The Washington herald., 1911-08-09
FOR HIS SILENCE
PERKINS FACES
IMPRISONMENT
Financial Leader Declines to
Answer Questions.
STEEL PROBE Is HALTED

George W. Perkins, one of the most
prominent figures in the financial world
is threatened with Imprisonment because
of his refusal to answer questions put
to him yesterday by members of the
Stanley steel investigating committee.
Unless Mr.. Perkins recedes from his po-
sition 1t is the purpose of Representative
Stanley, chairman of the steel committee,
to offer a resolution setting forth that
Mr.. Perkins is in contempt
This resolution will have the support
Of the other Democratic members of the
committee, and no doubt is expressed
by Mr. Stanley or his colleagues that the
House majority will comply with their
Recommendations.
The situation presented by Mr.. Per-
kins' refusal to answer questions put by
Congress committee is unusual, but not
without precedent. Unless there is a
change in the situation Mr. Stanley will
offer resolution stating that Mr.. Per-
kins has refused to answer questions
pertinent to the investigation authorized
by the House. Taking it for granted
that this resolution will be passed-and
Mr.. Stanley expresses confidence that the
House will pass such a resolution-Mr
Perkins would be hailed before the bar
of the House.
Could Imprison Mr.. Perkins.
If he failed to purge himself Of the con-
tempt by answering the questions that
he declined to answer yesterday the case
would be certified to the United States
Attorney for the District of Columbia
The House itself could imprson MIR. Per-
kins, but in such cases 1t has usually
o IN a nj
to sue for a writ of habeas corpus. This
procedure would undoubtedly be followed
in the case of Mr.. Perkins.
Mr.. Perkins took his place on the
stand at 1880 o'clock Yesterday morn
ing. He continued his testimony, with
the exception of an hour for luncheon,
until nearly o'clock at night. The ques-
tions that brought him to sharp con-
hict with the committee were put by
Representative Beal OF Texas.
Mr.. Beall and Chairman Stanley at
tempted to show that the relations be-
tween the New York Life Insurance
Company and the United States Steel
Corporation We're close and intimate. In
fact, il appeared to be Mr.. Bealrs opin-
ion that Mr.. Perkins al present domi-
mated the affairs of both corporations.
Mr. BeaIl began by asking Mr.. Perkins
whether the steel corporation had made
contributions for campaign purposes. L
do not know" replied Mr.. Perkins.
Would Be on Record.
IF such contributions were made by
the steel corporation would they be
noted on the books?" asked Mr.. Beall.
Il think they would" responded Mr..
Perkins THE steel corporation kept
complete records of the proceedings of its
committees.
Did the New York Life Insurance
Company make political contributions"
1T did replied Mr.. Perkins.
Would such expenditures appear on
the minutes of meetings of the directors
of the New York Life Insurance Com
pany?"
On the advice of R. V Lindabury.
counsel for the steel corporation, Mr..
Perkins declined to answer this ques-
ton. Mr.. Lindabury insisted that the
affairs of the insurance company were
not included in the scope of the pend
ing investigation.
Mr.. Beall then asked the witness to
make a comparison of the method OF
the life insurance company In keeping
a record of its meeting as contrasted
with the method of the steel corpora
tion. On the advice of Mr.. Lindabury
the witness refused to answer the ques-
ton.
Thereupon Representative Beall eX-
claimed: Il think the witness should be
compelled to answer the question. If
he persists in his declination l am will
ing to go to the House on this PROPOSE
ton.
Chairman Stanley made this state
ment:
Statement by Stanley.
TT appears that the witness refuses
to answer questions bearing on matters
that come within our duly constituted
authority in this investigation. The
witness, upon advice of counsel per-