Evening star., 1913-12-08
MU[HALL CHARGES
ARE NOT SUSTAINED
Inquiry Committee Fails to
Find Foundation for Lob
byist's Story.
McDERMOTT GETS REBUKE
FOR "GRAvE IMPROPERLY"
Censure Is Based on McMichael Tes.
timony in Loan Shark and
Liquor Matters. ~

In the report on the Mulnall charges
that lobby of the National Association
OF Manufacturers has been at work
among the members Of the, House-to be
presented by Chairman Garrett before
the House tomorrow, the committee ex-
presses the view that "the most serious
question OF propriety affecting Repre-
sentative McDermott of Iilir7ois is not in
connection with the y. 4. NJ, but grows
out OF his acts and dealings with the
Liquor Dealers Association of the Dis
trict of Columbia. and George Horning.
one of the pawnbrokers to which allusion
has been made"
The committee fails to find that the ac-
cusations of Col. Mulhall have besmirched
the characters of the members of the
House, but it sharply raps the methods
employed by the legislative agents OF the
National Association of Manufacturers
1t states that the one tangible allegation
concerns Representative McDermott The
committee. however, makes no recommen-
dation to the House in the case.
McMichael Testimony Cited.
In covering the McDermott case the
report gives the testimony of I. III. Nc
Michael that McDermott said he had re-
ceived $3.50 for fighting the anti-loan-
shark legislation in this District. and that
McDerinott met Horning in New York to
arrange for the deal. This testimony.
stoutly combated and denied by McDer-
| mott. was one of the crucial points In
the case.
The report also outlines the borrowing
of 500 fro mHugh Harvey. president OF
the Liquor Dealers Association OF the
District OF Columbia at that time. The
loan was not repaid at the time Mr..
Harvey appeared the witness stand.
II also states that McDermott borrowed
81 .OOo from George Horning. together
with McDermott's denial that these loans
had to do either with loan shark leSis-
lation or the then pending excise bill.
Charges "Grave Impropriety."
| The report states:
''Your committee can go no further
/ than sscertain and report 70 the House
the facts as it finds therE
I'VE cannot read theI Heart and con-
science Of Mr. McDermott and those with
whom he dealt in the various transac-
tions snd affairs that have been related.
There is not upon our part the slightest
| feeling against him and under no cir
curnstances would We do him any IN
| Justice Undoubtedly his training has
/ =
acterizes public men generally.
I'VE cannot say that he has been cor
rupted In his legislative duty or that
his official acts and votes have been cor
ruptly Influenced. but we should feel that
we have shirked a duty which we owe
the House and the country did We not
say that we are driven. much TO our re-
gret to the conclusion that he has peen
, guilty of acts OF grave improprlety, un-
becoming the dignity or the distinguished
position he occupies.
The committee report distinctly states
that the House members accused by Null
hall are absolutely cleared Of the allega-
tions This includes Representative Mepb
of North Carolina, Representatives Sher-
lev of Kentucky. Bartholdt OF missouri.
Calder of New York and others.
Minority to Submit Report.
minarity report the subject, to
he submitted tomorrow from Representa-
tive Mcdonald of Michigan. goes further
than the report by Representative Garrett
of Tennessee. 1t states that the popular
branch of government must be kept above
suspicion else the balance between the
Legislative executive and judicial
branches of government will be endanges-
ed. This report says that Congress should
expose and apply drastic measures. par
ticularly as there is a suspicion abroad
that ii is easy to buy ihnuence IN Con-
eress. 1t recommends publicity for com
mittee meetings. simplitication OF House
rules to avoid technical delays, aoohtloh
of the marty caucus, and a system OF pen
alties for attempts to brIbe LAWMAKERS.
II also states that there was overWheiih-
ing proof of the need Tor the INJURY no"
closed by the reports