Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-02-17
Transaction With Aids Not
Bribery, Says Conger.
INQUIRY GAINS IMPETUS
Accusation of Burnett and Bedell
May Widen Scope.
WITNESS REVIEWS TESTIMONY
Made to Admit That He Did Not
Protest Against Use to Which
$4,000 Was Applied.

ALBANY, n. Y, February 11.-Senator
Conger testified today that he did not
consider the transaction between him and
his brother and Aids bribery.
ut was blackmail." he said
Limitations upon the investigation into
the alleged corrupt use of money in the
legislature nine years ago seem to be
disappearing as the senate inquiry rela-
tive to the charge of Senator Bonn Con-
ger against Senator lothian p Aids pro-
crosses.
Yesterday the name of a deceased as
semblyman. Jean L. Burnett, was brought
into the case by Senator Congers testi-
mony that Burnett was one to whom an
envelope ALLEGED to contain money was
addressed, in the division in which Aids
is said to have shared. Conger also stated
that Louis p. Bedell. at the time an as
semblyman from New York county. dis
cussed the then pending bridge building
bill with him.
Scope of Inquiry May Widen.
ASoNCi, III new OTh, last nlEht
phaticaily denied Conger's statement He
declared his intention of coming to AL
bany to testify before the senate in refu-
tation of Conger's allegation.
Bedeifs attitude and the evident in
tention Of Aids counsel to force Conger
to disclose names OF others who. he
claims, were recipients of the bridge COM
panies' bounty may easily force the in
vestigatton out of the channel originally
chosen. that OF the direct accusation
against Aids, and into an inquiry such
as is outlined in the concurrent resolu-
ton offered by Senator Wainwright on
Tuesday, which would make it possible to
disclose corrupt practices in connection
with state legislation for many years
past.
Senator Conger came back to the stand
when the investigation was resumed
today. Lewis l.. Carr, who continued
ConSerS croSS-ekamlnation, asked ii the
witness had conversation with MIR.
Porter, clerk Of the assembly committee
on internal affairs, regarding amend
ments to the bridge bill of 1901.
Conger did not remember any such
conversation. Neither did he remember
having a conversation on this subject
with any person or persons other than
those he mentioned yesterday.
Amendments Discussed With Bur-
nett.
Senator Conger again insisted that he
had a talk with Mr.. Burnett regarding
to the Stevens bill. saying
Burnett had a memorandum Of the pro-
posed amendments.
who put the amendments in tho
billy
Il don't know"
The witness was questioned then
about his conversation with Aids. He
said nobody else was present
Conger was asked to repeat the con-
versation. For the third time since the
Aids alleged warning: You better
get the American bridge people up
here"
Conger said today that he had first
related this conversation eight or nine
years ago at his home in GrOton 10 a
Mr. Landon, manager of the Groton
Bridge Company. He repeated ii again.
he said, in 1905, to Giles NJ. Stoddard,
Groton attorney, and about two or
three years ago to L. j. Townley. also
of Groton.
Conger was made to rehearse what he
saws. transpired between his brother,
Frank Conger. vice president of the
American Bridge Company. and Aids.
gers apartments here to discuss terms
The witness said he did not make any
objection to the payment OF money Tor
the purpose referred to.
The conversation was upon tie sub
ject of bribery. wasn't it, asked Carr.
Il considered it more blackmail than
bribery" declared Conger, with the nrst
show of resentment he had made during
the morning. Mr.. Carr objected to this
answer. The chairman refused TO let II
stand on the record.
Insists It Was Blackmail.
You understood Mr.. Aids. as a MEM
Der of the legislature, had promised TO
receive a certain sum for his action on
legislation. and you didn't consider it
bribery"
Il considered it blackmail," insisted the
witness.
When Carr demanded a categorical an
swer, Conger finally replied: mo. sir
Il told my brother said Conger, tul-
Their along in the examination, that
didn't want anything to do with handing
the money. because l was a legislator
and it was to be paid to legislator
Conger's attorneys objected to the
chairman's refusal 20 allow Congers an
swer to stand, that he considered the pay
ment blackmail Judge Van WICK con
tended that to make demand for none.
was blackmail. but to meet demand hy
giving money was not bribery.
Wasn't the money brought here Tor
that purpose?" pursued Carr.
YES" admitted Conger
Conger confirmed Hiram G.. Noes state
ment that the senator had instructed Moe
how to divide the $1,000 sent by ms
brother. Frank Conger. for the bridge
company, and told him the names To
write on the envelopes.
Carr made the witness describe i'm de-
tail his alleged trip with Moe to the
Capitol on April %. 1901, to distribute the
money.
You knew for what purpose the money
was given didn't you?' he asked.
Il did," replied Conger.
Conger was still repeating what occur
red at the capitol when the senate took
a recess. 1t seemed likely that he would
stay on the stand for the rest of the
day.
I'LL nooconc q D1on<u