The Washington herald., 1911-08-13

Senator Isaac Stephenson, of Wiscon-
sin, eighty-two years old, worth S7o,-
10000, which fortune he accumulated
in lumber, transportation, and banking
is TO be the central figure in an in
vestigation decided upon by the Senate
Yesterday His election to the Senate
as the result of a Statewide primary
j. to be probed. He is wel-preserved,
takes a great deal of physical exercise,
and is entirely willing to be investigated.
He voted for the resolution which pro-
poses an inquiry into alleged corrupt
methods and practices.
ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY.
The investigation is the result of a
memorial from the Wisconsin legisla-
ture. which asked the Senate to take
action. A subcommittee of the Commit
tee on Privileges and Elections. un-
der the Craftsmanship of Senator Hey
burn, looked into the matter and yes
terday made an exhaustive report
recommending an investigation of the
charges. The resolution, which is in
the language of the LOrimer resolution
was agreed to unanimously. but later,
when il was found that it made no
provision for expenses, it was recalled
and will be adopted again tomorrow.
The investigating committee will prob
ably have Senator Hepburn as chair
man. and its personnel will be chosen
from Senators Clapp, Sutherland,
Bradley, and oliver, Republicans. and
Paynter, Democrat, who are the mem
bers of the committee not engaged in
the LOrimer case. There is one va
CanCy on the committee. caused by the
resignation of Senator Bailey, Demo
crat, a few days ago. The committee
will hold its meetings in Madison, Mil
waukee, and Duluth, and possibly in
Chicago.
Admits Spending 100000.
Senator Stephenson. by his own sworn
statement, made in accordance with law,
admits that he spent little over $780,
600 in the primary election. to secure the
popular Endorsement as the Republican
candidate for Senator. for the term be-
ginning March /. 1903 He made a de-
tailed statement of his expenditures as
the State law of Wisconsin requires 1t
was out of the primary fight that the
charges grew which resulted in a de-
mand for investigation by the Senate
Senator La FOlletteS followers in Wis
consin We're behind the demand for an
investigation
Senator Stephenson was formerly iden-
titled with the progressive movement in
Wisconsin. For years he had an am
bitiOn to occupy a seat in the Senate Hel
had served two terms IN the House Asl
the result differences pf
his political opponents among the con-
servatives in Wisconsin, Mr.. Stephenson
made common with Robert NJ. La Fol-
lette, and he is said TO have given him
material assistance in his fight for gov
ernor.
Mr.. Stephenson purchased a daily news
paper in Milwaukee, and is said to have
spent much money in financing the pro-
9resSiVe movement. He had hoped to
come to the Senate at the time Mr. La
Toilette was elected. but failed to secure
tue necessary votes. Later when Sena-
tor John 9. Spooner suddenly resigned
his seat. Mr.. Stephenson Immediately be-
came candidate for the vacancy. Sem
atOr La Toilette finally threw his
strength TO him. and he was elected.
Cause of the Quarrel.
Senator la Follette's friends insist that
Mr.. stephenson promised Mr.. La Toilette
that in consideration of the latter's help
in achieving his life ambition to sit in
the Senate that Stephenson would not
be candidate for the full term begin
ming March, 1909. Mr.. Stephenson has
always maintained that La Toilette mis- !
understood him and that he gave no prom |
Use. The quarrel between the two Sena-
tors dates from that disagreement.
When Senator Stephenson announced
his candidacy for reelection Senator La
Follette's friends turned on him. The
progresSives brought out candidates
against Mr. Stephenson, but he carried
on a vigorous fight and overwhelmed
them. Charges of corruption followed. |
and Senator La Follette's friends carried |
these into the legislature and secured
the adontion of memorial which has led
to the Senate's action taken yesterday.
Inside History Coming Out.
There have been intimations by Senator |
Stephensons friends that an investiga- |
ton would disclose that Mr.. Stephenson |
had spent more money in Wisconsin try
ing to advance Senator La Toilette po- |
litically than Mr.. Stephenson ever ex-
pende in his own interest. 1t has been |
whispered around the Senate that Mr. |
Stephenson has a lot Of interesting cor
respondence bearing upon his relations |
with his colleague. I'D that some of this |
may come out in the course of the in
YeStlgat1Qn.
Senator La Follette's friends having
heard Of this talk have declared that that |
was only an additional reason for the
Investigation. In fact, Senator La Fol-
lette served notice on his colleagues In |
the Senate that he could not remain |
silent - view Of these insinuations, and |
that unless the Committee on Privileges |
and Elections ordered an Investigation |
that he. Mr. La Toilette, would be put |
TO the necessity OF offering a resolution
himself He has had the resolution pre-
pared and has been carrying Il around |
for '--Hk or two waiting for the Privi- |
leges and Elections Committee to act.
Senator Ia Follette's friends Insist that |
most OF the money expended by Mr. |
Stephenson In aid OF the progressive |
movement was put into newspaper |
which has done service for Mr. Stephen |
son IN politics stephenson,s friends |