the committee on
privileges and elections be directed
TO examine the allegations recently
made IN the public press. charging
that bribery and corruption were
practiced IN the election Of William
Lorimer to a seat in the United
States senate. and to ascertain the
facts in connection with these
charges and report as early as pos
sible; and, for that purpose, the
committee shall have authority to
send for persons and papers and
TO employ a stenographer and such
other additional help as it shall
deem necessary.
Ia opening. Lorimer said.
'Mr- President: rise to a ques-
zion OF personal privilege TO state the
facts concerning and the reasons for
the most recent assault made upon me
by the Chicago Tribune with the in
tent to bIacken my character with the