The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1910-04-01
NEAR BLOWS IN
bALLINGER PROBE
Attorney Brandeis Holly Re-
sents Imputation Made by
Chairman Nelson
LATTER DECLARED
EVIDENCE CONCEALED
Lawyer Rushes Forward Fist Up
raised and Pandemonium
Reigns-Matter is Finally
Amicably Settled.

WASHINGTON, D. c.. April Ia
tosuey-B Esndsisre counsel feF-G iaviss
and Chairman Nelson, of the COM
mittee, when the former was exam
lining Elmer E.. Todd, United States
district attorney for Washington. as
to q letter written by Mr.. CLAWS to
the land ONCE In relation to criminal
prosecutions of claimants.
In Mr.. CLAWS testimony 1t was
stated that this letter, though written.
was not sent Attorney Brandeis ask
ed whether the delay in instftuting
these prosecutions by Mr.. CLAWS was
not due 10 the land ONCE, and when
the witness said he did not know,
Mr.. Brandeis read the CLAWS letter
asking for certain original papers. SO
that he could begin these prosecu-
tions.
CLAWS did not send that letter."
asked Chairman Nelson.
This witness has testified that he
{Giavis) had so stated on the wit
ness stand" explained Brandeis.
There Is no direct evidence"
Mr. vertrees interrupted at this
juncture to read the CLAWS testi-
mony. where he stated specifically
that the letter was not sent
There" said Chairman Nelson an
griiy. why didn't you tell us that
In the first place? Why did you con-
ceai that from us?''
II beg your pardon" yelled Bran
deis at the top OF his voice. and strid-
ing toward the chairman with his fist
appraised. Il did not conceal any
thing from the committee. / strenu-
ously object to that insinuation."
Moves Withdrawal.
II move that the chairman's re-
marks be withdrawn" shouted Repre-
sentative Graham. half rising from
his seat.
-And I second that notion added
Representatives James. above the din
and murmur OF tiiesmembers OF the
committee.
"A babel Of voices ensued, each Of
the committee members attempting
to gain recognition from the chair
man.
II insist that my motion be put"
yelled Graham above the din.
Representative Mccall put in q plea
for peace: Senator Sutherland ex-
pressed disfayor of the motion, and
Representative Madison said he did
not care to vote for IT, : ss
WELL" remarked Mr.. James In
this crcss-examination ] don't think
ought to be Jerked up by the
! think the outburst of
counsel was perfectly iustified.,
1T Is not the first time that the
chairman by its interference has re-
fiected upon Mr.. Brandeis." said Mr.
Graham. II must insist upon my
II shall move to amend by addins
that the opinion OF the chairman does
not represent the whole committee in
\ statement OF this kind" said Sena-
Tor Fletcher
Il desire TO be heard said Mr..
BrAndeis, who had apparently mas
Tered his anger. THE chairman him
self. II he had paid close attention.
would have seen that that of which
he charges me was beyond the pos
sibi1ity of foundation of fact
A reading OF the scenographer's
notes. called for by several mem
bers of the committee. seemed To
bear out Mr.. Brandeis' point
A motion by Representative Ohm
Dted to lay Mr.. Graham's motion Ola
The table was carried SIX to three.
Holds Testimony False.
Mr.. Todd was the nrst witness call
ID to-day by Attorney vertrees. coun-
1el for Secretary Ballinger. Mr.. Todd
a4ld that the court record OF the
watson Alien case did not disclose
hat Ballinger had drawn any escrow
agreements for the claimants.
Mr.. vertrees read q portion OF the
testimony 9tven by Special Agent
Horace Tillard Jones, TO the effecl
thAt he han taken up with Todd the
question Of criminal prosecution
against certain coal claimants for
eraud and that Todd had said that
h was useless" to do this because
yasx4 tkxsk 4.>.~ N1sx
to land fraud cases and
would not take action ON the case
md that he (Todd) did not want
70 BE- humiiiated" by taking UP the
II did have q conference with
ZONES" Todd testified. ''but that tes-
!1m0ny OF Jones ID absolutely false.