The Mathews journal. (Mathews C.H. [Court House]) 1903-1937, 1911-07-27
ALDRlCH DENIES
HINES STATEMENT

w HIN TON, ID. C.-Sp ,cial
Nelson w. Aldrich, former Senator
rom Rhode Island, one OF the chief
figures I'm the Lorimer investieotion
because OF the testimony OF E5vard
Hines. millionaire lumberman. thai
the desire Of President Taft that T.orN
lmer be elected was conveyed to him
through Aldrich, was the star witness
yesterday before the committee inves-
tgating the election of the Illinois
Senator.
He was interested. he said. I'm the
election of Republican Senator from
illinois,. His position in the Senate
entailed certain responsibility, which
caused him to have special interest
in the Illinois election.
In April, 1909. he said, he had his
hrst conference with Hines. He could
not remember whether il was at his
solicitation or that of Hines. Hines
told him that Hopkins would not be
elected. and asked him what the at
titude OF President Taft was in the
matter.
Wanted Republican Elected.
I told Hines the President was
anxious for the election of a Repub-
lican, and that he had been favorabIe
to the reelection of Mr.. Hopkins. he
cause Hopkins had received the en-
dorSement of the primaries But I
told him that the President would
take no active part in the campaign
VI IiODhlilS OF anyone else
Did you say to Mr.. Hines" asked
counsel, that the tariff bill was com
ing up, and that 1T was necessary to
have all the Republican votes posi-
BILE, as there was some doubt about
the scheduleS?"
Il did not" replied Mr.. Aldrich.
when was the second time you
talked to Mr.. Hines?" asked counsel
Il think it was on May 21st or 22d.
Mr.. Hines had told me that Mr.. Hop
kins would not be elected and asked
me to see the President and find out
what his attitude was concerning Mr..
Boutel. 1 saw the President and re-
ported to Mr.. Hines that the Presi-
dent would be satisfied with Mr.. Bou-
tell"
Senator Aldrich went on to say that
he had a second conference with Mr..
Hines, when Hines told him that Bou-
tell could not be elected. but that
Lorimer possibly might be.
LOrimcr Was Acceptable.
He wanted me to learn how the
President would view Lorimer's cleo
ton continued the witness. THAT
same 9kening I reported to Mr.. Hines
that LOrimer's candidacy was unob-
jectiOnable to the President, and that.
so far as I was concerned, he was
entirely agreeable to me. for I was
in favor Of the election of any good
Republican,"
Il think I told Hines If anybody
questioned my attitude or the PreSi-
dents he might say that Lorimer's
President, and agreeable to me-" con-
tinued the witness.
THE idea that YOU intended to con-
vey, as 1 understand It," said Senator
Kenyon, was that Lorimer's candi-
dacy was not Objectionable to the
President, rather than that he favored
"You have expressed it exactly"
Did you ever send any message to
Governor Deneen urging him to sup,
asked Attorney Marble.
Il did not know Governor De-
''Did you ever send a message say
ing that the President favored Lori
mere? asked the attorney.
II did not; 7 sent no messages at ALL"
replied the witness.
you did not tell Mr.. Hines TO say
to Governor Deneen that the President
wanted him elected?"
=. u did not, As / said. I did not
Did you request the President to
send a telegram urging the election OF
Senator Lorimer?' asked Judge Hanecy.
NO, made no such request OF him"
Hines Heard AIdrIch.
Judge Hanecy then read a published
statement in which IT was said that
a telegram urging Lorimer's election.
but that he had refused 10 do so
Does that refresh your recollection
anN?' asked Judge HanecY.
II am positive that I made no such
request of the President" replied Mr.
Aldrich.
Did the President at any time mani
fest any desire or anxiety TO rave Mr.
Lorimer elected?" asked Senator Ken
vOn.
Il do not think care to go into nv
converse ton with the President" re-
piled Mr.. Aldrich 1.-THE facts are as
have stated them. and I was sure 1
acted with authority in stating TO Mr.
You never intended to authorize Mr.
Hines to go to Illinois and use the
residents name in favor OF Mr.. Lori
ner?"
4 did not"
During the time that Mr. Aldrich
was on the stand Mr.. Hines sat directly
back Of counsel and followed his state
nentS closely. If Hines was satisfied
with Aldrich's report Of his testimony
ne ola not show it; If he was displeased