The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1911-03-02
STEPHENS MINORITY REPORT A HOT
0NE...SC0RES INQUIRE, LAUDS GORE

Washington, ID. c., March THAT
Senator T. p. Cores charges made
in the senate chamber last year in
connection with the McMuray con
tracts were sustained in the subse-
quent investigation by the Burke in
vestigating committee and that al
least one member of congress, Rep
resentatiye b. s. Mcclure. of Oklaho-
ma, displayed a questionable activity
in connection with the McMurray
contracts Is the contention of Con
gressman J. II. Stephens of Texas in
his dissenting report made public to-
day. Mr. Stephens in his report says
that the preponderance of evidence
shows a questionable activity on the
part OF one member to that my
mind indicates an interest"
The evidence also proves, says
Stephens, an improper proposal TO
d. c. McCurtain, on .ne part of Nc
Murray, and improper proposal to
Governor Green McCurtain on the
part OF George w. Scott, and an i'm
proper proposal to ". A. Durant
speaker of the Choctaw counsel, by
George w Scott and Tom Saneuine
as well as other questionable meth
ods and transactions. 1t further dis
sents from the majority reports. Says
the Texan, because in effect it states
that there is nothing showing that
McMurray knew of lfamon's corrupt
activity in his behalf. Is any per
son credulous enough to believe that
McMurray and Hamon and Mcclure,
all of whom are shown by the eyi-
dence to have lived at that time in
the Occidental hotel in this city (and
admit being often together, did
not discuss these McMurray con
tracts or endeavor in any way to
aid his securing their approval.
suspicious Circumstances"
This report states as framed Dy
the majority that the fact that Ha-
mon once went to Cores house is a
suspicious circumstance to show,
presume colusion of friendship be-
tween them, yet this majority report
wholly ignores the fact that Hamon,
the same man who was seen with
Gore, lived in the same hotel with
McMurray and Mcclure, thus ignoring
everything that would tend to show
that Hamon, Mcclure and McMurray
were in each others confidence, and
was aiding McMurray in every way
they could to secure the approval of
these contracts as | have stated
above.
Referring to Senator Cores re
lations with Hamon, and J. F. Nc
Murray subsequent to the alleged
brbe offer, MIR. Stephens says:
There is no fixed standard of con
duct in such case, Different men
would act differently, under such
cumstances accordiH5 20 the differ
ences of temperament and judgment.
Some men perhaps would have an
swered with blow. Gore stated that
Hamon had done him some favor,
and said in substance that he thought
it might be best to a:iow events to
take their course, that sufficient evil
dence might accumulate which would
leave no doubt as to the guilty par
ties and their guilty connections. This
motive and object was justifiable |
end in view.
Cores Acts Defended.
He forbade Hamon to mention the |
subje 20 him again, and the visits |
of Ha."JA and the visits of McMur-
ray were ii their own seeking. His
opposition to the contracts was active
from May 6, until the disclosure was
made in the senate, he wrote letters
Of protest to the attorney general.
ne SCNultu bIC pioSeloS vi blii
on May 10 to prohibit the contracts.
He offered an amendment to a house
bill for the same purpose, on or
about June 6, and finally secured an ]
amendment to the general deficiency
bill on June 81. He advised his
brother of lannon's offer immeditely
after it was made. He also told Sen
ator LaFollette during the afternoon.
He told his wife that night and
Congressman Carter the next day. He
assured LaFollette that he would
make the disclosure whenev, if ever
il became necessary 10 protect the
Indians. He did make the disclosure
when 1t became NECESSARY for the
protection of the Indians.
1T is my judgment that had Sena
for Cora nor mada tho Stataparr