Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-06-23
Hopkins Unable to "Put His
Finger" on Any Corruption.
WILL NOT DECRY MOTIVES
Before Committee Investigating
Lorimer Election.
TELLS OF REPORTS TO HIM
Says There We're Rumors Of the
Use of Money on the Day
He Was Defeated.

Although former Senator Hopkins on
the day Senator Lorimer was elected to
the Senate heard many rumors of the
use of money in accomplishing that re-
suit Mr.. Hopkins, whose toga was wrest-
cd from him by Mr.. Lorimer, was unable
to put his finger on any corruption
when he testified today before the Sen
ate committee which is investigating the
Lorimer election.
Pressed to tell the committee whether
he had any reason to believe that any
of the republicans who deserted him for
Senator Iorimer in his hour of sorest
need had done so because of improper
influences, the witness declined to an
sWer
clared the former senator. 1T is only
my belief
Neither could he name any person who
could aid the committee he testified. He
added that he had tried to forget his
defeat to seat to which he declared
he was entitled, saying that he was sure
the public had no time for a man with
grievance.
His examination had not been finished
when the committee took a recess for
luncheon.
Regarded as Party's Candidate.
After his victory at the senatorial pri-
mary Mr.. Hopkins said he was considered
the republican party's candidate for sena-
tor, just as Gov. Deneen was regarded
as its candidate for governor.
Il was assessed by the state central
committee, just as the other candidates
were, to run the campaign at the fall
election" said Mr.. Hopkins
The election OF senator by the lcgisla-
ture in 1909 was then inquired into. The
witness told of the election of speaker
by a combination of democrats and re-
calcitrant republicans" and of a republi-
can senatorial caucus in which lie was
selected as the party's candidate.
Elbridge Hanecy, counsel for Lorimer,
interrupted the witness by referring to
the meeting as a conference" rather
than caucus. Mr.. Hopkins insisted
that 1t was Caucus
In describing what he did at Springfield
to further his candidacy Mr. Hopkins
said he hired hall in which conferences
were held every night or so. in which his
followers took part. The main argu-
lected at the primary as the partys can
didate and that every loyal republican
member of the legislature should vote for
me- said Mr. Hopkins.
Hears Report Of Bribe.
Coming down to reports that he had
heard about the use of money to defeat
him. Mr.. Hopkins repeated the testimony
he gave to the Illinois legislature inves-
tigating committee to the effect that on
the day I.orimer was elected his private
secretary told him Senator Mccormick
had informed him that $500 had been
offered him to vote for Lorimer
Did he vote for Lorimer?" the witness
was asked.
Not until after Lorimer had enough
votes to elect him..
The former senator said that he did
not go to see MIR. Mccormick because
his secretary reported that Mr., McCor
mick was going to remain loyal to him.
Mr.. Hopkins then told of efforts to
keep his force in line on the memorable
day when Mr.. Lorimer was elected One
of the men he went to see on the floor
of the house that day was Representa-
tive johnson Lawrence.
"He had always voted for me- and
when he told me he was going to vote
for Lorimer." said Mr.. Hopkins, IL told
him il he did he would not be able to
convince his people he had not been pur-
chased. He said he would vote for
Iorimer, but did not admit he was pllr-
chased"
Hopkins Apple Barrel.
Mr. Hopkins said he heard that two
other members he was going to lose were
been at his hall at II o'clock the night
before the election. the witness said
.and ate my apples and smoked my
cigars.
Ate your what?" inquired Senator
Gamble.
My apples l kept barrel of ap-
pies
Where did they go after they left your
room?''
My friends told me they went to
Senator Lorimers room"
The witness said that when he asked
Logan why he was going to change.
Logan responded that he. Hopkins. could
not be elected and that Lorimer was
going to be elected and that he was
going to vote for him.
Was there anything In the apples or
cigars that might have made him change
over night?' inquired Senator Kenyon
II think not. They were of the same
brand had used for five months"
The witness said Mr.. Logan was very
adverse to talking to him.
Mr.. Hopkins told the committee that
he was surprised at the loss OF Senators
Billings and Ettelson. He expressed the
belief that Chauncey Dewey was re-
sponsible for this change. Senator Ken
yon brought out that Dewey was one
OF the two Illinois delegates to the re-
publican national convention in 1905 who
voted for Taft instead of Cannon.
Gov. Deneen's Attitude.
Senator Johnston asked Mr.. Hopkins
IL Gov. Deneen was with him in his
fight before the Legislature.
He professed to be my friend re-
sponded Mr.. Hopkins.
Did you accept his professions?" asked
Senator Gamble.
Well l treated him as SUCH
Evidently" broke in Senator kenyon
that was not the place for an unso-
phisticated man."
The witness repeated his testimony be-
fore the Helm committee that about four
or six weeks before Lorimers election
Senator Landee had told him that Rep
resentative Luke. now dead, had said
that ten democratic votes could be had
for him for a money consideration.
What did you say?"
II said ! was a candidate for the Sen
ate. not the penitentiary." replied Mr.
Hopkins II thought IL l could keep my
republican followers together l would
ultimately be elected
He added that he did not believe Ian.
dee meant to suggest that he buy the
votes.