Morning Oregonian. (Portland, Or.) 1861-1937, January 25, 1908, Page 10, Image 10

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    THE HORNING OREGONTAX, SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 1908.
10
THROW LIGHT ON
OREGON POLITICS
Letters Offered as Evidence in
Hall Trial Contain Se
cret History.
SHOW ALL MOVES IN AGAIN
M u'ch of Correspondence Between
Stay-at-Homc Patriots and Their
Chiefs in Halls of Congress
of Absorbing Interest.
An intensely interesting, though unwrit
ten history of Oregon politics from the
inside, is furnished Jn the enormous
amount of correspondence that has been
Introduced in the Hall-Mays conspiracy
trial, now in progress in the United
States Court. Because of their irrele
vancy, some of the most interesting and
significant documents have been excluded
'from the evidence that has been admitted
in the case, but it is all essential, if the
novice is to be acquainted with the way
Hie game of politics has. been played in
Oregon.
Of absorbing Interest are many of the
letters that passed between some of the
more or less prominent stay-at-home-patriots
and their chiefs in the legislative
halls at Washington. The already nu
merous letters that were interchanged
by the different defendants in the Hall
Mays case, directly, was yesterday in
creased substantially by the addition of
a number of political missives that were
exchanged between George C. Brownell.
former Clackamas County Republican
chieftain, and Senators Mitchell and Ful
ton. Some of these letters were admitted
without objection, but special interest
centers in those that were rejected.
Notable among these is the letter that
was written by Brownell to Mitchell on
October 28, 1903, in which Brownell dis
cusses some of the really interesting de
tails of Oregon politics, in those stren
uous times when he was relying on the
promises of Senators Mitchell and Fulton
to be appointed successor to John Hall.
When Heney offered this letter in evi
dence yesterday Judge Webster, for the
defense, objected vigorously, insisting that
t he correspondence was in no way re
lated to the case on trial, having passed
between Brownell and Mitchell, neither of
whom was a party to the case at bar.
Judgd Hunt sustained the objection and
the letter was rejected.
But because of its direct bearing on the
political situation in the state at the time,
and the interesting rendition of affairs it
disclosed, the letter is here produced, and
Is as follows:
Brownell to Mitchell.
Oregon City, Or., Oct. 28. 1903.
Hon. John H. Mitchell, U. S. Senate, Wash
ington D. C My Dear Sir and Friend: As I
lold you at the time. I knew that Hail would
try to make it appear that I had some con
nection with Meldrum ami Wagner in some
things that occurred in the Surveyor-General s
office. He called me to see him yesterday,
the rrand Jury being In nesslon. and threat
ened me, of course claiming that Hitchcock
and Green were pressing: him to this. He
gave me to understand, after I told him that
I was In no way connected and in no way to
blame, that even if I was not, the fact of
mv being indicted would destroy my pollti
cal chances, as The Oregonian would magnify
It. I am now satisfied that Fulton has known
about this all along, as the nlsht he went
away for Washington I cautioned him about
Informing Hall about the arrangements to
clvo this place to Campbell. If Fulton naa
done a I asked him to do, HaJl would not
now be pressing me, as I had told Hal that
day that I had released Fulton so far as I
was concerned. I explained all this to mil-
ton and he said to me that he would simply
tell Hall that he did not know what the
delegation was going to do and could not tell
until they met in Washington. Hall now tells
uie that Fulton told him that Campbell was
to be appointed and 1 was to have the di
vision of his salary. He Anally said to me
that If I would give him a letteT to you and
to Fulton. Indorsing him as Vnlted States
District Attorney, that he would stop any
proceedings against me, and as an evidence
of the value of his services, tells me that be
would have trouble with Hitihcock and Green,
they were very anxious to have an In
dictment brought in against Meldrum. Wag
ner and myself. Therefore 1 wrote him such
a letter, indorsing hiin to you and Fulton
both, for I. S. District Attorney. F. C
Baker, who Is chairman of the state commit
tee, advised me to do this and, said he would
1 see you and Fulton and insist that I did
right In doing it. Now, my dear friend, it
Is up to you and Fulton to say whether I
am going to suffer any more in order to let
Hall hold over, if Fulton had done what he
had ought to have done. I would have had
the place when he west back to take his
nath of office. Hall has been given all oppor
tunity to work every conceivable, atrlng
against me that he could and I now believe
that Fulton knew It and has expected him
to do it and has stood In with him. You
must remember that unless Campbell gets
this place 1 am at the end of my string so
far as reorganising Clackamas County. You
must remember that my present strength in
this county for renomlnatlon is based upon
my combination with Dimlck for County
Judge. Schuebel for chairman of the county
central committee In place of J. U. Ump
beil, and the whole tiling will break to
pieces unless I can land Campbell In this
place. Now, if hvou and Fulton stand up
and do this. I will be enabled to be renomi
nated for the Senate and if Hermann Is
knocked out I can be a candidate for his
nlace and nominate a man for the State &en
ale la my place who will be . for you and
Fulton. Now, my dear friend, 1 have not
got a dollar in the world, and not only that.
1 have got to go to tha hospital very soon
and I have got about as much trouble as :
can stand, and I want you. for old friend
ship's sake, to help me In this way and make
1 Kni ton stand ud to it.
With best wishes for your and Fultoa's
health and success, I remain.
Sincerely your friend.
" GEO. C. BROWN ELi
To this letter the following no less In
teresting reply was received from Senator
Mitchell under date r-iovemoer a, iw:
Ml tcl ell to Brownell.
Strictly confidential.
inn't mhnw Us.ll Of anybody.
4'nmmltteo on Coast Defenses, United
RtntM Senate. Washington, D. C, Nov. 2,
1003, Hon. George C Brownell. Attorney at
Ijiiv. Orfron iTltV. Or.
My Dear Friend Brownell: I am this
morning In receipt of your three letters, one
dated Oregon City, October 20, but mall
marked October 88; the next of data Oc
tober ST, and the other without date, but
nailed the same date, October 2, conse
quently lam unable to say which of the
latter iwu w whhoh
Now. my dear friend, I am perfectly
tounded and grieved beyond expression; not
t vou. I do not mean this, but at the man
who has threatened you and driven you to
do what you have done in the way of giving
letters. I am writing you now In absolute
confidence. What hs has done. If brought to
the attention of the department, would not
only prevent bis reappointment, but would
Kult in his removal most unceremoniously.
No prosecuting officer, whether he has a
rase or has not, against any man. has any
right to agree to withhold the prosecution,
the consideration being an Indorsement for
him for reappointment. As I say, I am
amazed beyoud expression that he would do
a thing of that kind and but ror your posi
tive statement to th contrary I should not
believe it. You are, however, I am sure.
absolutely wrong In regard to Fulton. Rver
sine hs came nere in frequent talks
have bad with him he has earnestly ad
hered to his Intention to support Campbell
for the place as he promlsea you ne wouia
do before leaving. I cannot believe that be
told Hall that Campbell was to do ap
pointed. Upon the contrary, my dear
friend, ana now i am gvuig m you
something; you told it yourself and I will
tell you when you did It. as I beard of it
shortly afterward from two different
sources. you rememoer, my oar menu,
when you took a little too much beer for
a few days some time before we left. While
under its influence you did some talking
that you would not have done but for the
beer. Two different men with whom you
talked of politics and various sundry things,
came to me and asked me if it was true
that Campbell was to be appointed. I ,told
them I bad heard nothing of the matter.
They then told me you had said that was to
be the outcome oi tne wnoie business, wmcn
denied most emphatically. I am sure you
are wrong in blaming Fulton, at least I
believe you are, because from the very
first, in all our talks from the time I re
turned to Oregon last Summer up to the
present time Fulton bas stood squarely and
solidly for you personally, or, in the event
you did not want it, then for whoever you
might wish to have the place, as tne mat
ter now stands I am at a loss to know,
from all your letters taken together, not
withstanding all that bas taken place. If it
Is still your wish If we cannot agree upon
you or Moreland, that we should unite in
agreeing upon Campbell, or whether you
really desire that we should ask the reap
pointment of Hall. I want to do In this
matter Just what la for your interest and
that which will protect you and help you in
every possible way. I thinkr you have been
treated shamefully In this matter by Hall,
and as at present advised, I tell you I do
not feel very much like asking his reap
pointment. Let me hear from you fully and
plainly upon receipt of this letter as to Just
precisely what you think should be done.
Sincerely regretting that you have De
come Involved In this trouble, and I am
sure you have not been guilty of anything
for which you should be Indicted, I am, sin-
erely your friend.
(Signed) JOHN H. MlTtilKbL.
P. S. As vet. as ner reauest contained In
your telegram. I have not shown any of
your letters to Fulton.-1
The next letter of popular interest re-
latin? to Brownell' a candidacy for the.
United States Attorneyship was the cele
brated letter from Mitchell and Fulton
to Brownell under date of January 18,
1904. This letter was written subsequent
to Hall's visit to the Oresron delegation at
"Washington in January. 19M. nd confirms
Brownell' s testimony that be ana nis-mw
partner, J. V. Campbell, of Oregon city,
were promised immunity from land-fraud
prosecution in consideration of Brownell's
retirement from the contest for restrict
Attorney and his indorsement of Hall for
reappointment. This letter was as fol
lows:
Mitchell and Fulton to Brownell.
Washington, Jan. IS, tft04.
r-T r Rrnwnflll. Attorney at Law.
-..,..' nitv or Mv rear Senator an 1
Friend- I have delayed answering your let
ter received some ten days ago in which you
state that you think the time has come for
you to make the race for Congress, and
you want to know whether Senator Fulton
and I can help you. '
There is no question, my
v.. .,,. oair in heir, vou in any way in
our power, but there are a good many things
to be consmerea, u CI"a -v
looking to your own interests, before we at
tempt at this long range to inaugurate a
campaign.- In other words, what I mean is
this- it does seem to me. as also to Senator
Fulton, after discussing the matter fully,
that if we commence writing letters in your
interest in regard to the Congressional nom
ination, we are liable to ao you mor uann
hm rwi w re liable to array every
other man that thinks he is entitled to go
to Congress against you, to start on; and It
certainly will array Hermann, who is here
t.A n.mi and who would be sure to
hear of it, against you. n
for us to conduct a campaign of that kind
from here by letter, without it becoming
known all over the state.
You know there axe quite a, uumuei m
th riirrnrent sections of the state who would
like to go to Congress oaten, m esaiem,
nerhnna one or two oiners. pruoauiy
Till Ford, Kelly In Albany, probably Harris
or Woodcock, or both in Eugene; Vawter
in Medford ; probably Carter or Asniana.
Eddy of Tillamook, Huston of HlUsboro and
TiAihnn othora.
Tne moment It is Known, iniu ruiwu
t neither of whom live in this district, are
taking an active, aggressive part as against
all of these ana in your ravor, is simpiy mj
array the whole crowd against both you and
., together with all their friends, and a
campaign will be at once commenced by
each one of them to pull you down.
Now, I will give you an taea or tne way
in which you ought to proceed in order to
win the orlse. Simply look out tor your
own county and see that you get a good
solid delegation from that county to the
district convention men that will stand by
by you first, last and all the time. Do not
try to interfere, make no special errort ex
cept as vou Can do so ouietly, without open
antagonism to any other probable candidate.
to secure the votes of delegations in coun
ties that will have a candidate. Keep on
friendly terms with all the candidates, and
In this shape go to the convention, and
then will be the time, or at least shortly
before then, to make combinations that
will win. You may then be able to do it by
compromises and arrangements with the
different candidates, or with enough, of
them to control the convention.
Now, friend Brownell, you may think.
Oh, this is a very Una way for Mitchell and
Fulton to get out of helping me," but J
submit to you, think over this whole busi
ness, and I am sure your good political
sense and shrewdness will lead you to the
conclusion that this is good advice.
We may be able, when the time comes,
to help you. and to help you materially. And
I am sure it -will be impossible to have any
understanding between you and Hermann at
this time, so as to stand by each other, and
whoever has the longest pole twea the per
simmon. It is entirely too early to expect to
be able to make any such arrangement with
Hermann.
I did write one letter in your interest to
Mr. Goode, and also one to Senator Booth,
as I knew they could be trusted to treat the
matter as strictly confidential, but I have
not written to any others, and I tell you
frankly it is not good policy to do so, for
the reason that I believe tho result would
injure your cause', and this is the opinion
of Senator Fulton, and I can assure you
we are both anxious to discharge in some
proper way the great obligation w are both
unuer to you.
I have received your several" disnatrhes
since Hall left Portland, and since he ar
rived here, and both Senator Fulton and
myself have done everything In our power
iw proreci you ana aiso campbeu, who is
also under the ban of Greene and others, as
we learn to our great surprise and regret,
and without going into particulars' I think
we have been able to so arrange matters as
io protect you DOtn.
Of course, friend Brownell. this Inflow
io you m tne strictest confidence. The best
way for the present Is to drop all talk as it
stands for the present. Both, Fulton and I
nave, -in oraer to fully protect your Interests,
gone very much further in a certain riirn-
tion than we ever supposed we would. 1
Just what I mean. Hall leaves this evening
. uviio wuuiu ne ror you to
say nothing to him whatever, unless fas says
something to you. Just let the matter rest,
and drift for the present. This is all-im.
porta nt.
r-orsonaiiy I would very much like to see
you come to Congress, but, as I said before,
E am sure your interests would not be ad
vanced In that direction by anvthlng I can
do In the way of writing-letters at this par
ticular time. It Is better fw both t..i
and I not to do anything to drive from us
men thst we are under obligations to and
their friends, other than yourself, so that
when the proper time comes we may be
able to exercise an Influence in some way
for your benefit.
Think over this matter carefully, and
then let me know what von tninir e i
Hoping that this may find you and family iii
good health, believ me, faithfully and sin
cerely, your friend.
(Signed) JOHN" H. MITCHELL.
P. I return Hofers letter.
I nave read the above and fully concur
In it.
(Signed) C. W. FULTON.
Relief Committee Meets.
At a meeting last night of the com
mittee of the patrolmen of the police) who
have been appointed to look after the in
terests of Mrs. J. W. Gittings, the widow
of the policeman who was shot and killed
a few weeks ago by Melville G. Bradley,
the following resolution was passed:
"Anyone desiring to donate clothing or
other articles of any kind for making the
home of Mrs. Gittings and children com
fortable may send them to is North
Fifteenth street, while the Gittings home
is being repaired. They -will be taken in
charge by one of the committee. Articles
of all kinds are badly needed. The pa
trolmen's wives have formed a committee
and will arrange things at the home when
it is completed."
Attend Rosenthal's great clearance
sale for fins shoe bargains.
FORCED OUT OF
E BY HALL
(Contlnued from First Page.)
Oregon about this time, Brownell said
that the Senator was in the Mate late in
1902 and continued as follows:
Says Hall Threatened Him.
'After .MitMiull .) tt,.i a
-. wiu j' uuuu if luruea l li
W&Dhinetnn In I i.VJ 1 1 : t- - . . i . .
... J 1 " ' luiiv.nif, r uuviiv
election. I had another talk with Hall
vuiooer, iai6, in relation to the of-
u rjneu otaies Attorney. Hall want-
.w .iiitj a lener to tne members
the fi f I PPH finil lnnwfnn 1. I .
' imviauis Him j vj i re
appointment. I wrote such a letter, with
drawing a.1 a cnnriiriatA onH 3
ing that Hall be retained.
nail never stood me right up and
reatened m muiRnBii ;i.
tion, but he did tell me that Greene
eurejy nave me indicted and the
best thing for me to do was to 'stand in"
and I would be protected. He told me
that Senator Mitchell and State Senator
Mays needed him (Hall) in office worse
than T J I ,J mii
j. uiu, j 11 in ihi rpr vraa enn i A rhA.
the llAlptrarlAn - ' J j , .
- o w itna auuressea IO
-T All ton nprsnnallv hnf r
. - - ""UIU J1UX DO
certain, for T wrnt o
- - B'k many lenera
about that time. In fact.' I used to he a
great letter writer, added the witness
amid laughter.
Writes Mitchell and Fulton. "
'At flllAthfkF !n-.A TT' 1 1 ... . .
- ijou nam tnai ne un
derstood T urn. f--..f..
that Campbell, my former law partner,
could get the appointment. Following this
Hall rZ T V r e anA iry.
Oeorep mronenn 17.. 11 . .
" tiune W mv omce
wh le Sorensen either stood downstairs or
1. :. f na OInce- which was then
ocated at Oregon City. This was the
latter Dart nt n. i . .
- ...i , or early in
January, 1904. and Hall told me he was
""'' vvasnington. He said that he
wanted a showdown on the District At
torneyship. If I remember correctly I
wrote a letter both to Mitchell and Fulton
and also to the delegation, in which I said
it would he hottoi. . j
' 1,1 iu u j op out
ot the race; that Mitchell was getting
MUnera politically and that it
.w na.il to remain In
IhA nffloa fn- 1. . .
- -ic ELraisiance ne could
render Mitchell. J asked the members of
i..c uc.csauun to support Mr. Hall "
Brownell tnln t.., ,
f, " " a. teiegram
?on?a 1 irm Washington on January
, wuen asicea what the tele
gram contained. Judge Webster objected
for the reAflnn t v, . i . . - .
been offered. The objection woo t
talned and Brownell followed by explain
ing that ho Vonf tKa
. . - . , 1 " iciceiam tor some
time and then delivered It to Senator Ful-
m.i o.uiis wun some letters Fulton oskert
lli bVetur"e to him. After a further
obieetinn of tv, stafM .
- ""'wo iu testimony or
witness as to how he happened to deliver
T j i? r uiton nad been over-
"" crowneu testified as followss
Gives Fulton Letters.
"There was
. '" ui investiga
tion cromer on sr that .
, . - nine aim x una a
number of lAt-tAr . .
. . " v purely political
character that had been written me by
T , tt11" 1 met uon at the Im
perial HntPl RTirl crotra - .
- iniii t iiumuer 01
letters, am one whiVh il
telegram from Hall. That telegram wn
... iauvtj as ioiiows-: 'Wire Fulton
for my appointment John H. Hall My
recollection is that t .nmniiai -.ti. '
request. I also probably talked with Hall
mo 1 eiurn irom Washington but I
-.ww a. tuiciuucr Ul IL.
Henev thpn nffwaA . . ...
- lauiuus -wiiLcneu-
. t? Brownell, dated January
"r"- "'"en urownen was assured
that both Senators would do all in their
power to nroteot Pirt.maii j , ..
from threatened Indictment and proseeu-
instigation of Inspector
u,,3aJUC connection the tele
gram from Suoi. .. ..
- . ---- ' "i'u' .iiu:urii to crowneil
acknowledging receipt of Brownes tele-
""ii 01 .nan was also offered
lucimneti oy .Brownell.
Asked to Sign Affidavits.
ri'LraSiAn no way a ca"daate fo
District Attorney after Januarv 19aj.
answered Brownell. "After Hall Vent
vi umce ana subsequent to th
time thf (nillrfm.nt n. .
ii.iLin wtu returne.
against m n t h. a...
Hall at his office In the Chamber of
Dunaing when he showed
me a proposed affidavit ho .iv. j
!2 BlsnJ H.a11 Baid he wanted to use
w.o .niusvii with the President to
cn.no ,o reappointment. I took th
proposed affidavit home with me an
promised Hall I wn.tu i .
correctly stated the facts, but it did
not and I never signed It."
The text of this proposed affidavit
101 In wh-
District of Oregon)
I. George C. Brownell. bein flrnt duly
sworn, deno.. and my that I am a resi
dent of Oregon City, within the State of
Oregon, that I am an attornov t i, ...j
a member of toe Oregon State Senate:' that.
I am acaualnted with John n xi.n ...
merly United States Dl.trtct Attorney, and
have known , him since my residence in
t.i ihat from Januanr until about
JJly, IU0J, I was an -aDnllrnn
Bee of United States District Attorney to
succeed Mr. Hall, although I was not very
nOtlv. In n.aa.lnn - 1 .
- f.ofiiiiB wy t J (LI 111.
About the month of July of said year I
changed my mind and purpose, and then
canaiaaie tor congress to sue
ceed Honorable Thomas W Tnnna
ceased, and entirely gave ud the Idea of
securing the position o United States At
torney. I further say that at no time either dur-
iiib uaniiiuacy tor saia omce. or after-
wards, has Mr. Hall ever, dlnwtw i
directly, intimated or said to me that he
Intended to prosecute ma for any crime, or
stated to me that he had any evidence
against me. and I am now satisfied that
he never at any time had any evidence
which would implicate me in any offense
against the United States, for the reason
that I have never committed any; and the
only conversation I had with Mr. Hall
upon the subject of my withdrawal as a
candidate for United States Attorney was
that I Informed him of the fact of my
withdrawal, and of my Intention to become
a candidate for Congress, and said to him
that I would support him for reappoint
ment, and that I would like his support
for my nomination for Congress. I never
felt the need of any protection from prose
cution, and I have committed no act whlnh
cannot be fully explained to the satisfaction
of reasonable men.
I have written letters to both Senators
ulton and Mitchell in support of Mr,
Hall for reappointment. I have also writ
ten letters in support of J. U. Campbell, of
Oregon City, whom I sought to have an-
J pointed after I had withdrawn from the
contest; out tnere nas at no time been any
hint or Intimation from Mr. Hall that he
would not prosecute me for any crime that
I might nave committed, or might commit,
in consideration of my withdrawal.
That the foregoing affidavit Is true, as
I verily believe, so help me God.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this
aay of 1905.
Notary Publlo for Oregon.
Knew H Was XJp Against It.
"I knew I was up against it," con'
tlnued Brownell, "regardless of what
Hall would do. If Greene reported the
matter for investigation I was knocked
out any way. It was this knowledge
that governed my action in withdraw
ing from the contest. Hall had stated
specifically that Greene was trying to
nave me mulcted and told me that he
(Hall) would protect me from Greene.
The day Hall showed me the field notes
in his office, he cautioned me partic
ularly against going to Heney an
telling him anything about the affair.
He said that if Heney found out about
it. It would be all off- with me. This
happened after Putcr was convicted
and before Hall was removed from
fflce and while the grand Jury was In
session.
Henev then asked witness if Mall
said- anything to him about Represen
tative Fisher's vote at the 1903 session
when Fulton was a candidate tor Sen-
tor. Defense objecting to this ques
tion. Heney said his nurpose was to
show that Hall was actively interest
ing himself in Fulton's election.
Judge Webster then withdrew his ob
jection, announcing that he was
ing to admit that Hall was Interested
to a limited extent" In securing tne
lection of Fulton. At this time
Brownell called attention to the fact
that ha had iust left 'a sickroom and
requested that the examination be ex
pedited as much as possioie. eney
nromntlv excused the witness and
Judge Webster proposed to defer the
cross-examination until Brownell waa
feelins- stronsrer. but the ex-Senator
said he was able to continue on the
stand provided the examination was
hastened. . '
Is it true that you were a candidate
for Congress, that you really wanted
to be Congressman? was the nrst
Question from Judge Webster, who
conducted the cross-examination.
Wanted to Go to Congress.
Of course. I did." was the reply, "1
would like ' to be President of the
United States. Any man generally
wishes to embrace every opportunity
politically and otherwise that is pre
sented to him. That is human nature.
Of course, I wanted to go to Congress."
I would Judge from your answer
that "you are g. candidate for any -good
thing that comes along," commented
the attorney or the defense.
Well, to be honest about It Judge,
I have been associated Intimately for
the last J3 or 15 years with Multno-
ah County politics and it has been
my experience that a man does -not
always get what he wants.'
I cannot say as -ror myseii tnat i
have been so closely connected with
politics in this county as has been
vour exDerlence. was the dry retort
of Judge Webster and In response to
a question as to when he became a
candidate for Congressman, Brownell
answered:
I have always been a candidate.
After Fulton was elected and the Leg
islature had adloumed in the Winter
of 1903, I returned to Clackamas Coun
ty and got a Congressional delegation
pledged to myself and went to Eugene
in the following April to tne con
gressional convention and became a
candidate for Congressman. It has
been my experience that in politics
if a man gets anything at all he wants
to have as many strings out as pos
sible at the same time and he might
be able to land something. I was not
a real serious candidate in the sense
that I expected to get the nomination.
but I wanted the honor of being the
choice of the delegation from my own
county. If Hermann could not make
It I thought possibly lightning might
strike me. My name, however, did not
go before the convention and if it was
considered at all It was at a secret
caucus.
All He Got Was Promises.
I would have taken the appoint
ment of United States Attorney but
I never believed that it was intended
to give me the place. I have helped
to elect a number ot united , states
Senators and all I ever got was prom
ises. I was in that position I worn;
have taken the United States Attor
neyship or Congressman If either had
come my way and in that sense only
was I a candidate.
'Hall was too diplomatic a man to
tell ma that he would indict me. Bui
he did tell me that Greene was after
me and was insisting that the grand
jury make an investigation and that
is all there was to It. Hall did not
threaten me directly with an Indict
ment but said he would protect me
from Greene."
Judge Webster labored vainly for more
than an hour to impeach -the testimony
of the witness by gaining . admissions
from him that none of the statements in
the proposed affidavit submitted to him
by Hall was Incorrect in any particular.
Witness was asked if the statement in
the affidavit to the effect that Hall never
had any evidence of a commission of a
crime by Brownell was true, and replied
that he was not conscious ever of having
violated any United States land law.
Indicted on Perjured Testimony.
"I have known of men being indicted
on perjured testimony and It was on such
testimony that my Indictment was se
cured," continued the witness. "Of
course, I did not know what evidence
Hall had against me. for I had certified
to innumerable field notes and applica
tions for survey and I might have at
tested some of these . records when the
person was not present. In fact, I con
ducted a sort of political employment
agency in Clackamas County and tried
to get a Job for every man who wanted
one. But I am satisfied now that the
Government never possessed any tesi-
mony on which justly to indict me.
"Yes, I expected the support of Hall
In my candidacy for Congress, but
have many times expected more than
that and never got it. So far as protec
tion is concerned, I never have asked
for protection from any jury; the only
protection I have ever wanted was from
any indictment that might be trumped
up and which would ruin me as a pub
lic man.
"Hall Promised Protection."
'Hall had promised me protection from
Greene. His insinuations were full of
that Inference. I was Indicted February
8. 1905, on a charge of subornation of
perjury, but I am absolutely innocent
of the charge and would not ask, neither
would I accept immunity from the Gov
ernment. All I ask Is for a fair, square
deal and a square trial.
Judge Webster inquired how it was
that the Government came Into the pos
session of the proposed Hall affidavit
together with other papers in Brownell s
possession. To this the witness replied
"In August, 190o, I had a conversa
tion with W. J. Burns, of the Govern
merit Secret Service, who informed me
that the Government officials suspected
that I was connected with the Oregon
land-frauds. He asked me for all of the
correspondence I had on the subject, in
cluding the letters I had received from
members of the Oregon delegation. I at
once conferred with Senator Mitchell,
whom I told I could only convince Burns
of my innocence from all suspicions by
surrendering this correspondence. Sena.
tor Mitchell advised me to turn over to
Burns all such correspondence and since
then I have given the Government all
of the assistance I could In that direc
tion. For this I do not expect any con
sideration from the Government, which
has no case against me. Why, a Jury
of Chinamen would acquit me on the
spot and they don't know anything about
land frauds, either.
"In a conversation with S. B. Huston
shortly before the June election in 1906,
when you were a candidate for State
Senator, did you not tell him that the
Government had agreed to dismiss the
indictment against you and that its fail.
ure to do so would injure your chances-
of re-election?" inquired Judge Webster.
No Promise From Heney.
"I had such a conversation with Mr.
Huston," replied Brownell. "but it was of
the same character that I had held with
probably 50 other prominent men of the
state. I did tell Huston that Burns bad
told me that if I were guilty of any
crime at all, it was a technical one and
he told me he had advised the depart
ment to dismiss the case and he assured
me that eventually It probably, would be
dismissed. I have no agreement with
Heney nor a specific understanding with
Bums. -
"At the session of 1003. Fulton and his
friends thought I was entitled to some
thing and decided to give me the 1Mb-
trlet Attorneyship. I was given to under
stand that Hall was willing that I should
have the office. Fulton had told me that
the position was to be used to assist In
securing his election to the United States
Senate. But after Steiwer voted for Ful
ton I don't believe Hall ever expected
that I would be appointed his successor.
"Yes, I probably wrote a letter to
Mitchell In 1902, indorsing Hall but I
was writing letters for nearly everybody
wlll-Jneni even tried one time to get some-
thing for Mrs. Woodcock."
Letter to Mitchell Introduced.
Brownell's letter to Mitchell. April t,
1902, was introduced by the defense. In
that letter Brownoll said he had con
cluded that after looking over the situa
tion in Multnomah County ha had de
cided that It would be better for Hall to
be retained in his posttion as It would
be more satisfactory to Mitchell and to
the party than to have a new man named.
Brownell further testified that the first
intimation he had that the Government
had him under suspicion was late in the
Fall of 1902. before he was elected Presi
dent of the Senate, when he was so ad
vised In a conversation with Jonathan
Bourne. Jr.. Mr. Gates, of Washington
County, and W. P. Keady. The scheme
at that time, testified Brownell, was to
get him to recommend Mr. Gates as
successor to Henry Meldrum, united
States Surveyor-General for Oregon. At
that time Bourne told Brownell that
Greene had told Gates that Brownell
had at one time improperly used his
notarial seal in - acknowledging some
survey applications.
Brownell was unable to give tne exact
dates of his numerous conversations with
Hall and after exhaustively questioning
Brownell on that subject. Judge Webster
excused the witness. '
On re-direct examination, Brownell
Identified a letter he had written Senator'
Mitchell at Washington, in which he de
tailed his relatidns with Hall, at the
same time involving Fulton. The defense
successfully resisted the introduction of
this letter which Judge Hunt held mlgnt
properly be offered in rebuttal but not for
the purpose of bols'.rrir-T up the testi
mony of the witness since the letter
passed between parties neither ot wnom
was a party to the case on trial.
Steiwer Examination Ended.
Heney concluded the examination of
W. W. Steiwer, president of the Butte
Creejc Company, shortly before the
noon recess yesteraay. ne cross-examination
of the witness had Just be
gun when court adjourned until 3
o'clock when Steiwer stepped aside for
George C!. Brownell, of Oregon City.
Brownell was on the stand all or the
afternoon and Judge Webster will re
sume the cross-examination of Steiwer
when court convenes this morning.
Judge Hunt ruled favorably for the
Government on' the contention of Heney
that Steiwer had the right to testify
as to his "understanding" of the con
versation he had had with Hall. The
witness testified that he inferred from
what Hall had told him that Hall would
not prosecute the Butte Creek Com
pany for maintaining unlawful" fences
unless the complaint against tne tences
was prepared and submitted to him in
proper shape. As a result oi his in
terview with Hall, Steiwer said his
company did not proceed to take down
the fences complained a for some
time afterwards. Witness testified
that a letter he had received from
Hall shortly before. Hall began a civil
suit against the Butte Creek Company
had been delivered by him to Senator
Fulton at the latter's request and that
Fulton had either destroyed or kept
the communication.
In the first few questions on cross-
examination, Steiwer admitted that he
did not think Hall in any way con
trolled his vote for Senator, but he
did not thoroughly understand what
Hall meant by referring continually t
the fencing question every time Hall
had a conversation with the witness.
R. J. Hendricks, of Salem, editor of
the Salem Statesman and brother of
H. H. Hendricks, who recently pleaded
guilty to the conspiracy indictment,
was the last witness of the day. He
told of several talks he had with Hall
between August. 1906. when h
brother was convicted of subornation
of perjury and the date of the pendini?
trial. In these interviews, the wit
ness- said Hall seemed desirous that
H. H. Hendricks should make a joint
defense -of the charge along with the
other Indictments. Hendricks said that
Hall seemed to fear that his brother
might be Influenced to testify against
Hall.
TRADES COUNCIL ELECTION
H. G. Parson" Is Chosen President
and A C Raven Secretary
At a meeting of the Federated Trades
Council last night in Drew Hall, the fol
lowing officers were elected to serve dur
ing the ensuing year: President, H. G.
Parsons, Cigarmakers' Union; vice-
president, E. Kander, Cooks and Wait
ers' Union; Secretary. A. C. Raven, Typo
graphical Union; treasurer, P. P. Fisher,
rormfln'n TTnlon? statistical auwret&rv.
Miss L. White; conductor, J. White, En
gineers' Union; guard, V. C. Wells. Bar
tenders union; trustees, lid. Tnayer,
Bricklayers' Union; B. F. Reed, Railway
Freighthandlers Union; S. E. Hailey,
Longshoremen's Union. No. 264; board of
control of Labor Press, H. L. Burdette,
Carmen's Union; Rynerson, Typographi
cal Union; W. McKenzie, Engineers'
Union; delegate to the Ministerial Asso
ciation, W. H. Fitzgerald, Cigarmakers1
Union.
. A committee was appointed to Investi
gate the matter of the employment of
men In the parks and on the streets by
the City Board of Charities, which is
providing them with meals and lodging.
This investigation is for the purpose of
ascertaining if the city is in any way
connected with such work. It was the
sense of the meeting that the work - in
the parks should be given to permanent
residents of the city only.
The Trades Council will in the near
future hold its meetings in the new
Bartenders' Hall, at 205 First street.
UNIQUE CRADLE FOR TWINS
Woman Traveler Packs Iittle Ones
in Hand Telescope.
PENDLETON, Or., Jan. 24. (Spe
cial.) With a telescope in her hand
from which protruded the heads of her
twin sons, Mrs. Elmer Johnson, of
Reno, Nev., arrived in Pendleton yes
terday. The babies are six weeks old
and the large telescope served as their
cradle and go-cart all the way from
Nevada.
The woman, with her unique manner
of carrying her children, excited no
end of comment along; the line as well
as upon her arrival here. A number
of photographs of the- outfit have been
taken.
By placing the little fellows in the
telescope, in the top of which two
holes had been cut. the mother was
able to carry them easily, from train
to train and there was no danger of
their rolling off the seat or causing
her unnecessary annoyance in other
wavs.
Mrs. Johnson came West to join her
mother, who Is the cook at Brown Hall
the boys' dormitory of the Pendleton
Academy.
Scandinavian Discussion Club.
The Scandinavian Discussion Club will
hold its usual meeting tomorrow night
at S o'clock at the Drew building. Third
and Morrison streets. The club was or
ganized three months ago and its mem
bership has been rapidly increasing.
pRwnmiiTrn nuv !
UKUUIUHILd iLnl
A I
All Except Taft Are Passive or
Working the Wires in
Silence.
SCHEMING AGAINST OHIOAN
Hughes Occupied by State Duties and
Cannon Not Exerting Himself.
Bourne May Be Pledged
to i Knox.
ORBGCWIAN NEWS BUREAU, Wash
ington. Jan. 24 Secretary Taft Is the
only one of the Republican candidates
for the Presidential nomination who is
carrying on an open and aggressive light.
Fairbanks has abandoned all nope or oe-
lng nominated; Cannon has placed him
self "in the hands of his friends";
Hughes is devoting his attention strictly
to Gubernatorial affairs In the State of
New York, and Senator Knox, though
busy in a quiet way, 1b making no public
move. The Foraker boom Is only put
forward to antagonize Taft, and la ef
fective only in Ohio.
While his competitors are conspiring
together to encompass his defeat, and
are hatching all manner of schemes to
prevent the nomination of the Ohio man.
Taft Is going ahead with his campaign;
making such speeches as his time will
permit, and covering all the ground pos
sible. He has the support of the Presi
dent, who no longer makes a Becret of
his preference, though In no instance
does he use his official influence to co
erce men into joining the Taft forces.
Not Trying to Dictate.
The old Idea that the Prestdent Is try
ing to dictate to the convention has been
dispelled, and Republicans are awaken
ing to the fact that the President merely
expresses his preference because he be
lieves Taft the best candidate In the field,
the candidate most likely to be elected
If nominated, and the safest President if
elected.
Speaker Cannon, all reports to the con
trary, is not exerting himself In the
slightest to secure the nomination. He
would appreciate the honor if it came to
him, but he realizes' his handicaps his
age. and his well-known 'stand-pat
views on the tariff question, and knows
that his only chance lies in a. possible
combine which would make it impossi
ble to name any of the leading candi
dates. - Should there be a deadlock, Can
non might come in as a dark horse, but
as an out-and-out candidate he is not in
the running. He knows this, and is so
liciting no pledges, even from his friends.
On the contrary, he wants delegates sent
Jo the convention without instructions.
Bonrne May Support Knox.
Senator Knox is in close conference
with his political manager. Senator Crane
of Massachusetts, and, as might be ex
pected, when Crane is at the helm, the
Knox campaign is noiseless and largely
subterranean. Senator Bourne, of Ore
gon, is aiso in frequent conference with
both Knox and Crane,, and he, too, be-
lieves in silence. In fact, be has never
proclaimed himself a Knox man, though
according to very close friends of the
Pennsylvania Senator, Mr. Bourne has
promised to deliver to Knox at least a
part of the Oregon delegation. Because
the Knox movement Is under cover, it is
not possible to make an accurate esti
mate of Its strength, but so far as sur
face indications go, Mr. Knox is a long
way from the nomination, and making
very slow .progress. He may appeal to
financial men and the corporations, but
he is not the type to appeal to the rank
and file of the party.
Fight in Pennsylvania.
Speaking of Knox, it is expected that
there will be a lively row in Pennsylva
nia before long which will determine who
is to lead the Republican party in the
Keystone State. Senator Penrose is now
in the saddle, having jumped in when
Matt Quay died. Penrose is not an ad
vocate'of that clean politics which is in
dorsed by better politicians; he Is for
machine politics of the dirtiest type, and
Penrose himself would stop at nothing
to gain a political point. The state Is
getting tired of being held up to the
gaze of the Nation because its politics
is conducted on a thoroughly rotten sys
tem, and the better element favors the
retirement of Penrose and the substi
tution of Knox.
The result depends largely upon the
extent to which Senator Knox will par
ticipate in the fight. If he opens war
on Penrose he Is likely to win, but if he
remains passive, the state will continue
to wear the brand of corruption. Knox
is In a peculiar position. Being a ' can
didate for President, he naturally does
not want to lessen his chances of nomi
nation, and the problem 0n which he is
now figuring is whether he would gain
or lose by making a fight on the senior
Senator.
NEW DISTRICT FOR ALASKA
Proposed Law for Change in light
house Service.
OREGONIAN NE-WS BUREAU, Wash
ington, Jan. 24. The Senate has passed a
bill making Alaslta a separate lighthouse
district. As. the bill is framed to make
Alaska one district, Hawaii another and
Porto Rico a third. Alaska is now a part
of the Thirteenth District, which Includes
Oregon and Washington. It has been
found that the lighthouses of Alaska
can be better controlled from headquar
ters located-somewhere along the Alaska
coast, and the Department is very anx
ious that the territory shall be detached
from the Thirteenth District for that
reason. Considerable time is lost In
traveling between Portland and Alaska
each year.
If the bill becomes a law, the Govern
ment will select a site and establish
headquarters in Alaska, and it is prob
able Congress will be asked to make an
appropriation for the construction of a
new lighthouse-tender for the new
Alaska District. The same reasons that
Induced the Department to recommend
making Alaska a separate district are
behind .their recommendations regarding
Hawaii and Porto Rico. Both are remote
and could be better, administered from
local headquarters"
Seek Divorce in Oregon City.
OREGON CITY, Or., Jan. 24. (Sne
clal.) Lula Alta "Van Alstyne today
filed a divorce suit against Marion
Gard Van Alstyne, to whom she was
married in Portland. September 20,
1904. She charges him with deserting
her December ,1, 1906. Van Alstyne Is
a chaffeur in Portland.
Inez N. Clay has filed a suit for di
vorce from Kenneth M. Clay, charging
him with desertion. They were mar
ried in Portland. January 17, 1907, and
Mrs. Clay desires to resume her maiden
name of Olsen.
Leda Bromberger, who was marrlei!
T
i "".Vp-il
I
9
CLOSED.
Have You Seen Our Beau
tiful Window Display of J
VICTOR
VICTR0LAS
THE VICTOR WITH
CONCEALED HORN
So many people who dislike the
prunnnence ot the horn demand
the character of drawlng-roon
entertainment which only the
Victor can supply, that this In
strument has been . designed-i-wlth
the horn, all moving parti,
albums for 150 records, and
special drawer for accessories
concealed In a handsome ma
hogany cabinet.
The Victor Victrola not only
overcomes the objection to the
horn, but It combines the pure,
musical tone and the Victor's '
extensive and exclusive musical
repertoire In an instrument of
artistic and Imposing appear
ance. The Victor Victrola is appro
priate to the most elegant sur
roundings. We want you to hear
it for In no other way can you
realize the wealth of music it
produces.
The largest display of ma
chines ever made in the city may
now be seen in our corner win
dow. Sherman. Clay & Co.
Sixth and Morrison Streets.
Oppontte Post office.
Pacific Coast Jobbers Steinway
Pianos and Victor Talk.
ing Machines.
to Max Bromberger at Hillsboro, Or.,
January 14, 1907, has Instituted an ac
tion for divorce, stating1 her husband
deserted her in Portland six days after
their marriage.
Salem, Or. The board of trustees of ths
state Insane asylum today adopted a reso
lution expressing: appreciation of the work
of Dr. J. F. Calbreath, who recently retired
from the superio tendency at the close of
bi BfPOnd 1TTTI. '
PURITY.,
THE SERIAL NUMBER
12,279
. tJHDBS THS STATIONAt, PURS
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HUNTE
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(Established 1879.)
Core WblU You Slp."
Whooping-cough, Croup,
Bronchitis, Coughs,
Diphtheria, Catarrh.
Confidence can be placed in a rem
edy, which for a guarter of a century
has earned unquaunea praise, j&estiui
nights are assured at once.
Cresoleae is a Boon to Asthmatics
Ait Druggists
.Send testa for dt
scrtftivt bctklet.
Oresolene Antiseptic
Throat Tablets for the
irritated throat, or
your druggist or from
as. 10c. in stamps.
Th Vapo-Cresofena fa,
ISO FsMoe St., N. V.
FOR WOMEN ONLY
Dr. Sanderson's C o m p ound
Savin and Cotton Root Pills.
Tho best and only reliable
remedy for DELAYED PER
IODS. Cure the most obstin
ate mwi In 2 to 10 days. Price S3
per box, or three boxes 5. Sold by
druggists everywhere. Address T. J.
PIERCE. 181 First St., Portland, Or.