Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1911-08-30

actions entirely and consistently Dy what
was for the best interest OF the tobacco
growers OF Virginia and the independ-
ent tobacco manufacturers. | requested
them to meet, discuss, and pass resolu-
tions as to what. they conceived to be
to their best interest and | invariably
endeavorcd by vote and action, to have
these requests and resolutions enacted
into law. This was my course, and |
repeatedly received from these associa-
itons resolutions Of thanks for my con-
tinucd and loyal support OF their inter
ests, and my efforts to have their de-
sires enacted into law. Neither the
tobacco growers, nor the independent
tobacco manufacturers have ever critl-
cised me. They have invariably thank
ed me for my efforts in their behalf:
| feel sure that these organizations VIII
bear willing testimony 10 these facts.
Indeed, | have already received let
tiers from independent tobacco manu-
facturers, condemning Mr.. Glass Tor
his charges, endorsing my course IN
Congress and assuring me OF their con-
tinued confidence and support.
But these are matters OF record and
not OF discussion. | have invariably
opposed the increase OF the internal
revenue tax upon tobacco because !
thought that this tax was an unjust
burden and injurious TO the tobacco
growers and independent tobacco manu-
facturers. When this tax has been IN
creased | have voted and worked IN
cessantly for its reduction. | have vot-
ed repeatedly and done all | could to
have passed bill prohibiting the use
OF tags or premiums in tobacco pack
ages, a measure which was earnestly
desired by the independent tobacco man
ufacturers. | voted for and did all |
could TO have passed a law permitting
the free sale of leaf tobacco Tor the
benefit OF tobacco growers. | voted
for the Littiefield antitrust bill, design
ed to prevent trusts and monopoly. |
voted for an amendment 10 this bill
for publicity in the operations OF all
corporations, and also Tor amendments
making violations of the antitrust laws,
whether State or Federal, by trusts or
their agents, punishable by fine and i'm
prisonment. No man can point to any
vote or act OF mine while in the House
or in the Senate that was not in favor
OF restraining or destroying trusts and
monopolies. My record in this respect
is consistent and challenges the fullest
scrutiny. No man can point TO any
dereliction on my part in this respect.
With this record in Congress, which
cannot be disputed, these transactions
with which it is sought to make me a
subject Of criticism fade into Insignia
canoe. My opponent bases his charges
in this matter upon the alleged lmpro-
priety OF my purchasing these stocks
while | was a member OF the Ways and
Means Committee OF Congress, before
which legislation affecting this Company
might have come. | have shown that
these purchases were made when Con-
gress was not i'll session, and no legls-
lation was pending or contemplated
| also wish 10 say that what | possess
OF worldly goods, which after the pay
ment OF what | owe, is not very large
amount, is invested in real estate, a
home, and the balance, almost entirely
in local investments in Danvllle and
Pittsylvania County. do not own any
investments Of any kind or character
OF whatsoever in any company, which
could be considered even remotely as
part of or in any way connected with
any trusts, combine or monopoly.
But in this matter as in all other
charges made By Mr. Glass he puts him
self in a worse position than that III
which he has sought to place me. My
transactions were ten years ago. Let
us see what is the present deplorablc
condition of Mr.. Glass, according TO
the standard OF propriety set UP by him.
Mr. Glass is today director in the
American National Bank of Lynchburg.
Cnder the law he is necessarily stock
holder. am informed that lie is a
large stockholder Mr.. Glass is a menl-
Der OF the Banking and Currency Com
mittee OF the House OF Representa-
tives and has been member of this
committee since 1902 To this COM
mittee is referred all bills, affecting
National Banks. This committee cor
siders and reports upon all bills affect
ing the deposits Of the United States
in National Banks; all bills al
fecting the securities required 10
be given by National Banks 10 the
Government for deposits. To Ii is re-
ferred all bills affecting the issuance OF
currency by the National Banks. This
committee is entrusted with the con-
sideraton OF all matters relating to cur
rency and banking. Any change Of the
law affecting the examination OF Ma
tional Banks would necessarily go to
this committee. This committee has
recently considered laws permitting the
National Banks to issue currency UP TO
the par value OF the bonds deposited
as security. The Vreeland Currency
Bill was recently considered and acted
upon and the committee also recently
considered and reported the bill permit
ing other than Government bonds 10
be used as security by the National
Banks for their currency issues. Rec
emily the committee considered and re-
ported upon bills in reference 10 the
law governing loans made by National
Banks. AT the next session OF Con-
gress it will consider and have to pass
upon the proposed change in our bank
ing and currency system as recommend
ed by the Aldrich Monetary Commits
sion. This will be the most important
measure affecting national banks that
has been considered i'll a generation. As
a member OF the Banking and Currency
Committee. he could be very potential
in inducing the Treasury Department
TO grant favors 10 his bank in the way
of deposits and other matters Yet we
witness the amazing spectacle OF Mr..
(-11cc \ IIrartnr and stnrl.1nlflar
the American National Bank of Lynch
burg, being member OF this committee,
which is SO powerful in the settlement
OF all these important questions affect
ing national banks. Yet he has the
audacity TO criticise ME for purchasing
some stock while Congress was not in