Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-04-02
SAYS loUO WAS PES1EREO
REPRESENTATIVES FORMER
SECRETARY QUESTIONED.
Complains Of W. D. Gordon's Efforts
in Behalf Of Submarine Boat
Legislation by Congress.

Silas J.. Berger. former president Of
the Berger Subsurface Torpedo Boat
Company. and now consulting engineer
of that company. testified today before
the House special submarine boat in
vsstigating committee. He said he had
been informed that the pending naval
appropriation bill contained an appro-
priaton of &445.0OO for srbsurface
boats. which had been prepared By Rep
resentative Hobson. the only member
OF the committee with whom he was ac-
uuainted. and added that Representa-
tive Littlefield had also introduced a
bill in the companys behalf
MIR. Berger said he did not cOnsdtr
the attempt of his company To secure d
portion Of the appropriation of 1906 or
1907 corrupt or improper.
Says Gordon Pestered Loud
Frank l.. Edenboro Of Bay City. Mich,
former private secretary TO Representa-
tive Loud and now a candidate for Con-
sress TO succeed Mr.. Loud. was question
ed as to the candidacy for Congress of W.
d. Gordon, an attorney for the Electric
Boat Company. also in Mr.. LIQUIDS district
He could not say from his own knowledge
that Mr.. Gordons candidacy had been
",
bun ne had his suspicious.
MI Howard read an extract from De-
troit paper published in 1906. in which
Mr.. Edenboro was quoted as saying:
When Loud says he does not know that
Gordon was lobbying for the Holland
concern he puts himself in peculiar
light in view Of his own statements as
to Gordon.
Mr.. Edinboro said the interview was
correct.
Was Mr.. Gordon pressing Mr.. Loud in
the interest of the Holland Boat Com
pany?" asked Mr.. Holland.
Il refuse to answer that question be-
cause ! private secretary to Mr.
Lond. replied Mr.. t.dinbolo.
Mr.. Loud. at this puini. arose and
stated thai lie released MIR. Edinboro
from any obligations.
Loud Very Angry.
Mr.. Edinboro thereupon said that in the
early part OF 1919 lit appears that w ID.
Gordon of Midland. Mich. was in the
employ of the submarine boa! company
as lobbyist. and from what Mr. Loud
told me in my room a; the Dewey Hotel
he led me Ia believe that he was greatly
amazed and anaered at the way Mr.. Cor
don was pressing on him in reference to
this matter. Nr. Gordon came to WASH
iDRton and apparently was DESTROYS of
having Mr.. l.oud's assistance. remem-
Der very well that Mr.. Loud complained
bitterly OF the treatment that was ac-
corded him by Mr.. Gordon and was very
indignant.
Did Mr. Loud ever tell you thai Cor
don was i'm Washington lobbying for the
Electric or Holland Boat Company?
II don't know that he used the word
lobbying. but he gave me TO understand
that was what he was here for.
I'm the latter part OF 1906 when the
naval affairs committee OF the House had
completed its labors. ne said. Mr.. Loud
was pleased at the outcome and DESTROYS
that Gordon should know the part he
played In bringing ii about.
Was the impression created on Your
mind by Mr.. Loud that the information
he desired conveyed to MI Gordon was
Of an improper actc"
Il would not say SO. TIE only thing |
can remember that appeared improper
was the impression left upon me by Mr.
LIQUIDS statement to me that M. Gordon
wss imposing upon him. and | did not
think il VAS right for Gordon to make
these attempts.
MIR Olms,ed then questioned Mr. Edin-
boro AS TO when he had decided TO de-
cline 10 answer questions on the grounds
Objects to Being Roasted"
Il am not here TO get roasted" replied
Mr.. Edinboro.
You are here To answer questions sir, "
retorted Mr.. Olmsted.
Nh Edinbor6 said he had not given out
mis- interview in the Detroi, paper until
after Mi Loud had given GU, an inter
view containing sighting remarks about
his candidacy for Congress.