The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-04-08
Former Congressman Nc
C|eary Tells Of Speaking Tour
NO CHECK ON HIS EXPENSES
Mr.. McCIeary Says That He Made
Many Trips for Merchant Marine
League and Would Get Money
From Headquarters

Washington, April 7-Testifying that
he had received in checks from $1,000 to
$4,000 from the Merchant Marine league
in speech-making trips and that he had
never received a dollar In cash, former
Representative James T. McCleary of
Minnesota, once second assistant post
master general occupied the witness
stand of the House ship subsidy investi-
eating committee
Besides the special committee there was
an array of individuals interested in the
legislation, including Chairman Greene
of the House merchant marine committee;
Representative Humphrey of washington,
the framer Of the ship subsidy bill report
ed from the merchant marine committee;
Representative Steenerson of Minnesota,
who demanded the investigation of the
charges he said the league had made
against him; Representative Kustermann
of Wisconsin, mentioned in much the
same way as steenerson; John A. Penton,
secretary of the league, whose testimony
was deferred until tomorrow, and Repre-
sentative Nye Of Minnesota, who may ap-
pear as Steenerson's counsel.
Mr.. McCleary was given permission to
correct the record of his previous testi-
mony, saying that instead of the amounts
he had received from the league mot
equalling the expenses" he wished to
say that they did not materially exceed
his expenses. Mr.. Garrett of Tennessee.
democrat, for the committee, questioned
him closely as to this.
Mr.. McCleary explained that he always
accepted the leagues invitations to make
addresses II he could get away at the
time: that money not being a 'considera-
ton, he had not kept a memorandum;
that sometimes months passed without
his receiving any money from the league;
that they simply sent me what they
thought fully covered my expenses"
He said In this they considered his ex-
penses such as q man who had occupied
the positions he had should spend, enter
tanning some friends II he happened to
meet them.
He said he had no knowledge of any
other league similar to the Merchant Ma
rine league spending money In that way
nor any other individuals who had spoken
for the league In the same way that he
had, though he had no Doubt others were
speaking for ths same purpose. the ques-
ton being five one that ought to be ag-
itated."
Sometimes there would be months
without any reimbursement for expenses
and then would come check for large
amount" said Mr.. McCleary.
Can you roughly estimate what has
been paid your" asked Representative
Garret.
Such an estimate would be very
rough" replied the witness. ST should
say between $1,000 and s10,0 l have been
making these addresses about 15 months.
Some of the trips have been for long dis
tances.
Where have you spoken?"
AT Hutchinson. Kan: Chicago, be-
fore the State Manufacturers association:
Indianapolis before the Manufacturers
association; Cincinnati, before the board
OF trade; Cleveland. two or three times,
sometimes to deliver public addresses and
sometimes to hold conferences with the
executive committee of the organization:
Ashtaoula, o.. New Orleans Birmingham,
twice in New York and at Dallas, Tex"
said the witness.
"Will you file a statement as to the
amounts Of money you have received?''
asked Mr.. Garrett.
II do not believe could" replied the
witness. Il kept no memoranda. In one
instance l got $500 Then l had not re-
ceived anything from them for a long
time"
do you own stock in any shipping con-
cern?" queried Mr.. Garret.
II am sorry to say that l do not.
have absolutely no interest either in this
wise or any otherwise. l have received
nothing from anybody knowingly connect
ed with such propositions"
The sessions will continue tomorrow.