The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1911-04-06
ASK DOUBLE PROBE.
Would Investigate PittSbwg
and Philadelphia.
TO NAME SEVEN LEGISLATORS
Legislative Committee Would be
Given Full Power to Inquire
Into the Governments
Of Both Cities.

Harrisburg, Pa, April 4.-Legisla-
tive investigation OF the charges made
from time TO time against municipal
and election methods
In Pittsburg and Philadelphia Is pro-
vided for in a Joint resolution pre-
scented to the house by Representative
NJ. Clyde Kelly. of Allegheny.
The resolution calls for a commit
tee Of seven to make a sweeping In
Quiry into the charges and provides
$50 to defray the expenses.
The resolution Is as follows:
Whereas. Continued and strongly
asserted charges have been made re-
garding corrupt political conditions in
this commonwealth and the fair name
of the state blackened and her honor
assailed until she stands in pitiable
and regrettable plight in the eyes OF
the nation. and
Whereas. Shocking statements OF
disagreement In Pittsburg and
charges OF the gravest nature have
been made against officials OF that city
in the most public manner, and
Whereas. Within recent months the
press has been flied with charges Of
corruption and debauchery in Phila-
delphia in regard to the letting OF con-
tracts, violation Of election laws, etc,
made by reputable citizens. until that
city is regarded in the eyes Of tho
general public as being In most de-
plorable condition politically
Therefore. BE II resolved by the
senate and house OF representatives Of
the commonwealth OF Pennsylvania
in general assembly met, that a Joint
committee, consisting OF three mem
bers OF the senate. one OF whom shall
be OF the minority party. and four
members OF the house. one OF whom
shall be OF the minority party, be ap-
pointed by the respective presiding
officers OF each house to make a full
investigation OF all the circumstances
and transactions connected with the
government, management and condi-
ton in the cities OF Pittsburg and
Philadelphia. as may to said Joint COM
mittee seem pertinent
That said joint committee is here
by directed to organize forthwith az
ter the approval OF this resolution by
the governor: to hold public hearings
as may be necessary: TO summon wit
nesses. and for the purposes of this
inquiry they are hereby authorized to
issue subpOenas. administer oaths
and compel the attendance Of witness
es and the production OF all books,
bills. checks, check books. papers, min
utes. records. specifications and con
tracts. agreements or permits and
such other written and documentary
evidence as may be pertinent to the
inquiry.
And the said joint committee shall
have the largest and most complete
powers which the general assembly
can confer for the accomplishment OF
these purposes And the said joint
committee shall have the assistance in
conducting such investigation OF audi
tors. accountants and counsel learned
in the law as such committee may
deem necessary. And said joint COM
mittee shall have authority to appoint
stenographers, clerks and messengers
necessary for the proper prosecution
OF this investigation.
THE sergeant-at-arms Of the senate
is hereby directed to attend the said
Joint committee meetings, to serve all
subpoenas issued by II and generally
TO enforce all orders which said COM
mittee Is hereby authorized to make
and to incur all the necessary ex-
penses to discharge these duties"
II Is provided that the committee
shall make its report at this session
OF the legislature.