Santa Fe new Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1898-1951, 1913-06-06
LOBBY HEARING
HITS A live
trail.
SENATOR THOMAS TELLS OF EFFORTS
OF ANTI.FREE SUGAR INTERESTS
TO ALIGN SENATORS AGAINST
FREE SUGAR PROGRAM.
OLIVER AND WALSH
HAVE LIVELY TILT

Washington, ID. C., June 6.-fur
ther evidence of organized efforts o
pnti-free sugar forces to bring pres
sure to bear upon western democratic
senators and congressman TO aligr
them against President Wilson's free
sugar plan, were given the senate LOB
by committee today by Senator
Thomas, of Colorado, member of tht
finance committee.
He produced hundreds of kilograms
and scores of documents, letters
pamphlets and newspaper clippings
which he believed showed an organic
ed attempt to manufacture public
sentiment in Colorado which would
affect the action of its senators and
of many Colorado towns from which
scores of similar kilograms and letters
had come and said he had been inform
ed by some Of the signers that they
were practically forced to attach their
names, because Of financial Obligations
to persons directing the movement.
The investigation committee show
ed a disposition to go to the bottom
of some newspaper articles that Sena-
tor Thomas furnished and learn what
forces were working to direct news on
the sugar fight.
Senator Thomas said he knew the
beet sugar interests long had main
tanned headquarters at Washington.
The campaign from Colorado, he de-
Clared, was evidently directed and
financed by interests that would be
affected by the tariff BILL but had con-
Quoted it in an anonymous manner.
Townsend Springs Surprise.
Senator Townsend told the lobby
committee today he believed the near
est approach to undue influence was
the influence eXerted by the presi-
dent and by the use and powers of the
party's secret caucus.
Il am convinced he said, "that
some senators will vote in favor OF
the tariff bill and against amendments
they believe in, because of the fear
of antagonizing what is known as the
power and influence of the admins.
tration."
Acting Chairman Reed believed the
Investigators would be able to turn
the light upon some of the so-called
lobbyists subpoenaed before adjourn
r1ent of the senate Investigating COM
mittee tonight
Senator Reed announced he would
ask the senate for an indefinite exten-
sion of time for the holding of hear
ings.
Oliver Owns Newspapers.
Senator Oliver told the committee
he had an investment of sl,500,000 in
two Pittsburgh newspapers and 1900
preferred shares and so common in
the Pittsburgh Coal company, whose
product might be affected by the tar
ifr.
Il never sought to influence any
senator in regard to the tariff on any
OF the articles in which l am concern
cd" said he, nor has any one sought
to influence me improperly.
Senators In Tilt.
Senator Oliver declined to give his
investment in copper or in other lines
that he said were not affected by the
tariff or other legislation before con-
gress. i
Il am perfectly willing to give the
public an inventory of everything |
own" but said, but don't think the
purpose of this investigation is to Sc
cure an inventory of every senator's
property"
Senator Walsh insisted that it was
pertinent to ask how much Oliver had
invested in copper properties.
II cannot concede your right to ask
that" returned Senator Oliver.
You're dead right" interjected Sen
ator Nelson, Republican member of
tie committee.
Senator Reed agreed with Senator
Walsh and Senator Cummins with
Senator Nelson. Chairman Overman
was absent. 1t was tie.
Senator Dupont said that though he
was member of the senate military
the committee had acted
without his cooperation upon legisla-
ton concerning powder.
Senator Thomas said he had declin.
ed to take part in consideration of the
lead and zinc provisions because of
his mining interests which include 3d.
zoo, 900 worth of stock in the Delmonte
Leasing company; $4,000 worth in
the Volunteer Mining company, and
100000 in the Greed Mining company,
limited. /.
Sugar Man Threatens.
Senator Thomas said the only re- ,
mark to him that might be considered
improper" came from Henry T. Ok. I
nard, who represented beet sugar in
terests opposed to free sugar. When I
he told Oxnard he probably would /
vote with his party in support of the !
Underwood bill, Oxnard replied that
II the free sugar provisions were re. 4
tained congress would "be here until
The snow flies" before the bill could be p
passed. There had been persistent e
effort to influence his action on sugar, t
wool and lead, Senator Thomas said, q