The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1913-09-19
CHARGED WITH CONTEMPT.
In Refusing to Answer Questions, James
c. Garrison Was Arrested.

Albany Sept. l9.-The Assembly last
night adopted resolution offered by
Majority Leader Levy calling for the
arrest of James c. Garrison for alleged
contempt in refusing to answer ques-
tions before the judiciary committee
concerning statements attributed to him
to the effect that money was used to
influence votes of certain members in
bringing about the impeachment of
Governor Sulzer.
Garrison, who was in the Assembly
chamber at the time, was Immediately
nailed before the bar of the House. He
refused to repudiate his alleged state
ment and was remanded to the custody
of the sergeant at arms pending further
action.
"Whether or not the things you have
said are true" thundered Speaker Smith
when Garrison was brought before him,
"you should answer this one question:
Did you say to any one that to your
knowledge votes were purchased for the
passage of the Impeachment resolution y
"Mr. Speaker" replied Garrison, 81 will
answer no question until the Assembly
gives me opportunity to appear with
counsel"
"You are here given the opportunity
to clear yourself of the charge of con-
tempt against you," continued the speak
er.
"The question is for the Assembly to
clear itself not for me to clear myself" ="
retorted Garrison.
Majority Leader Levy jumped TO his
feet and moved that the defendant be
"held in the custody of the sergeant-at-
arms to await the further action of the
House" The motion was adopted with
shout and Garrison was formally
placed under arrest, a warrant having
been issued by the speaker.
Garrison had entered the Assembly
chamber early in the evening. The
House was working under close call
and strict orders were given to the door
keepers to permit no one to leave ex-
cept the newspaper men. Garrison at
tempted to leave but was detained, as
was Valentine Taylor, counsel to Gov
ernor Sulzer.
The introduction of the resolution
brought forth vigorous protest from
Assemblyman Gibbs but it was unavail-
ing, the Assembly voting so to 10 in its
favor Gibbs demanded that Garrison's
case be referred back to the judiciary
committee, which he charged had not
given a fair opportunity to testify. He
declared that when Garrison started to
read statement before a sub-commit-
tee of the Judiciary committee appoint
ed to hear his testimony, the members
fled from the room and refused to list
en- to him."
as any member of this House afraid
TO hear this witness 2" demanded Gibbs.
"The fact is you have abandoned the
investigation which you started into this
mans charges. If Garrison has any
thing to say let him say it, instead OF
sitting him with a gag and putting
him in prison without an opportunity
70 be heard. He should be permitted
TO appear before the committee and tes-
tify with counsel as he has requested
He added that TO punish Garrison un
der the circumstances would be violation
of a recent decision of the court of ap-
peals.
Republican Leader Hinman moved to
amend the resolution by a provision
which would not change its subject mat
ter. but which would provide that Garri-
son be instructed to obey the mandate
of the Judiciary committee and appeal