The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1911-08-30
IS LIKE THE LORIMER CASE
SENATOR STEPHENSON SPENT
S1O7. 100000 IN WISCONSIN.
The Senate Has Ordered an Investi-
CATION of the Colleague and POlit-
ical Ally OF LaFOllette.


Observation-Disclosures the Lori
ner case still undecided the senate is
about beginning an investigation of
another of its members-SenatOr
Isaac Stephenson of Wisconsin. 1t
is claimed that money was used Law
ishIy to bring about his election and
that he was cognizant of the manner
in which it was spent. In his own
sworn statement Senator Stephenson
admits that he spent over 100000
in the primaries which named him.
Later his election by the legislature
was accomplished only by the abb
sence Of democratic members from
the session which gave Stephenson a
bare majority. 1t is charged that
Edward Hines, the lumber trust lob
byist, who boosted that he elected
Iorimer, was active in the fight to
elect Stephenson. Wisconsin men
have no doubt that StephensOn's seat
was purchased, but they are not so
certain that this fact can be proved.
They believe, however, that the in
yestigation, while it may not result
in the expulsion of Senator Stephen
son. will have the effect of putting
an end to the methods by which he
secured his seat in the upper branch.
The investigation is the result of
a memorial from the Wisconsin leg
islature asking for the appointment
of a committee to take evidence.
At one time LaFollette and Steph-
enson were fast friends and political
allies. The committee which will
conduct the investigation will prob
ably not begin its labOTs before next
month, and it will hold sittings at
the state capital of Wisconsin at Du-
luth and other Wisconsin cities and
at Chicago.
An Interesting Figure.
Senator Stephenson is one of the
most interesting figures at Washing
ton. He is the oldest member of the
senate, and celebrated his SIND birth
day in June. He is reputed to be
worth $20,000,000, acquired in the
lumber business, transportation Of
the Great Lakes and banking. The
senator is well preserved, takes a
great deal Of physical exercise and
asserts that he is entirely willing to
be investigated.
Stephenson was Identified with the
progressive movement in Wisconsin.
For years he had an ambition to oc-
cupy seat in the senate. He had
served two terms in the house AS
the result of differences with some
of his political opponents among the
conservatives in Wisconsin Mr..
Stephenson made common cause with
Robert NJ. LaFolIette, and is said to
have given him material assistance
in his first fight for governor. Mr..
Stephenson purchased a daily news
paper in Milwaukee and spent much
money in financing the progressive
movement. He had hoped to come
to the senate at the time Mr.. LaFol-
lette was elected, but failed to Sc
cure the necessary votes. Later.
when John c. Spooner suddenly re-
signed his seat, Mr.. Stephenson i'm
medlately became a candidate for
the vacancy. Mr.. LaFollette agreed
TO help him and he was elected.
The lavish use of money, it is
said, won the nomination, and then
by devious methods, it is claimed.
MS election by the legislature was
secured. Charges of corruption were
freely made at the time and finally
the Wisconsin legislature petitioned