Baker, Richard | Day 14

Initially claimed mistaken identity and asked for expenses. But under subsequent interrogation he gave a different story and expenses refused. His brother was Frederick Baker who accepted money from Mr Hughes (C) on his behalf because he was away in France. When he found out he refused to have it (he was a Liberal) and Frederick gave the money to Richard’s wife unbeknown to him hoping to influence him to vote Conservative.

Witness Type: Freeman

Party: Liberal

Witness Testimony:

  • 17043.

    But you did not ask her to give you ? — I did not say to her place it in my hand to return it .

  • 17044.

    You knew perfectly well she would not return it ? — I did not.

  • 17045.

    I cannot help thinking you have not been very candid with us ? — I have been very candid.

  • 17046.

    In the first place, until the question arose about your expenses, you kept it back altogether. You kept it back altogether in the first instance. Then you knew perfectly well Mr. Hughes had stated that he had sent mis money to you, and you knew that your wife had had it. You kept all that back ? — I did not know that you wanted to hear anything about it. Of course I spoke about it before I was offered the money.

  • 17047.

    (Mr. Jeune.) When you gave evidence just now to us you knew perfectly well that your wife still had that money ? — When I gave my evidence I did, but I was not asked the question.

  • 17048.

    You were asked whether you received anything and you said no ? — I have not received anything.

  • 17049.

    You knew when you said that that your wife had ? — Yes.

  • 17050.

    You knew all the time that this money we were asking you about was the money which had been sent to you by your brother, and which you knew your wife had got and kept, and it was not until you were told inquiry would be made before your expenses would be paid that you disclosed the truth about this money having been kept by your wife. It is a most unsatisfactory statement ? — I have spoken about it before I received the money as I thought there was nothing wrong. The question was not asked me at all. I thought I ought to speak about it before I picked up the money.

  • 17051.

    Although the question was not asked, you knew perfectly well that your wife had kept, with your knowledge, the very money you were being asked about, and not a word about this was said by you until you were told that further inquiry would be made with respect to it, and then for the first time you make this statement about your wife having had the money and kept it. I think the way you have given your evidence is extremely unsatisfactory ? — It was quite an oversight of mine. I spoke about it before receiving the money in case there might be a flaw.

  • 17052.

    It is a sort of oversight nobody ought to make. When you came here and were asked about this money received from Mr. Hughes you knew all the time that the money we were asking about had been received by your wife and kept under the circumstances you have stated ? — Then I suppose I am to be considered as accepting the bribe. (Mr. Holl.) We will consider about what ought to be done with regard to both you and your certificate.

  • 17053.

    (Mr. Jeune.) You must recollect this, nobody gets a certificate unless they answer the questions truly ? — I believe I have answered every word truly. (Mr. Jeune.) I have a very different opinion about that. You can go away now, and you will be very fortunate indeed if you do get your certificate ; probably you will not. (Mr. Holl.) And you certainly will not get your expenses.