Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1911-02-22
SIXTY.F FIRST CONGRESS.
SENATE


birthday by listening 10 reading by
Senator Young OF Washington's fare
we'll address.
An investigation OF the activity Of the
State and Navy Departments to obtain
battIeship contracts for private business
concerns was launched this afternoon
when Senator LaFollette introduced a
resolution directing the Secretary OF the
Navy to transmit to the Senate report
on the matters relating to such con-
tracts.
With the honor Of the Senate and
the nation at stake; with tense interest
among the statesmen and the eager
curiosity Of an overwhelming crowd,
the Senate wing Of the Capitol was set
for historic action today, when the
final dramatic scenes in the case OF
William Lorimer, OF Illinois, we're en-
acted.
Following the reading OF President
Washington's high minded farewell
address, Mr.. Lorimer, like ! man on
trial for his life, presented his address.
Hardened by the knocks that come
in politics, and trained in the conceal
ment OF his emotions, he appeared to
be cool as the most disinterested specta-
tor. In low, even voice he contested
the arguments made by the ablest
lawyers in the Senate, and declared
that his election to that body was not
due to corrupt practices.
Mr.. Hale suggested that Lorlmer
come TO the center OF the Senate.
Seators Beveridge and Taliaferro offer
ed their seats. Tatiaferro's was ac-
cepted, an d Lorimer moved to the
middle Of the auditorium.
Mr.. Lorimer began speaking IN his
own defense in the Senate at l:25
CLOCK. Dramatic silence fell over the
crowded galleries as Lorimer arose.
In beginning, Lorimer referred to
the fact that Beyeridge had not con-
cluded his address and offered to wait.
MANY suggestions have been pre-,
sented in Il, = debate" said Lorlmer.
MANY of I'll. n refer TO my election.
Did organize the Illinois legislature
against Hopkins? Did ] elect Shurt-
left speaker? Did T make Lee ONeil
Brown my chief representative? Did
/ induce the democrats to vote for me?
Many answers have been given By
my opponents, some fancfnl. There
is only one answer that should count
in this case. It is the simply, plain
truth.
Il propose to tell the Senate exactly
how my election was brought about:
/ will answer all these questions and
answer them correctly.
Efforts have been made to cover
this whole case with shadow Of sus-
picion. It was sought to make it ap
pear that some man Of surprising abil-
ity organized the Illinois legislature to
defeat Hopkins. Some have declared
that this man OF oversbadowing genius
and wonderful power OF organization
was none other than myself. 1t Is
sought to prove that not only was !
elected by corrupt practices, but that !
arranged their employment and made
them effective.
Mr.. Lorimer first took up the declar-
alton of Senotor Crawford that he had
organized the legislature against Hop
kins and Deneen.
To organize a legislature with a
mixture OF republicans and democrats
i, not matter that can be accomplish
ed By wish or thought. I did not
have the desire to organize the legisla-
tire and could not have done SO.
Mr.. Lorimcr was still speaking when
this report closed.
As he proceeded his voice gathered
strength and he spoke in loud, dra-
matte tone that held the immense
crowd as ii hypnotized.
HOUSE.
Carrying a provision preventing the
buying Of armor or armament from the
steel trust, the badly battered naval ap-
preparation bill was passed by the
House today.
Two battleships, in continuation Of
the existing programme and sweeping
provisions in favor OF union labor $
eight-hour day we're Included in the
bill by amendments, despite the at
tempt OF the naval affairs committee to
eliminate the 3-hour law provision as
applied to ships authorized last year.
. Amendments offered by Mr.. Stanley,
who has been demanding ali investiga-
ton OF the steel trust for years, were
adopted by blanket note.
Another provision prevents the gov
eminent paying more than 100 per
cent over the cost Of manufacture for
armor. AT the end ofthe bill, Mr.. Stan
ley tackled on blanket provision that
no steel of any description he bought
from any combination that monopn-
lies commerce in any article.
The bill carries approximately 1925,
.O0O 600 and aut' o izing two new
b,Iiloships.
The debate on the Notifications. APP
preparation bill was then begun.
tnti-Saioon League Of Virginia.
Newport News. Va, Feb. 22-Presi-
dent Atkins. Of the Anli-Saloon
League Of Virginia, in his annual ad
dress hafore the tenth annual conven-
ton OF that league here last night
struck what is generally accepted as
the keynote of the leagues policy for
the year when he advocated renewed
demand for referendum on the ques-
ton Of state wide prohibition. He
asked for more money to carry out this