The Washington herald., 1910-04-06
BOOMER
HELD FOR LIBEL
Continued from Page One.

who. for reasons satisfactory to himself.
may feel inclined to oppose merchant
marine legislation. We have never en-
deavored 20 intimidate any one in the
discharge of his duties.
Our league has never received a dollar
from any shipbuilding, ship-owning, or
ship-operating interests in the world; and
we have never paid out a dollar to any
one for any work in the city Of Wash
ington.
Consciously or unconsciously, In
tentionally or unintentionally, Congress
man Stevenson is. at this time. doing
what the foreign ship owners want TO
have done. This will react in our favor
and arouse American citizens when they
understand the situation thoroughly, so
that the result Will be an American
merchant marine larger, stronger. and
better than any one OF US has ever an
ticipated, and perhaps very much earlier
than any OF US has dared TO hope"
Conferred with Kellogg.
II appears that before deciding to bring
to the attention Of the United States
attorney the statements that he believed
reflected upon his integrity, Mr. steen-
srson submitted the whole matter TO
Frank B. kellogg, special counsel for
the government in the Standard Oil case.
Mr.. Kellogg gave 1t as his opinion that
the Minnesota Representative had been
ubeled criminally Mr.. Stevenson there
upon presented the case to District At
Iy.tx zrr,r n
the Federal grand jury. 4,
In commenting upon the arrest Of Pen
ton tonight, Representative Stevenson
said. The statements published by the
authority of Penton were defamatory
and. in my opinion. an attempt OF black
mail II Is not a matter in which I am
interested personally. II is a question
which concerns the country at large.
The attacks authorized by the Merchant
Marine League were undoubtedly In
tended to intimidate me. They were in
tended to scare me from what I con-
strued 20 be my duty in opposing ship
subsidy legislation. What the interests
are back Of this libel I do not know.
but I think they will be shown up before
this inquiry comes to an end"
Two witnesses appeared before the spe-
eiaI House committee yesterday. Former
Representative McCleary. Of Minnesota,
was one of them. Representative Steen-
erson Intercepted him. He asked Mr..
McCleary if it was not true that Mr..
AfcCleary had Hobbies for ship subsidy
legislation on the floor OF the House. Mr..
McCIeary replied with some heat that
while he had availed himself of the priv
neges Of the floor accorded to ex-mem-
bers, he had never used the privilege for
lobbying purposes.
Did any one ever tell you" asked
Mr.. Stevenson, that you should not talk
ship subsidy on the floor Of the House?"
Mr.. McCieary admitted that such sug-
gestion had been made.
Dramatic Situation.
isn't it a fact" persisted Mr. Steen-
erson, that member OF the House would
not sign petition you were circulating.
asking that you be appointed Director of
the Mint, because you were lobbying for
ship subsidy"
The man who refused to sign the pc
tition did not have the courage TO state
it that way. and you are the man, de-
elared Mr.. MeCleary with some heat
At the suggestion that Mr. Penton
made Yesterday the special committee
the Merchant Marine League
to employ counsel to appear before it,
The committee will meet again Thurs
day, and the hearings will be resumed.