New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-05-05
HOUSE MAY |MPEACH
JUDGE R. ". ARCHIBALD
Papers Relative to Charges
AGAINST Commerce Court Men,
Der Sent by President.
ORDERS AN INVESTIGATION
Accused Jurist Said to Have
Used His Influence to Bring
About the Sale of
Culm Banks.
From, The Tribune Bureau. ]

From The Tribune Bureau
Washington, May 4.-President Taft
sent TO the judiciary Committee OF the
House to-day the papers on file in the
Department Of Justice relating to
charges recently made against Judge
Robert w. Archibald. OF the Commerce
Court. and the House adopted unani-
mously a resolution authorizing the
Judiciary Committee TO institute an in
vestigation.
The President sent special message
10 the House regarding the Archibald
case. in which he suggests that the
Judiciary Committee shall not make
public, until after thorough examina-
ton, the contents Of the Archibald
record The President says, however,
that the papers are now in control of the
House.
Chairman Clayton OF the Judiciary
committee said the papers would re-
main sealed until next Tuesday when
the committee will decide whether or not
they are to be made public
The resolution authorizing the COM
mittee 10 investigate the conduct OF
Judge Archibald says the inquiry shall
concern especially whether said Judge
has been guilty Of an impeachable Of
fence" II is the intention Of the COM
nittee TO begin its investigation early
next week, and subposnas are now beins
prepared for witnesses. Mr.. Clayton oe-
clined 10 announce the names OF those
10 be called, but they may INCLUDE Judge
Archibald. Commissioner Meyer, who is
mentioned in the Presidents message as
. being cognizant OF the charges and or
flcials of the railroads In question.
Although the contents Of the report
submitted by the Attorney General VIII
not be made public before next Tuesday
at least, il is certain that the gravity OF
the charges is fully appreciated by the
administration, and that thorough IN
vcstigation by Congress has been ur-
gently recommended. The Attorney
General, after personally conducting
part Of the investigation. conferred with
the President on the question Of posi-
bile impeachment, and II was decide
that the subject was of sufncient impor-
lance to warrant its submission 70 the
House
The inquiry mace by Mr.. Wickershanl
and wrisley Brown, special assistant
attorney, convinced the administrator
that the accusations made against Judge
Archibald by the press and others we're
not without foundation, although thus
far the accused Judge has remained
silent and his version Of the AFFAIR has
not been sought Should the committee
decide that there is reasonable cause Tor
eachment proceedings 1t Will 80 re-
mort 10 the House. and then II Will rest
with the lower branch Of Congress 10
prepare an indictment for SUBMISSION U
the Senate.
No jurisdiction over the federal )u-
dietary is vested in the President. After
he makes his nominations his power
ceases The most he can do Is TO recon-
mend action by Congress
William P. Boland, president OF the
Marian Coal Company Of Scranton, pre-
ferred the original charges against
Judge Archibald. These charges arc
submitted by the President to the House
Committee on Judiciary, as a part OF
the report Of the Department OF JUS
tice.
Snec;fc allegations against Judge
Archibald are that he used his innuence
-,,,b George r. Brownell, vice president
and general manager OF the Erie ran
road. TO induce that company 10 cell iIs
interests in the culm banks Of the Katy
did colliery. in Moosic, Penn, and suose-
,u4ntlv negotiated personally with
Charles r. Conn, vice president ana gen
oral manager OF the Lackawanna q
wyoming Valley Railroad Company, for
the sale of the same property. II is
charged that the stationery Of the Court
If Commerce vas used in drafting the
agreement.
Associated with Judge Archibald In the
deal was Edward J. Williams, coal
broker and promoter, who told Attorney
General wickersham that the prohts
were TO be $4,000, and were 70 be
divided. williams was summoned TO
Washington and personally examined by
Mr.. Wickersham as consequence OF the
Presidents direction that careful in
vestigation be conducted, and he is
understood TO have made sworn state
mept regarding the whole transaction.
Wrisley Brown made trip to Scran-
ton and examined the various persons
involved in the negotiations, obtaining
afidavits in some instances. His report
IL Z part If the record sent to the Judci-
AIRY Committee.