The morning journal-courier., 1908-03-13
LAKE co. IS INVOLVED
Connecticut Congressman Lays
Pacific, Japanese War.Scare
to Boat Company's Meth
ods of Stirring Up
Boards of Trade.

washington, March l2.-The Lilley
submarine boat inquiry was begun in
earnest to-day by a special house
committee, which worked at it the
greater part of the day Represen-
tative Lilley was heard at length. He
began his testimony by reading long
typewriter statement part of which
was an affidavit, in which he outlined
his charges in detail. When he had
completed his statement he was ques-
toned by Representative Olmsted, Of
the committee, who was designated
by Chairman Boutell to perform the
service
During the afternoon Representa-
tive Richmond Pearson Hobson testi-
fed that he was approached by a
man representing the Electric Boat
Co.. who told him that II he would
support the claims of that company
before congress the company could
bring influence to bear on Speaker
Cannon to have him (Hobson) ap-
pointed on the committee on naval
affairs. At the suggestion of Chair
man Boutell, the names of the at
torneys representing interested par
ties we're entered on the record. Mr..
Lilley introduced Frank T. Brown of
Norwich, Conn, and State Senator
Stiles Judson of Bridgeport, Conn, as
his counsel. Martin w. Littleton of
New York, announced that John ID.
Lindsay. also OF New York. and him
self represented the Electric Boat
Co. In reply to one of Mr.. Olmsted's
questions, Mr.. Lilley said the Electric
Boat Co. had no plant and no assets.
lie declared that the company did not
build boats, its only business being
to secure contracts cor boats and
then sublet the contracts.
Concerning the assertion by Mr..
Lilley In his prepared statement. that
no report had been made to the house
of the investigation of the Lessler
charges by the naval committee, Mr..
Olmsted cited the fact that such a
report was made and that 1t showed
that representatives of the Holland
company made improper overtures to
q member of congress.
Mr.. Lilley gave the names of the
Connecticut members and the attor-
ney who asked him, according to his
statement, to vote for an appropria-
tion for submarine boat legislation.
The manufacturers, he said, were
Franklin H. Taylor of Waterbury,an
Charles Ferry of the Bridgeport
Brass Co. the attorney was John p.
kellogg of Waterbury.
Mr.. Lilley said that Mr.. Kellogg,
the attorney for the Electric Boat
Co. made an appointment for Mr..
Ferry with Mr.. Lilley, but Mr.. Kel-
logg was not at the interview. At a
previous visit, Mr.. Lilley said, Mr..
Kellogg handed him written form
of the provision which was to be Of
fered in the naval committee, while
II was preparing the naval bill of the
last session. 1t was offered, he said
hut he did not remember by whom
It was Mr.. Lilley's impression thai
ne supported that resolution. 1t was
for open legislation, he said, leaving
the letting of contracts with the de-
nartment. The one submitted this
wear shut out any chance of COM
petition. he said.
MFR. Iilley said that he understood
that there was an agreement between
the Electric Boat Co and Vickers, Sons
e. Maxim, of England, who are build
ing English submarine boats, whereby
ali the improvements made by the
Electric company are turned over tt
the English company, but all OF tine
improvements made by Vickers Sons &
Maxim are not given to the Electric
company.
MIR. Lilley said that he was approach
ed by a representative of the Lake Boa'
Co. who asked him if he would favor
open legislation. meaning that If an!
appropriation was made it should b'
left SO that all concerns had a fai
chance to obtain the business Mr. LII
lev said he would favor the open leg
islation. Later he was asked by al
| agent of the Lake company if he woult
. offer a. substitute resolution, allowing
| the appropriation to be expended II
the regular way by the secretary o
| the navy.
aI said" continued Mr.. Lilley, Il dit
no. care to offer the substitute resolu
zion. | do not think submarines are o
much account. but if we are going t
have them 1 certainly will vote for opel
legislation. >
was the motion offered in commit
tee9' asked Mr. Olmsted.
NO; he took it to the wrong man,
replied Mr.. Lilley.
s'The man was predetermined to vot
for the Electric Boat Coz" suggested
Mr.. Olmsted.
Mr. <flley said he thought the nam
of the Lake company agent who say
him was Neff.
Concerning the N5ceedings in com
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