Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1908-03-13

| washington, March 1.-THE Lilley
submarine boat inquiry was begun il
earnest today by q special House com
mttee. which worked at it the greater
part of the day. Lilley was heard al
length. He began his testimony by
reading long typewriter statement
part of which was an affidavit, i'll which
he outlined his charges in detail Whei
ne had completed his statement, he was
questioned by Olmsted of the com
mittee. who was designated by Chair
man Boutell to perform the service
During the afternoon, Richmond
Pearson Hobson testified that he was
approached by q man representing the
Electric Boat Co, who told him that
If he would support the claims of the
company before Congress the company
could bring influence to bear on Speak
er Cannon to have him (Hobson) APP
pointed on the committee on naval af-
fairs.
At the suggestion of Chairman Bou-
tell the names of the attorneys repre-
senting interested parties were entered
on the record
Lilley introduced Frank T. Brown of
Norwich and State Senator Styles Jud-
son of Bridgeport Conn, as his coun-
sci. Martin w. Littlton Of New York
announced that John d. Lindsay, also
of New FORK and himself represented
the Electric Boat Co
In reply to one of Olmsted's questions
Lilley said the company did not build
boats, its only business being to Sc
cure contracts for boats and then sub
let the contracts.
Concerning the assertion by Liley
in his prepared statement, that no
report had been made to the House
of the investigation of the LESSER
charged by the naval committee, Ohm
Sted cited the fact that such q report
was made and that it showed that rep
resentatives of the Holland Co. made
improper overtures to member OF
Congress. Lilley gave the names of the
Connecticut members and the attorney
who asked him, according to his state
mentS to vote for an appropriation for
submarine boat legislation. The manu-
facturers, he said, were Franklin II.
Taylor of Waterbury, and Charles Fer
ry of the Bridgeport Brass Co.; the at
torney was John r. Kellogg OF Water
bury.
Lilley said that Mr.. Kellogg, the at
torney for the Electric Boat Co. made
an appointment for Mr.. Ferris with
Mr.. Lilley, but Mr.. Kellogg was not
present at the interview. AT q previ-
Gus visit, Lilley said. Mr. Kellogg hand
ed him written form of the provision
which was to be offered in the naval
committee while it was preparing the
offered, he said, but he did not remem-
Der by whom. 1t was Liley'S impress
sion that he supported that resolution.
1t was for open legislation, lie said,
leaving the letting of contracts with the
department. The one submitted this
year shut out any chance of competi-
ton, he said
Lillay said that the name of the
representative, who, he averred was
approached by q member of the Elec-
trio Boat Co. with a proposition to get
him on the naval affairs committee if
he would favor the submarine legsla-
ton, was Captain Richmond p. Hob
son. He said that Capt. Hobscn was
willing to testify and give the name
of the man who approached him.
Lilley said that he understood that
there was an agreement between the
Electric Boat Co. and VickerS Sons &
Maxim of England. who are building
English submarine boats, whereby all
the improvements made by the EleC-
trio Co. are turned over to the Eng
lish company but all Of the improve
ments made by Vickers Sons & Max
i'm are not given to the Electric Co.
Lilley said that he was approached
by representative of the Lake Boat
Co. who asked him if he would favor
open legislation, meaning that if any
appropriation was made it should be
left so that all concerns had fair
chance to obtain the business. Lilev
said he would favor the open legisla-
ton. Later he was asked by an agent
OF the Lake Co. if he would offer a
substitute resolution. allowing the ap-
preparation to be expended in the reg
ular way by the secretary of the navy.
II said" continued Lilley, 81 did not
care to offer the substitute resolution.
1 do not think submarines are of
much account, but if we are going to
have them I certainly will vote for
open legislation
Was the motion offered in commit
tee?" asked Olmsted.
"No. he took it to the wrong man."
replied Liley.
"The man was predetermined to vote
for the Electric Boat Coz suggested
OlInsted. Lilley said he thought the
name of the Lake Co. agent who saw
him was Neff.
Concerning the proceedings in COM
mittee, Liliey said Padgott tried to
have an amendment attached to the
provision offered by Loudenslager, the
part that prevented competition.
Lilley said he voted for that amend
ment but it did not carry. Loudensla-
gers amendment was adopted, he said.
When Loudenslager finished reading
his amendment. Capt. Hobson said:
THAT means Holland, doesn't ito"
According to Lilley, Loudenslager
i'll +