Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1910-02-17
LOUIS PEDELL SAYS
SENATOR CONGER LIES
Orange County Man Declares He Had
Nothing to Do With the American
Bridge Company Deal in the Legis-
Iature-Evdence Desccnds on Both
Accuser and Accused.
(By Associated Press)

name on another of Hi" Noes en-
velopes was spoken of at the legis-
lative bribery investigation today. The
majcr of its revelations showed that
the weight of evidence descending
alike upon Senator Ben Conger and
Senator lothian p Aids. accuser and
accused. has driven them in despera-
ton to distribute the blame. The
name heard today was that Jean Bur
nett. once assembyman from Ontario
county, who died during the legisla-
tive session of 1907.
The story Conger and Moe ted last
week is that the $4,000 sent TO AL
bsny by the American Bridge Com
rany on April %. 1901, was divided
into three envelopes. Aids, they say.
got the first envelope containing
$1,000. The second envelope held
$4,000 and the third $1,000. If the
words spoken by Conger on the stand
today are true, this third envelope
was given 20 Burnett.
Another Expected.
The name, On the second envelope,
OF another man, who is dead. is ex-
pected as the next disclosure OF the
investigation.
To those who heard Senator Con-
ger testify today it seemed as If he
could have prevented the revelation
of Burnett's name had he so desired.
The purpose OF Senator Aids attOr-
ney. Mr.. Carr, who cross examined
COnger, however. was clearly 10 re-
veal it. Carr had shcwn that one
bridge bill, 1901. had been amended
in the committee on internal affairs
in a manner highly satisfactory 10
the bridge interests. This amendment
increased from $4,000 to $4,000. the
limit under which town boards could
contract for the construction OF
ridges without putting the question
TO a popular vote. Then Carr asked
Conger who made these amendments.
Il was not a member of the ccm
mittee," replied the witness.
MY question was-who it was?" IN
sisted Carr.
1t was the man whose name APP
pears upon one Of those envelopes
replied Conger. Instantly there was
an upToar.
Carr objected and the answer was
stricken cut.
When Carr repeated his question
the witness hesitated ami was ordered
TO reply by the presiding officer.
Tells His Name.
4 thousand listeners on the door
Of the senate chamber and in the
galleries involuntarily leaned toward
the little bald headed man in the
witness chair.
The name" said COnger slowly and
distinctly. was Jean Burnett
A great sigh at the sudden release
e thousand bresths and the audi
cncc settled back in its chairs.
The second thrill Of the afternoon
came shortly afterwards, when Con
ger was asked il he had discussed the
bridge bill with sny other assembly
men The witness said number nad
spoken to him On the subject. but
when Attorney Carr asked who"
Conger mentioned only one name
Louis Bcdeli.
BcdcII at that time was a member
Of the lower house from Orange
county. Conger sail Bcdclrs saggcs-
ton was like Burncits and had 10
do with an amendment 70 the bridge
bill favorable & the bridge company.
II was another bridge bill hostile
Z the fridge interest which he ac-
cuscs Aids Of using as clab 10
held up the American Bridge Com
pany.
Want Punishmeni Melted.
Timothy l.. Woodruff. chairman Of
The Republican state Committee. ar
rived In Albany tonight ard declared:
4 voice the sentiment Of The Re
pub!ican organization Of the state
when ! saw that ! am urqualihcdly n
favor q ;hc most searching and OK
hauetivc Investigation of any charge
~ hfiiy,ry. cmsns;inz firm a responsi-
be sorrcc. made against any mem
Ter ~ the legislature or public officer
and The scvcrcst punishment which