Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1923-03-06
.Lorirner's Plea
Dramatic One
Pomerene, Retiring Sena-
tor, Says 1t. Was
Most Touching

during the eventful period / spent
in the senate, none was so NOV
ing, so intensely human as Lori
mer's Defense" said ex-senator
AtIee Pomerene of Ohio.
How aecusors and defenders OF
former Senator William Lorfmcr
OF Illinois, ousted from the senate
on July 10 1912, as result of
his election by the famous "Jack
pot" Illinois legislature, were
gripped by "Blond Bits dra-
matte denial of the corruption
charges was graphically recounted
for the United Press by the sena-
tor from the Buckeye state.
The Lorimer scandal shocked
the conscience of the country and
Pomerene voted to Gust the erst-
while "Boss of Chicago" despite
his touching plea for vindication.
1t was the first Of two great bat
ties Pomerene fought for clean
government. He led the fight to
Dust former Senator Newberry of
Michigan charged with buying his
seat.
Kindly and sympathetic though
ne IS, principles, not politics or
personal feelings, have always
been the mainsprings of Pomer-
ene's actions. His friends charge
his defeat last fall to his I'M
bending devotion to principles.
That straight-laced sticking to
principles, however, did not blind
Pomerene to the soul-stirring dra
ma of real life, with the Senate
rs the stage and big Bill' as the
star.
washington was in the midst
Of sultry- summer as Lorimer
closed his defense and hurled de
liance at his accusers," said POM
creme. ''The chamber rocked with
heat, Tense and perspiring the
packed galleries and the crowded
floor were cast under the spell
of the supreme effort of q man
fighting with his back TO the
wall.
standing in his place, now
pleading for vindication for the
sake OF his wife and children,
now defiant, Big Bill" presented
4 neyer-to-be-forgotten picture.
Handsome, bulky, vet leonine and
Sinuous as cat, his shaggy name
Of sorrell hair tumbled almost to
his shoulders.
'Lorimer was no orator, yet
his tongue was inspired by his
extremity. A poor boy without
educational advantages, he gave q
remarkable demonstration of his.
analytical mind by q review Of the
record that had been taken in
two wears Of investigation.
His statements were simple
and rang with earnestness and
sincerity. He convinced many
that he had no personal knowl-
edge of the corrupt "jack pot"
that bought his election.
at was generally conceded that
despite his political affiliations,
Lorimer's home life was ideal,
that his word was his bond and
that he had never turned from a
friend. He declared one kiss
from each of his loved ones, who
be said would not feel themselves
disgraced if he was turned out of
the senate, would be compensation
enough for his trials.
"The sheer drama, the inten-
sity of feeling that marked his
peroration can best be conveyed
by Lorimer's own words. HeI
said:
" AS God is my judge, know
that no man cast a corrupt vote
for Lorimer. Resign in the face
of that conviction, because defeat
stares nee in the face! This Is not
a chamber of towards.
oh senators, you may vote
to turn me out, but while | have
strength l am going TO make q
character and a reputation Of
never being a coward.
q" oh no, no, no. will not re-
sign! If I go from this body it
will be because more senator's vote
in favor of expelling me than for
clearing me.
My exit will not be from
fear. Ny exit will not be because
! am a coward 1t will be be
cause of the crime of the Senate
of these United States.
3" 4 am ready
with those \ words, Lorimer
swept the Senate with mis- eyes
for the last time. a tumult Of
applause burst from the CALLER
les. Then a hush fell over the
crowd as he turned fr&n his seat,
and, with his proud head held
high, strobe from the chamber.
"The next minute the roll was
called and Lorimer was expelled