Las Vegas optic. (East Las Vegas, N.M.) 1908-1921, 1913-06-06
IS AN UNDUE INFLUENCE
DECLARES THIS WILL MAKE
SENATORS VOTE AGAINST
THEIR CONVICTIONS.
The HEARING GOES ON.
SENATOR THOMAS OF COLORADO
SAYS BEET SUGAR MEN
APPROACHED HIM.

Washington, June 6-Senator Town
send told the lobby commission TO-
day he believed the nearest ap-
proach to undue influence was the
influence exerted by the president
and by the use and powers Of the par
ty secret caucus.
q am convinced" he said, thai
some senators will vote in favor of
the tariff bill and against amend
ments they believe in, because of the
fear of antagonizing what is known
as the power and influence of the ad-
ministration."
Senator Townsend added he beliey-
ed the lobby investigating committee
had not tried to find what influence
President Wilson had exerted on SEN
ators. The committee unanimously
decided "in view of the serious state
ment made touching the executive"
that any senator who has heretofore
testified could be recalled and asked
as to any influence President Wilson
had exerted with him.
Thomas Claims Coercion.
Further evidence of organized ef-
forts of anti-free sugar forces to
bring pressure to bear upon western
democratic senators and congressman
to align them against President VIII
sons free sugar plan, were given the
senate lobby committee" today by
Senator Thomas of Colorado, mem
ber Of the finance committee.
He produced hundreds of kilograms
and scores of documents, letters,
pamphlets, and newspaper clippings
which he believed showed an organ
lied attempt to manufacture public
sentiment in Colorado which would
affect the action OF its senators and
representatives. He gave the names
of many Colorado towns from which
scores of similar kilograms and let
ters had come, and said he had been
informed by some of the signers 3taat
they were practically forced to at
tach 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 Sen
ator Thomas furnished and learn
what forces were at work directing
news on the sugar fight.
This morning Acting Chair
man Reed believed the Investigation
would be able 70 turn the light upon
some Of the so-called lobbyists sub
poenaed before adjournment of the
senate investigating committee TO-
night.
Senator Reed announced he would
ask the senate for an indefinite ex-
tension OF time for the holding Of
hearings.
senator Oliver told the committee
he had an investment Of s1,5OO,0OO
in two Pittsburg newspapers, and q
700 preferred shares anu so common
in the Pittsburg Coal company, whose
product might be affected by the tar
iff.
Il never sought to influence any
senator in regard to the tariff on any
of the articles in which | am con-
cerned,9 said he, nor has any one
sought to influence me Improperly
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 be-
fore congress.
Il am perfectly willing to give the
public an inventory of everything ]
own" he said, but l don't think it
the purpose Of this investigation to
secure an inventory Of every sena-
tors property"
Senator Walsh insisted that it was
pertinent to ask how much Oliver had
invested in copper properties.