The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1911-07-20
Former Gar of the Senate
Appears Before Investiga-
ton Committee and Relates
His Connection.
TAFT AND HIMSELF
ENDORSED LORlMER
But Merely on Grounds that
"a Good Republican Was
Wanted"- Witness Net
tied by Kenyon's Shots.
(National News Associat!on)

(National News Association)
Washington, July 20.-Nelson w.
Aldrich, former senator from Rhode
Island, was a star witness before the
Lorimer investigation today. Aldrich
said his position in the senate entail
ed a certain responsibility which caus-
ed him to have a special interest in
the Illinois senatorial election. In a
conference with Edward Hines regard
Ing the senatorship Aldrich said Hines
said Hopkins or Boutell could not be
elected but possibly Lorimer could be.
At Hines suggestion Aldrich inter
viewed the president regarding Lori
mer and afterwards told Hines that
Lorimer was unobiectionable to the
president and agreeable to himself
(Aldrich) Both, however. were in ia
vor of the election of ANY good Re-
publican" which, Aldrich explained.
was a man who was a loyal supporter
of the president and the administra-
tion. Aldrich authorized Hines to re-
fer anyone to him who might question
his or the presidents attitude toward
Lorimer. Aldrich denied that he told
Hines to tell Deneen that the presi-
dent wanted Lorimer elected.
His First Meeting.
In answer to the questions, Aldrich
said he first met Hines in the spring
of 1909. In April 1909. he had his first
conference with Hines. He could not
remember whether ii was at his soli-
citation or Hines. Hines told him Hop
kins would not be elected and asked
him what the attitude OF President
Taft was in the matter.
II told Hines the president was anx-
ious for the election Of Republican
and that he had been favorable to the
reelection of Hopkins because Hop
kins had received the Endorsement of
his primaries. But l told him that the
president would take no active part in
the campaign Of Hopkins or any one
else"
Did you say to Hines," asked coun-
sci. that the tariff bill was coming up
and that 1t was necessary to have all
the Republican votes possible as there
was some doubt about the schedules"
I did not" replied Aldrich.
when was the second time you
talked to Hines?" asked counsel.
IL think 1t was on May twenty-first
or twenty-second. Hines asked me to
see the President and find out what
his attitude was concerning Boutell
! saw the President and reported to
Hines that the President would be
satisfied with Boutell."
In another conference Hines told
Aldrich. Boutell could not be elected
but that Lorimer possibly might be.
"lle wanted me to learn how the
President viewed Lorimer." added AL
drich. THAT same evening l reported
to Hines that Lorimers candidacy
was unobjectionable to the President
and that so far as l was concerned
he was entirely agreeable to me as
] was in favor of the election of any
good Republican
Just an Acquaintance
Did you see Lorimer at that time ?"
asked counsel.
II had merely an acquaintance with
him, knew him as member of the
house in the same way as l know a
great many others. l knew nothing
particularly about him except that
regarded him as a good Republican.
told Mr.. Hines that / was favorable
to his election"
"What is your idea of a good Re-
publican?" interjected Senator Ken.
yon.
well. I should say" replied AL
drich, smiling, that a man who was
a loyal supporter of the President
and the administration is good Re-
publican"
Were there any bad Republicans
in the Senate at that time?" asked
Senator Kenyon.
L do not feel called upon to eX-
press an opinion of my former aso-
Ciates," replied Aldrich.
Continuing, Aldrich said Hines had
asked him If he could refer to him
(Aldrich) II there was any inquiry re-
garding his attitude and that of the
president and he had told Hines that
he could.
The idea that you intended to con-
vey, as l understand" said Kenyon.
was that Lorimer's candidacy was
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