Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-08-23
He Understood Roosevelt
Knew of Donations in
1904 Campaign.
BLISS THE COLLECTOR
Second "HeIping Asked" but
Refused; Then Corporation
Is Attacked.

Washington, Aug. 23.-John D. Arch
bold OF the Standard OIL company to-
day told the senate committee inves-
tigating campaign funds his version Of
the contributions to the campaign of
1904, now the subject Of a dispute be
tween Senator Penrose and Colonel
Roosevelt
Clapp asked Archbold what contri-
buttons the Standard OIL made in 1904.
We made two contributions 10 the
republican campaign fund OF 1904, one
TO Cornelius y. Bliss Of 100000, and
the other TO Senator PenrOse of $685.
600"
Replying 70 when the 100000 con
'ribuJiOn was made, ArChJOld said he
thought IL was the middle Of Scptem-
ber. 1904, in currency 70 Bliss that
they we're alone in his office; that Bliss
gave him a receipt. but so far he was
unable to find 1t, but hoped to do so.
BOARD ACQUTEsCES.
Before the contribution was made
the matter was submitted TO the Stand
ard board, which decided to con
tribute.
"Was the $4,000 contribution to
Penrose ia the form OF a check"
II cannot say. My letterbooks show
no record of any such letter as has
been published The signature to that
letter .g .rry unlike mine"
Arch said the payment to Pen
rose Va. probably in currency.
You were the man in Standard Oil
who had charge Of these political mat
ters?" suggested Clapp.
only in Pennsylvania and Ohio.
where ! had known tie relations Of
our business"
subsequently 20 these contributions,
Archbold said. he talked with Bliss,
not later than oct I about further
contributions. He thought Rogers
might have been present. He remem-
bered no one else
FURTHER DONATION DENIED.
What was the result OF these con
ferences7' asked Clapp
We decided not to make a further
contribution"
Archbold said that I'm the 1904 cam
paign he was not connected with the
steel corporation, American Tobacco.
American Sugar Refining company. or
any railroad combination. and had not
discussed with any representative OF
the corporations named the question
Of campaign contributions.
Did you have any conferences with
any one. except Bliss. whom YOU knew
or understood to represent Roose-
velt?' asked Clapp.
WANTED ROOSEVELT TO KNOW
NO. talked frankly with Bliss. I
told him We wanted 10 make this con.
ulouuon, but not without the knowl
edge OF the powers that be. We want.
ed II understood and appreciated by
Roosevelt Bliss smilingly assured me
that that would be the case"
In reply 10 a question he said he
had no knowledge Of either John d. OF
William Rockefeller making individ
ual contributions TO the campaign. He
had no personal knowledge of the Har
Ilman contribution. but he understood
II was the neiEhborhood of a quarter
million That ended Clapp's examina
ton and the witness was turned over
10 Pomerene
FAIR DEAL PROMISED.
The Ohio senator made an effort &c
learn more about the Sl25.OOO contri
button
What was said about Rooseyelt?'
asked Pomcrene.
Bliss told us his attitude TOWARD
tho business interests Bliss said ht
thought Roosevelt would be a fair anC
conservative man when il came TO {
test, and urged that the policies OF the
republican party were the safest fol
the business world"
1T was because OF his conservative
views and your belief in the ettitud,
Of the republican party toward III,
business world that induced you L
contribute"
Party question was first" replied
ArChbold Bliss thought Roosevelt
would fairly carry out party pledges
We decided that our interests as bus
iress organization lay on the repTbli
Can side and IL was decided We SHOULD
make this contribution"
ACCEPTABIE TO COLONEL.
ArchboId said the contribution wal
company money.
Had you any knowledge that thi
contribution was made known {,
Roosevelt,"
only the assurance Of Bliss"
Just what did he say" urged Pome
rene
He said YOU need have no misEiv
iLgs in that matter. represent VOL