Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-01-18
Michigan Senator Denies
Proof of Bribery in
Election.
SCORES WITNESSES.
DiSposes of White, Link and
Others With a Single Ora
toriCaI Blast.

Washington, D. c., Jan. 1S.-"There
IS absolutely no proof in the case, di-
rect or indirect. from which a legiti-
mate inference could be drawn that
single member of the general assem-
bly, was corruptly Influenced to vote
for Lorimer."
This was the conclusion Of Sena-
tor Burrows, in a speech in the senate
today defending the majority report OF
the committee of which he is chair
man, confirming the right of Lorimer
TO a seat in the senate
DOES NOT RELIEVE 1T.
He contended there is nothing in the
statements Of those Legislators who
confessed to bribery TO justify the
conclusion they told the truth. He also
declared there is no evidence before
the committee inculpating Lorimer in
bribery or attempted bribery. if such
there was
SCORES THEM ALL.
White, who confessed TO being briD-
ed, came in for severe denUnciation by
Burrows The testimony of Link and
Beckemeyer was discounted by Bur
rows. "HolstlaW. whose testimony
might be considered as supporting the
charges against Lorimer, was contra
dcted by BrodeTick," Burrows said.
'and is impossible of belief even il I'M
Contradicted by any one he added.
DOESN'T AMOUNT TO MUCH.
After summarizing the testimony
OF the witnesses Burrows came
TO the conclusion there is nothing in
the statements of any of them or in the
-
which would justify the conclusion
their testimony as TO bribery is true.
or could be relied upon in a matter
of even minor importance
HANDS THIS TO WHITE.
Referring to White. the senator said: !
Whatever impression the testimony of
White may make upon the senate, to
the committee the conviction was ir-
Tesistable that If he told the truth to
fhe committee, he was devoid Of all |
sense of honor or shame and was ready !
TO make merchandise of his position. /
violate his oath of office. betray the .
people who trusted and elected him .
and barter his vote for anything TO .
anybody which would bring to him per
sonal gain.
OFFER NOT An INSULT.
When he says Browne offered him
S. 900 to vote for L.orimer instead of
rebuking him and resenting the insult
he calmly commenced dickering about
the price to be paid by asking how
much are we TO get from other sources,
and when as he alleges, advised that
there would be about as much more
from the Jackpot his sordid soul
seemed satisfied
Is NOTHING LEFT.
IF Whites testimony is discredited,
then practically nothing remains
which would cast any shadow of doubt
upon the right of Lorimer 10 hold his
seat but II is evident that a careful
examination OF the case. testimony of
other witnesses who claim To have re-
ceived money from Browne and Brod-
erick. was purposely so shaped as to
Corrobate Whites story
"ANALTzEs TESTIMONY.
Burrows then proceeded TO analyze
the testimony OF Link and BecSeymer
Links evidence. he insisted. showed
the money he received from Browne
was not compensation for his vote for
Lorimer. Beckeymer. he said. was
compelled while under the influence of 6
liquor. 10 say he was bribed. The on :
" other witness whose testimony 6
could be considered as supporting the .
charges made against Senator Lori
mer was d. NJ. Holstlaw. continued
Burrows. "Holstlaw's testimony as to
bribery is contradicted by Broderick
and is impossible of belief If uncontra-
dioted by anyone.
HAS DISPOSED OF ALL.
Prom this hasty review of the testi-
mony OF witnesses. White. Link. Beck
emeyer and Holstlaw. it is obvious
there is nothing in the statements of
any one of them. or in the statements
of all of them taken together which
would justify the conclusion that their ,
testimony as 10 bribery is true. or
could be relied upon in a matter =
even minor importance
BORAH ON OTHER SIDE.
Borah followed Burrows. contend :
ing corruption did characterize the
election OF Lorimer and that there :
was ample substantiation OF Whites
testimony