New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-06-23
YATES DEFENDS L0R|MER
Never Heard of Use of Money
Until Long After Election.
DENIES TALK WITH HINES
Illinois Ex-Governor Describes
Political Battles in His State
Called Deneen "a Liar Still"

washington. June 2e-Ex-Governor Yates
OF Illinois who not only accused Governor
Deneen Of playing him false In politics, but
sent word TO him through Senator forimer
that he was "a liar still" denied to-day on
the witness stand before the Senate com
mittee TO investigate the Lorimer election
that he had ever heard Of the use Of money
in that election until more than a year af-
tcrward. Both he and George ". Hinman,
editor and publisher OF 1.-The Chicago In
ter-Ocean," the only other witness. pro-
fessed strong friendship for Mr.. LOrimer.
Mr.. TIinman expressed the belief that
there had been tack pot" or general
corruption fund I'm tho Springfield Legs
lature for many years, but he pointed 10
Mr.. Lorimer's enemies as the probable con-
trlbutors
Mr.. Yates denied that he over had any
conversation with Edward Hines, OF Chi
cago. over the long distance telephone on
the day Senator Lorlmer was elected In re-
gard TO q corruption fund for Mr. Lori
mor's election or any other subject. Mr..
ueaIy, of counsel for tho committee. ex-
planned that there had been the barest suS-
gestion that he held a conversation with
Mr.. Hines on that day. but he did not be-
lieve there would bc any testimony to that
effect before the committee.
TIE cx-Governor's political battles were
discussed extensively. first by the attor-
neys for the committee. and then by Judge
Elbrldge Hanecy, representing Senator
I4ormer.
Mr.. IIealy first took Mr.. Yates through
history OF Illinois politics. lie was asked
If he had had any political differences with
Senator Lorimer.
Yates and Lorimer Exchange Smiles.
Senator Lorimer did not support me for
denomination for Governor I'm 1904, and that
was quite political difference In my
mind" said Mr.. Yates. smiling at Senator
Iormer The latter smiled back.
Mr.. Yates said he and his friends non1i-
mated Governor Deneen.
IT told him ! was for him for Cover
nor" he explained. "Iie told me that he
would support me for United States sena-
tor. That was a subsequent consideration,
and one he did not keep"
Tho effects or this alleged failure were
described in detail, Mr.. Yates telling how
he became the political opponent of Gov
ernor Deneen. Senator Lorimer lining up
behind Mr.. Yates for Governor against
Deneen in 1908,
His feeling toward Governor Deneen was
more explicitly described in a letter which
Mr.. Yates said he wrote from Florida 10
Senator Iorimer In 1909, advising that the
newspapers said that Lorimer was going to
elect Deneen Governor.
II told Senator Lorimer after he had
elected Governor Deneen to call him aside
and tell him he had one friend who says
Deneen is liar still. and that l am the
man.
What got YOU in that unhappy frame Of
mind?" inquired Senator Kenyon.
II don't know. Do you? 7 was exceed
ingIy happy of the opportunity 10 tell him
that" replied Mr. Yates.
Senator Kenyon expressed curiosity 10
know il he had ever told tho Governor that
face 10 face. Mr.. Yates said he had
81 do not think | used the short and ugly
word but | had no doubt the Governor
understood me-"
"What response did he made7'
He didn't get very much excited"
Coming down To the LOrimer election. the
witness said he was a warm friend Of the
Senator, ana about fortN-eignt hours be-
fore the election on May % he learned first
that Lorimer probably would be elected.
Lorimer himself had told him at that time
there was chanAs Of his election. He said
he did everything he could for Lorimer in
that contest. but never even heard Of the
use of money until long after the election.
Says Majority's Will Prevailed.
Mr. Yates declared that the will Of tho
maJority was not thwarted by the defeat
Of Senator Hopkins. because he had only
triumphed by plurality vote over men
who had not made long and vigorous
fight against him.
Did WEAKNESS of the deadlock enter into
the election OF Senator Lorimer?" asked
Senator Fletcher
Yes, I think II did,
THE Democrats had no chance of elect
ing their candidate. did thcy?"
None whatever"
Senator Kenyon suggested that If Repub-
leans had voted for a Democratic cand-
date he could have been elected just as