The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-06-05
McCumber, Republican, of North Dakota, Gives Lie
 to Ridder of the
 Staats Zeitung Latter Declares that Press Associations and Newspa- pers Have Given Both Sides of Reciprocity Question.
(speciaI from United Press)

Washington, June 5-NeWSpaper> men were called to testify before the Senate Finance Committee, today, on the reciprocity measure. the witnesses including Hermann Ridder, editor of the New York Staats Zeitung; Frank B. Moves, president and Melville E. Stone, general manager and secretary of the Associated Press; and Bruce Haldeman, publisher of the Louisville Courier Journal and president of the American Newspaper Publishers as- sociation.
 Riders testimony had not proceed ed far when a lively scene was caus- ed by McCumber, (Rep.. N. D.,) taking exception to Bidders statement as to -ithe attitude of the newspapers toward reciprocity. Copies of all resolutions. letters and circulars of the publish CTS association were submitted by Ridder.
 Ridder said he had exercised the right of every American citizen to pre- sent his views to his representatives in Congress.
 Hepburn asked Ridder where he got the information contained in the let ter sent June A, 1911 that the Cana dian agreement would admit free of duty print paper manufactured from wood on unrestricted lands in Canada and this would have the effect of ex- erting a pressure on provinces having restricted lands. Ridder answered that he got the informant from John Norris.
 T am surprised at the letter of Feb- ruary IT," said Clark, (Rep., Wyo) "I thought the press gave unbiased statements about affairs at Washing inmates that this is not the case. It seems that the object might be to create a public opinion in opposition to the real situation here"
 'The facts are that the press asso- c1ations and newspapers have given der McCumber's face flushed with rage and, jumping to his feet, he shouted:
 .'That is an absolute falsehood and want the record to show it.''
 "I protest" said Stone, Oem., Moo, a member of the committee has no right to insult a witness
 ''I did not insult the witness" ex- claimed McCumber. His statement was untrue"
 'T do not propose to have that statement go in the record without a added dryiy. When 8 witness comes before this committee and makes a statement which you know and I know is a falsehood, I propose to have the records show it."
 "1 propose to record my protest against that statement" said Sena- tor Stone.
 senator Bailey came in as a pacifier. He said that if any witness had said | what the Senator: had said he would insist that it be withdrawn and he suggested to McCulnber that he "leave | the falsehood part out
 McCumber finally altered his state | 1nent by substituting 'unfounded'' for l false
 Clark. (Rep., Wyo.), questioned Rid 1 der persistently in an attempt to show | that a letter from him was meant to | 'have publishers order correspondents in Washington to '-color" and dis | tort" their articles in favor of reel procity.
 In this connection. Ridder denounc- cd a man named Wallach, vice-presi- l dent of the International Paper Com pany alleging that 'he committed per jury before the Mann committee in the House in swearing that he knew of no combination in the paper busi- ness.
 The witness finally declared that the statements in his letter were meant as a guide to publishers that they might investigate the reciprocity | a agreement with a view of supporting | it Ridder declared the paper trust was "robbing and bleeding the pub fishers In this connection Stone clashed again, this time with Clark, the Missouri senator protesting against what he termed Clark's "lecturing' of | the witness.
 Ridder insisted his letter might be compared to a campaign in favor of Canadian reciprocity Hike that which | President Taft was exerting on Sena- tors'' to secure passage of the agree ment
 Clark objected strenuously to this | and declared forcibly that he had nev- CT been subjected to any pressure. The witness declared there was no reason | why publishers should be required to | give their profits to the paper trust in exorbitant prices.
 Senator Root read from one of Rid der's bulletins sent out to publishers arguing that they write Senators and Representatives urging speedy enact ment of the reciprocity agreement | without amendment.
 Gallinger. (Rep., N. H). called atten- ton to the fact that the House had changed the bill and that the measure in the Canadian situation was diff ferent from that now before the Sem ate Ridder finally declared that he was in favor of reciprocity as quickly | as possible just so ''he could get out of the clutches of the trust"
 shortly after noon the committee