Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-01-01
Await Word From Root.

Await w ora from hOOC.
Word is now awaited with interest from
Senator Root. who had been expected to
devote considerable time during the recess
to a perusal of the evidence on which the
majority of the elections committee gave
Mr. Lorimer a vindication. 1t is not
known whether he. has completed the
study as contemplated. Senators who
have gone through the whole mass de-
clare 1t to be q task calculated to stagger
any one after getting started. The testi-
mony has not been indeXed-a matter
which of itself has aroused criticism
and to get an adequate understanding Of
the case 1t Is declared to be necessary to
start with the first word and read to the
last. 1t Is thought to be scarcely possi-
BILE that all the members of the elections
committee who signed the majority report
did this. and it is believed that most of
them merely took the brief report OF the
Investigators. aside from Senator Frazier,
for their authority.
As matters have turned out it now
seems probable that the LOrimer case
will be the most important feature OF the
present session of Congress. 1t IS planned
to call it up Monday or Tuesday follow
long and carefully prepared speeches will
be made following the presentation of the
resolution already tentatively drawn.
The anti-Lorimer speeches. 1t is eX-
pected, will force members of the investi-
eating committee to defend their posi-
tion as the report will he assailed on
grounds Of incompleteness and of wrong
deduction with respect to the evidence
produced. 1t Is probable that old prec-
edents, which the committee used to
clear the title of MIR. J.orimer to his seat.
irrespective of corruption that might pos
sibIy have prevailed at Springfield. will
be attacked and that u demand will be
made for new ones.
Effort to Be Determined
At the outset some of those who were
inclined to oppose the report of the COM
mittee had little idea that the taking of
a vote would accomplish more than the
moral protest Of Il minority of the Sen
ate. Today the feeling in some circles
is different. IL is proclaimed that the
effort TO unscst Senator Lorimcr is to be
a determined one. The belief is asserted
that when :, full exposition of the testi-
mony is made, as is proposed members
of the elections committee are likely to
regret they did not read the evidence be-
fore signing the report. It is declared
by those who intend to attack the report
that the same exposition of the case will
arouse such d public sentiment through
out the whole country that 1t is doubtful
whether a majority OF the Senate can op-
pose the esOlutiOn on record vote
Before the case reaches its final stage
the old question as to whether - ma jOr
ity or two-thirds vote is necessary to va
cate the l.Orimer seat probably will be
raised. 1t requires two-thirds vote to
expel a member. but only IL majority to
prevent a member from taking his seat
on the ground of iIlegality of election.
In this case the anti-Lorimer side will
contend that it is not sought to eXpel
Mr.. Lorimer. but merely to declare he
was not legally elected, so that major
ity vote only would be necessary TO Va
cate his seat.
On the other hand. the supporters Of
Iorimer, particularly IL the issue is close
ly drawn. are likely to contend that his
credentials have been accepted. that he
IL member of the Senate in full stand
ing and can be removed only through eN-
pulsiOn. In this event the Senate must
determine, before voting on the direct is
sue, which method of procedure 1t viii!
take.
Arguments Against Report.
There are two primary arguments
which will be presented in opposition to
the committee report and in support OF
the resolution TO unseat Senator Lorimer.
according to the information lately OBJ
tained. One will involve the question of
credibiiity of the evidence presented at
the investigation. and the committees re-
port will be attacked most vigorously in
this particular II will be contended that
the testimony of Daniel w. Holtsiaw can
not be read in its entirety by any impair
tai person without bringing conviction
that he spoke the truth. The report IS to
be attacked for dwelling with the brief
ness 1t did on this witness and his testi-
mOny. 1t will be argued as conclusive OF
the evidence Of other legislators were
bribed and that others paid money for
votes.
More important, perhaps. will he the
argument that with corruption existing
Mr.. Lorimer could not have been in
ignorance of it, no matter whether he