The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1910-06-29
BRIBERY IN THE SENATE.
OKLAHOMA SENATOR CLAIMS TO
HAVE BEEN APPROACHED.
One Senator, One Representative and
Two Former Senator'S Brought In
to Indian Scandal.

Washington, June Ex-senator
Gore of Oklahoma disclosed in, the
senate today what he interpreted as
an effort to bribe him in connection
with legislation affecting the fortune
in attorneys fees claimed by J. F. Nc
Murray of Oklahoma for services
rendered to the Chocktaw and Chick
asaw nations in land town site cases.
The charge created a sensation in
the senate which later extended to
the house. The latter body, in conse-
qlence, sent back to conference the
general deficiency bill, which car
ried item relating to contracts be-
tween the Indians and their attor-
neys.
AS the result Of the announcement
Senator Gore finally involved a men,
FER of the senate committee on In
dian affairs-one from Nebraska, and
the other from Kansas-but whose
names were not made public in de-
bate
1t is not improbable that an in
vestigation will be ordered.
Mr.. Gore was compelled to address
the senate three times before tha.
body was fully aroused to the seri-
BUSINESS Of the charges which he
made. His first effort was in connec-
ton with the conference report on
the deficiency bill. AS passed by the
senate that measure contained an
amendment which would render null
and void contracts made by the Choc-
taw and Chickasaw nations and by
individual members of these tribes
with their attorneys unless the con-
tracts were approved by congress.
This provision was in accordance
with a resolution introduced by Mr..
Gore on May 4, last. 1t was design
ed to prevent Mr.. McMurray from OBJ
tanning fees which it is said would
| aggregate $4,000 900 and which Mr..
Gore complained had not been earn
ed by the attorney. The conference
| report had been adopted by the SEN
ate when Mr.. Gore entered the cham
ber.
He announced that he had been in
formed that the senate had receded
| from the amendment requiring the
| approval Of congress of tribal agree
| ments but, Mr.. Hale assured him
| that the matter had been properly
| safeguarded. He added that as agreed
upon in conference these agreements
| would require approval by the presi-
dent and the secretary of interior be-
| fore becoming effective. Mr. Gore
| accepted the explanation but said II
the contracts were to be recognized
| Mr. McMurray would receive $1,000
.oOO 1t was in this connection that
he announced that improper in
fiuence had been exercised by a, rep
| resentative of McMurray in order to
defeat the amendment requiring con-
| gressional approval
Mr.. Gore said that he had been
approached by an outsider, who de-
sired to interest him in the McMur-
ray claims. Later Mr.. Gore examin-
ed the provision as agreed upon in
conference. He lost no time in re-
| turning to the senate chamber. where
he moved to reconsider the vote by
which the conference report had been
| adopted. The presiding officer in
formed him that the report had pass
ed out of the possession of the senate.
Mr.. Gore then moved to recall the
report but Mr. Gallinger moved to
lay this motion upon the table. A
rule against debating the Gallinger
motion was enforced and Mr.. Cores
motion was tabled
Mr.. Gore explained that on May f..
last, he had offered a resolution sim
liar in terms to the amendment he
had placed in the deficiency bill in
the senate and that it had been re-
terre6 to the committee on Indian
affairs. ON the following day Senator
Hughes had been directed to make a
favorable report on the resolution. he
said.
con May g." exclaimed Mr.. Gore.
"a man came to mo with an imprOp-
er suggestion. He was representa-
tive of Mr.. McMurray a, resident of
my home town. and had been my
friend in time of need. He assured
mo that it would be to my financial
interest if I would call upon the SEN
ator from Colorado and advise him
not to report the resolution There
was a suggestion that $25, 900 or $5O.-