Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1911-03-16
POsTMAsTER's ACTOR APPEARS
Mysterious Man in the Farce Visits
Federal Building.
DEFENDANT TO TAKE STAND
Will Be Witness in Own Behalf
Before Close.
IMPORTANT FACTS ON RECORD
InvestiEhtOrs New Occupied with
Testimony of Confederation and
Details of the General
Jackpot scheme.

Another Of the intricate ramificatons Of
Postmaster Thomas political schemes was
unearthed at the inquiry Wednesday when
Judge A. J.. Sutton unfolded facts con-
cernlng a campaign contribution TO which
the postmaster had a string attached.
Judge Sutton also revealed other facts that
hinge upon the last election
The check in question was for S75 and it
was offered by Thomas to sutton, who
was then congressional candidate as
campaign contribution. The check was
carried by one OF Thomas agents to John
Latenser, who was at that time managing
| the judges campaign, and word was sent
to the effect that IL the money were ac-
cepted It would be understood that sutton
should be his political friend, providing, Of
course, that the candidate were successful
at the polls.
Refuses the Contribution.
Judge Sutton refused TO accept any con-
tribution on the condition that he must
make promises, so the check was promptly
returned This is only one of the phases
of the Thomas campaign concerning which
Judge Sutton was asked. Like all the wit
nesses who have appeared before Secre-
tary Moss and Inspector Lindland he re-
fused to make any comment on his testi-
mony.
II will say, however that 1 was interro-
gated by the investigators" replied Judge
Sutton. whether or not my answers to
questions helped or hurt the situation l
am not prepared to say. But did tell the
| truth as 1 believe it TO be-" The judge
was on the stand for a considerable time,
indicating that he had much information
| to dlvulge.
Member of "Cast" About.
! The mysterious individual who played
| NaVN In G
Thomas dramatic sketch designed TO build
up defense, is still at large. The invesu
gators have not been able to corner him,
and as he is a friend of the postmasters $
il is not likely that he will volunteer to
go before Moss and Lindland. The mys-
terious man was seen yesterday in the
postoffice building but whether or not he
! had a conference with the postmaster is
not known. He is known, however, to have
I talked with the postmaster since the pres
! ent trouble started. There is nothing to
compel this mysterious individual to testify
/ ard for that reason the investigators have
about given up hope of landing on him.
Plenty of Work Yet.
Though all OF the witnesses having i'm
\ portant testimony TO offer in the Thomas
inquiry have been examined by Secretary
Moss and Inspector Lindland, the end Of
the investigation Is not in sight.
w. A. Kelley, superintendent Of the reg
istry department, has laid before the in
qulsitors his narrative of the formation of
the Thomas Jackpot; Assistant Postmaster
James l. Woodland has told of the transac-
ton by which the money collection by Kel-
ley was turned over to the postmaster
Likewise employees who made contributions
have been on the stand.
Thus Moss and Lindland have a fair
working idea Of the postmaster's operations
before the last election and they are now
casting about for detail and corroborative
evidence
They are taking up each phase of the
muddle separately and threshing 1t out
thoroughly. This plan will necessitate the
calling of the same witnesses a number
of times before the inquisitors will be pre-
pared to make reports to Washington.
Postmaster Thomas will go before the
Investigators to testify in mis- own behalf
a but It is not likely that ne will be called
until near the close. BY that time Messrs
Moss and Lndland will have the case wei
in hand and will be prepared to put ques
tions to him intelligently. AS has beer
z stated before Mr. Thomas defense will b,
4 that he did lot receive any money.
$ In the meantime though, the investi
gators have asked the postmaster to pre-
pare a written statement Of his views o
the case This will be used by Moss an,
e Lindland as a basis for the questions the!
{ will put to him when he goes on the stand
E Mr. Thomas is reluctant to testify bu
he believes II TO be to his interest 70 pu
up a defense. He expressed the wisl
2 Wednesday that the inquiry end soon.