The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-05-31
HIRED BY THE GRANGE.
Men Who Engineered Opposition TO
Reciprocity Are Smoked Out.

Washington, May 31.-Whidden
Graham of the firm of Allen and era
ham of New York, admitted to the
senate finance committee today that he
was employed by the National Grange
to oppose Canadian reciprocity. he
declined to answer whether his con-
Germ was working for any other inter-
eSts in opposing the bill.
Graham also admitted that neither
he nor Allen was a lawyer but they
assisted manufacturers and others in
securing the enactment or defeat OF
legislation by preparing for them lit
erature and pamphlets for circula-
tion.
Graham violently attacked the
newspapers of the country. 1t was
at the instance of Senator Stone that
they were summoned to appear be-
fore the committee to tell what part
| they have taken in the propaganda
| of opposition to reciprocity.
Senator Stone declared that Allen
and Graham were prom oters," that
thev were not 'practicing attorneys or
| lawyers thus controverting the de-
claration made to the committee re-
Gently by N. P. Hull, master of the
Michigan grange that Allen and Gra-
ham had been acting as legal advisers
! for the National grange. The firm. 1t
was learned, was sending out for some
| Of the officers of the National grange
literature warning farmers in all parts
of the country that the reciprocity
agreement would injure them and
asking them to contribute to the
cause. Manufacturers also were asked
for financial aid.
| Mr. Hull at the time he was before
the committee promised that MeSsrs.
Allen and Graham would appear to
state their case. Two weeks went by
without any word having been heard
from them. During this time Senator
Stone inquired several times as to
whether the committee had beer no
titled as to when Allen and Graham
would appear. Each time he was re-
minded of Mr.. Hulls promise. AS a
result he moved at the committee
meeting last Thursday that the two
men be requested to come to Wash
ingtOn at once.
Before Allen and Graham were heard
by the committee, n. ]. Bachelor,
president of the National Grange. made
a statement, declaring that Allen and
GRAHAM had "acted only under the di-
rection of the legislative and executive
committee of the National Grange
"Are not many members of the
grange" inquired Senator Stone, I'VE
men, children and others who are not
farmers?''
Mr.. Bachelor said he did not have
) statistics to show.
WAS not the membership of the Ma
tiona1 Grange in Indiana for instance
: querried Mr.. Stone, about 5000 ten
!
about 1.000?-
'I think not" answered Mr.. Bach
eldor.
In answer to numerous questions by
! ar Stone as to various features of the
grange activity and membership Mr.
Bachelor said he could not recall
! whereupon Senator Stone asked him e
prepare a statement for the committee
giving figures showing the member
ship of the grange. He said that mem
hear ya1-o -;ol e.
they had ceased to pay their annua
dues
did you employ Allen and Graham
as legal advisers?" asked Senator
Stone.
"Yes. to a certain extent" was the
answer Il have conferred with them
on matters pertaining to legislation.
think there is nothing on their letter
head but Allen and Graham"
Mr.. Bachelor declined to answer
Senator Stones query as to whethe
i Allen and Graham had been paid b.
the National Grange for work done OF
other legislation. .-.+-...--
What legal matters have you eve
consulted Allen and Graham about :?
inquired Mr.. Stone.
''I do not recall that I ever consult
ed them. on legal matters but In pro
noting or opposing legislation whicl
the National Grange was in favor o
or against" said Mr.. Bachelor.
Ou considered them Skil1ful IL
manipulating legislative bodies'' ask
ed Mr.. Stone.
I'm securing what we wanted" wa
the reply.
"And you employed men general,
known as lobbyists" asked Senate
Stone, land who are under the EN-
ploy of other large interests
I'VE did not ask them who els
they were working for,'' said MI
Bachelor.
/ Whidden Graham then was calIet
to the witness chair.