Evening star., 1919-04-11
SAYS INTERESTS
SOUGHT HIS VOTE
Senator Thompson SWears
Prominent New Workers
Offered Inducements.
By the Associated Press.


ALBANY. n. Y, April 11.-Testify-
ing before the judiciary committee of
the senate today. Senator George F.
Thompson of Niagara said that Rich
ard H. Burke of New York told him
that if he would assist in the passage
of the Carson-Martin increased troll
ley fare bill he could become gov
ernor of the state and that the trac-
ton interests would raise in his be-
half a campaign fund amounting to
$500, 900.
Senator Thompson also told Of din
ing subsequently with former. Gov.
Charles S. Whitman at the st. Regis
Hotel, New York, at Mr. Whttman's
invitation. He said that the former
Quested to talk with him by Theodore
p Shonts of the Interborough COM
pany. Mr.. Whitman. he testified, told
him he thought he was making . mis-
Martin bill, as It might give him 4
chance to be governor.
Senator Thompson declared that
Burke came to his room at the Re-
publican Club. New York, on the
morning Of Sunday, March 16. and
said to him:
"Will Make You Governor"
George, I've got a corking thing 1
want to tell you. If you stand for
this bill it will be the biggest thing
that ever happened to you. 1t will
make you governor. These people
are ready to raise a campaign fund
up to $500,000, If necessary. You
have a good reputation. and il you
only had the money you could walk
home
Il said to him." Thompson continued
Dick, you know me. and you know
/ am on the square. / don't want to
be governor and never will. and never
will be candidate.
Senator Thompson protested at Civ
ing the names of the persons who.
he said, Burke had told him would
be behind him. He said he had no
proof, and it was only Information
that had been given to him. When the
committee insisted that he name them,
he said: He (Burke) said that the
campaign fund would be big, and that
the Bradys, the Interborough people.
behind me. He said it was the most
wonderful chance 1 ever had, or ever
would have, and that l would Do
fool if / did not take it
Senator Thompson said that his ac-
quaintance with Burke began shortly
after the special legislative committee
investigating the public service com =
missions had completed its 1abors in
New York in 1916. During that in
vestigation Burke had supplied him.
anonymously. with information that
resulted in uncovering corruption on
the part of public officials.
Were ION the Square"
Senator Thompson told of Burke's
apparent interest in the pending leg
islation to permit street railway fare
increases and of several meetings
with him in New York. On one occa-
sion he had visited the office of John
B. Stanchfeld, and another time he
had called on Nicholas F. Brady, at
Burke's request.
In both instances. he declared en-
phatically, neither person made him
any improper offer or any improper
suggestion. Their attitude. he said,
was upright and they were always
ION the square when discussing
legislation affecting their properties.
Conversation "Sinister."
Formar Gov. Whitmans name was
brought into the testimony after
! Senator Thompson had told of the
alleged offer of Burke. He explained
that he considered his conversation
with the former governor as some
thing sinister" in view of the fact
that it followed the offer which. he
! said, Burke had made.
| Regarding the alleged offer from
| Burke. he said there were no details
as to how the fund would be made
up. but that it was perfectly clear
! that it existed and that 1t was guar
anteed He said there was no dicker-
| ing with Burke over the price
| II thought" Senator Thompson
| said. "that it was a great deal more
than the devil would ever offer for
me-"
The investigation was adjourned
until later in the day.
Whitman Makes Denial.
NEW YORK, April 11-Charles s
| Whitman, former Governor OF New
York, denied here today that he men.
toned to State Senator George F
thompson the subject Of the Cover.
| norship in a conversation the two mer
had at the ST. Regis Hotel in this city
as testified to today by Senator
Thompson at the senate judiciary com
mittee's hearing at Albany.
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