The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1912-05-22

:
one else raised or contributed to {
fund 10 be used TO secure his cleo
ton; that his election was the losi.
oal result OF existing political cOndi'
ions in the State OF Illinois, and was
free from any corrupt practice. am
therefore we must find. and We DE-
find that William Lorimer election
was not brought about or influenced
~ corrupt methods and practices.
Personal Character.
The personal character of man
must always enter INFO an appraise-
ment OF his guilt or innocence OF any
oflense that may be charged The
personal character element is entered
into and spoken of by the committee
in the following language:
"One thing stands out mos, con-
spicuously, this whole record consid-
cred, and that is that throughout the
long deadlock and all the pressure
temY ations, opportunities, strain
and excitement incident to the cleo
ton OF Senator, Notwithstanding
the persistent effort made to fasteh
some hing of the kind on Mr.. Lori
mer, not one word was said or one
thing done which in anywise reflect
ed on him
Not an indiscreet remark, not a
suspicious suggestion, not an imprOp-
CT action or an improperly on his
Fart, in Springfield or elsewhere, dur
ing that contest, has been testified
70 by single witness. The fact is.
the personal integrity, the habits an i
life of Mr.. I.ormer appear wholly eX-
cmplary and his personal character
above reproach lis most relentless
political enemies concede that. The
Tribune lChicagoD the morning aft
CT his election editOrially spoke Of
his many merits and ability
Mr. Kohlsa;u' said: From all |
know, as | said before, his home life,
lis family life, is ideal. lie has a
beautiful family of children which
he has raised splendidly."
Lawrence Stringer. Democratic
candidate for governor in 1904 and
nominee for United States Senator
of the Democrats in 1908, said that
he had often heard ii said that when
Senator lOrimcr made Il promise you
could rely upon it., and that he had
never heard Mr.. l.Orimer's honesty
and integrity as Il man quest toned
tut on the contrary had heard ii
spoken OF very highly"
The report also says: Mr. Lori
iicr was first elected to Congress in
1894 from normally Democratic
district, and reelected six times. In
light campaigns he was defeated
only once. Since he resigned from
Tie House the district has returned
t. its Democratic allegiance.
I'm view of the suggestion as to
he contribution of a fund to secure
his election to the Senate, it is sig
nificant of his methods that in 1908
hen a check was sent to him BY
senator Hopkins. through Mr.. Fred
NJ. Blount, to be used in dcfrayins
his campaign expenses, Senator Lori
mer returned it with the following
letter:
Chicago. Nov. >, 1908.
. Hon Fred NJ. Blount,
$4,000 La Sadie Street, Chicago:
My Dear Friend-l received YOUR
communicat ion with check inclosed
for $500. wish to express my
thanks TO both you and Senator Hop
klns for your great kindness. have
paid the total expense of my cam
ralgns. both primary and election.
without accepting cont ribujon
from any person. although a great
many have been rendered. there
fore feel that cannot accept yours.
Assuring you that appreciate the
spirit in which il was sent, am
Yours very truly
The record shows that this letter
was signed and forwarded by Mr.
lorimer.'
No Jackpot.
The committee holds that tbere
was no Jackpot shown i'm any evil
uence relating TO the election of Sem
a'or l-orimer. The Lorimer case will
b. decided at this session of Con.
sress. the Senate having SO agreed.
Said Much In Little.