New-York tribune., 1910-02-18
CONGER UNSHAkEN.
Testimony Not Effected by
Oss-EramindtiOn.
by Telegraph To The Tribune

fBy Telegraph To The Tribune J
Albany Feb 1.-THE continued cross
examination of Senator Conger to-day by
counsel for Senator Aids. accused of de-
manding and accepting bribe of s1er, dld
rot shake the plaintiffs story materially
Nowhere was there any striking fact pro-
duced to discredit the story told by Mr.
Conger and Hiram Moe. although an elab-
orate structure was built to show that they
might have had a motive for accusing Sen
ator Aids.
Lawyers who have followed the inquiry
say that the Conger attorneys have pre-
sented a strong case. II has been corroo-
GRATED by the production of books and
papers and the testimony of minor wit
nesses Two men have sworn that a sealed
envelope containing s.. 600 in bills was hand
ed to Senator Aids. Only in one way can
this case be shaken. say some lawyers-by
the production of absolute proof that
though money was brought to Albany and
given to somebody it not given to
Senator Aids.
Nj Carr of Senator Allds's counsel con-
tinued Senator Coneer's cross-examination.
The. latter again insisted that he had talk
with Mr.. Burnett regarding amendments TO
the Stevens bill. saving Burnett had mem
orandurn of the proposed amendments.
Ny no put the amendments IN Ife Dill
Il don't know"
The witness was questioned about his
conversation with Aids. He said nobody
else was present -Conger was asked to re-
/ peat the conversation, and for the third
time since the investigation began the Sen
ate heard that Aids remarked: ''Benn, you
think you fellows have that bill bottled up
= in that committee. Don't forget that the
Rules Committee 0o which Aids beiongeii)
takes charge soon. L understand there's
something on that bill You better get the
American Bridge people up here
Conger said to-day that he had first re-
lated this conversation eight or nine years
ago at his home in Groton to a Mr.. Ian
don, manager Of the Groton Bridge Com
pany. He repeated il again, he said, i'll
1865 TO Giles NJ. Stoddard, Groton law
yer and about two or three years ago TO
L. ]. Tovnley. also of GToton.
who was holding that bill in the com
mittee?'' internal Afairs) demanded Carr.
Il was urging my friends not to report
the bill
And they didn't report TT"
NO. sir
CALLS IT BLACKMAIL.
Conger was made to rehearse what he
savs transpred between his brother Frank,
vice president of the American Bridge
Company, and Aids when the latter called
AT Senator Conger's apartments here to dis
cuss terms.
Did you make any objection to the pay
ment Of money for the purpose referred
to- inquired Carr.
NO, sir.
You understood what bribery was?"
Yes, sir
The conversation was upon the subject
of bribery, wasn't it?"
Il considered il more blackmaf than
bribery" declared Conger with the first
show of resentment he had made during
the morning
Mr.. Carr objected to this answer and the
chairman refused TO let it stand on the
record; but Conger repeated il several
times, whenever Allds's attorney brought
him up to definition of this transaction.
Didn't you understand the giving, or
promising to give, any pecuniary consid-
Grafton for his CAllds's) action in the Legis-
lature?'
Yes"
You understood Mr. Aids as a member
Of the Legislature, had promised to receive
a certain sum for his action on legislation,
and you didn't consider il bribery"
Il considered IL blackmail.' insisted the
witness
When Carr demanded a categorical an
swer Conger finally replied: NO, sir
Il told my brother" said Coneer. further
along in the examination, that i didn't
want TO have anything TO do with the
handling Of the money because l was a
legislator and il was 10 be paid TO a legis-
lator"
You knew it vas bribery" asked Mr.
Carr again.
'T considered il biackmail." said sena-
tor Conger
Conger's attorneys objected TO the chair
mans refusal TO let this answer stand.
Ex-Judge Van wyck contended that 10
make demand for money was blackmaii.
but to meet a demand by giving money was
not bribery.
Wasn't the money brought here for that
purpose" pursued Carr
Yes" admitted Conger.
Conger confirmed Hiram G. Noes state
ment that the Senator had instructed Moe
how 10 divide the $4,000 sent by his brother
Frank for the bridge company, and told
him the names 10 write on the envelopes
Mr.. Carr made the witness describe in
detail his alleged trip with Moe TO the
Capitol April e3 1901. to distribute the
money
You knew for what purpose the money
was given, didn't your" lie asked.
Il did said CongeT.
Conger said he did nothing with refer
ence to bridge legislation in 1903 He ac-
knowledged that he knew money was being
raised In this connection in that year
Landon. manager OF the Groton Bridge
Company. told him. he said.
Senator Conser said there was a fund
sent to the Groton Bridge Company by
other companies.
What ccmpanies?"