New-York tribune., 1912-02-09
MONEY TRUST INQUIRY
STILL Up IN AIR
UnderWOod'S Followers, VlCtorI'
Gus in Caucus, Hay as to
Scope of Plans.
BRYAN FIRES BROADSIDE
"Misled by Wall Street and
Controlled by Predatory In
tcrests," He Says Of
His Foes.
Lrrom The Tribune Ruroaul !

Washington. Feb. S.-AftCr their stormy
caucus last night. when the Underwood
faction t~ampIcd on the Hryanitcs. Demo
Gratis Of the Hous" had rather hazy idea
TO-DAY as to the possible scope of tho
money trust" investigation which the
caucus authorized, but distributed among
four standing committees. Representative
Henry whose resolution 10 name special
committee was defeated. wore an air OF
deep gloom and privately expressed the
fear that the inquiry would not amount to
much.
Representative Pujo, chairman Of the
Banking and Currency Committee. one of
those clothed with investigating authority
by the caucus. issued statement saying
that he would ask for ''plenary power" In
the next sentence however. Mr.. PuJo
brought despair 10 the Bryan sdhcrents
by asserting that ANY one. rich or poor
will have an opportunity 10 appear before
the committee and impart to it such infor-
nation as may be in his possession"
This promise is not definite enough 10
suit the Henry and Bryan followers, who
demand that the kings Of finance shall be
required to appear. and not have an "op-
portunity" TO come forward with money
trust" secrets.
Rcpresentative Henry said tonight that
he had not heard from William Jennings
Bryan who has been bOmbardinE the
Democrats with kilograms demanding a
special" committee. Mr. Henry sue-
ccs,cd that Mr.. Bryan, who is now in
Texas, might give ont statement, and II
appears that Mr Bryan did. The peer
less leader" who is qualifying as the
peerless loser" when he locks horns with
Representative Underwood ON methods Of
Democratic House procedure. asserts that
he fears tho investigation will be a
farce" Some Of the BTyanitcs here fear
likewise and agree with Nj Bryan that
they will hc both surprised and delighted
II The Banking and CurrcnCp Committee
makes prompt and thorough investiEa-
ton"
40 definite assurances came from the
Cnairmcn Of other committees 10 which in
NestgatinC powers were given by the Dem
ocratic caucus. Chairman Clayton OF the
Judiciary Committee said that his commit
tcc had hcCn investigating the trusts and
Tho money rOwcr right along in the con-
sidcra'ion OF various bills to amend the
sherman law. II it became necessary for
them to summon the wielders OF the
money trust" power, guardedly observed
N1r. clayton. ho would ask the House for
needed authority
Chairman Ndamson said the Interstate
Commerce Committee had much work al
ready ahead. If it is possible Tor it to reach
the Henry resolution. he said. he might
make statement when the time arrived.
Chairman Fucker Of the Elections Commit
tee was so busy attempting to reach a
compromise with the Senate on the direct
elections Of Senators bill that he did not
have an opportunity 70 take up his portion
Of tho Henry resolution to-day
The Committee on Banking and Currency
will begin an investigation of the money
trust" IL is promised, but no assurance is
given that IL will be the radical one wanted
by the Bryanites. The impression is that
tho investigation Will be safe and sane
and that il will not necessarily alarm Wall
Street
Representative Levy, OF New York. who
warned the Democrats that there are too
many Investigations IN progress, wore a
satisfied smile to-day. This indicates that
Mr.. Levy does not fear radical lnyestiga-
tion.
San Bonito. Tex, Feb ,S.-"Niisled by
Wall Street under the control OF the
predatory interests" and Democrats
whose sympathies are with the money
trust arc some OF the terms used by
William j. Bryan in a statement praising
Representative Henry, OF Texas, whose
proposal 10 investigate the money trust
10y special committee was rejected by last
nights Democratic caucus Mr.. Bryan 3
statement follows:
u is the misfortune Of the PARTY to have
some members who can be miSled by Wall
Street, and ii is stll greater misfortune
to have some members who are as com
plctely under the control Of the predatory
interests as any OF the Republicans.
The money trust did not want any in
Ncstigstion At all. When IT could not pre-
vent an investigation 1t then sought to
secure an investigation by the Banking
COMMITTEE which contains some Democrats
whose symUathies are with the money
trust
fear that the investigation will prove
2 farce If the Banking Committee begins
At once and makes prompt and thorough
investigation ! shall be both surprised and
delighted. Congressman Henry has made
q splendid fight, and his efforts Will be
moro appreciated if the Banking Commit
l. Hi ftI1 Ir ka