Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1912-07-19

the chamber. Though disgraced and con-
victed after two trials, the nIinoisan smiled
as the Senate doors closed behind him.
On his way out Senator Smoot threw his
arms about the retreating man. Senator
Bailey left his seat and, hurryine to Lori
mer's side, shook hands with him warmly.
Outside the chamber more than 100 per-
sons had gathered. The former Senator
stopped and shook hands with them, after
which he quietly left the Capitol.
Many men and women in the galleries
were weeping when Lorimer finished his
three-day speech. He had created wide
spread sympathy for himself by his pro-
longed defense and by his intense pleading
He had converted two or three Senators
who had made up their minds to vote
against him, but he had failed to turn the
tide in his favor. Senator Tillman was
one Of those who had been won over, and
the statement made by the South Caro-
linian just before the vote was unique in
Senate annals.
Senators Smith and Rayner, of Mary
land. divided on this issue, as they divided
10 months ago. Senator Smith voted in
favor of Lorimer. Senator Smith, in speak
ing Of his vote for Lorimer, said II voted
for Mr. Lorimer the first time his case came
before the Senate. did so again to-day.
] have no regrets and no apologies to offer
for either vote. don't know what the
political consequences to myself are going
to be and | do not much care, although |
have been plentifully warned by friends
and foes alike that they would be very
dreadful. am willing to abide by the re-
suit Of my action and take what comes.
II voted the way believe was right,
according to my conscience. my judgment
and my construction of the oath have
taken as Senator. | have read all the
testimony in this case have heard all
of the speeches on both sides. have not
yet heard any evidence or seen produced
any fact that wonld make me believe Mr..
Lorimer personally guilty of the charges
against him, or that he had personal
knowledge of the bribery. do not believe
any fair jury in any court in the country
would have convicted him on the evidence.
A good many of my colleagues in the Sen
ate who voted the other way agree with
me about this"
By the vote of the Senate, which re-
versed its vote of March 1, 1911, Mr.. Lori
mer, who has been a member of that body
since June IS. 1909. or more than three
years, was declared to have been the re-
cipient of votes secured by corrupt meth
DDS and practices. and his election was
held to have been invalid.
Technically. Mr. Lorimer will pass out
Of the records of the Senate as member
Of that body. Facing his associates with
the declaration, 81 am ready" he sat in
the chamber and heard his fate decided |
as the roll call showed the adoption of the |
resolution Of Senator Luke Lea, of Tennes-
nee, the Senate's youngest member.
Discussing the possibility of a further
light for his vindication, Senator Lorimer
said:
II must think things over and talk with
ny friends before | can say whether
hall 90 into a political fight for vindica-
ion. The place for me to make fight,
hould ! determine on such course, would
Ne before the people. The candidates for
he LEGISLATURE which will aalect NV snc |
,essor have already been nominated. Con-
cannot 90 into the coming
Wo years hence. / nave not looked tnar
ar ahead. Before reaching any decision
N that point want to have a full oppor-
unity to talk with my friends back home"