Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-07-05
Banking Legislation Probe.


them
Banking Legislation Probe.
Under this authorization il is proposed
to inquire especially into alleged efforts
to influence public sentiment for currency
legislation.
The special committee will take up the
charges that banking interests have Gre
ated and used fund TO sway public
sentiment on currency reform.
1t has been charged that the work was
done by an association. which has flood
ed the public printer with literature to-
ward specific aim and end.
The resolution reported today does not
contemplate. ii is said. reopenng OF the
money trust investigation along the
lines of the Pujo committee. but does aim
to reach a collateral feature charged to
be affiliated with the money trust. to
wit. the alleged efforts TO direct senti-
ment toward currency and banking re-
form desired by the money trust"
Mr.. Henry Of Texas has had this fea-
ture in mind for some time and feels
now that the way is made clear TO get
to it,
Text of Resolution.
The lobby resolution reported by the
House rules committee today follows:
Resolved, That the Speaker appoint a
select committee of seven members OF
the House. and that such committee be
instructed to inquire into and report upon
all the matters so alleged concerning said
representatives, and more especially
whether during this or any previous Con-
gress the lobbyists of the said National
Association Of Manufacturers. or the said
association through any officer, agent or
member thereof. did in fact reach or in
fiuence, whether for business. political or
f6afic nr nj
said representatives or any one of them.
or any officer or employe of this or any
former House of Representatives IN or
about the discharge of their official duties.
and IL So when, by whom and in what
manner.
Said committee shall also inquire
whether money has been used or I'M
proper influence exerted by SAID Nauohal
Association of Manufacturers or any
agent thereof to accomplish the defeat
for nomination or election OF any cahoi-
date for the House of Representatives OF
Congress. and said committee snail IKE
wise inquire whether members OF Con-
eress have been employed by said asso-
citation for the accomplishment OF any
improper purpose whatever.
Said committee is also directed 10 in
quire whether improper influence has
been exerted by said association or ~
any other association. corporation. o.
person to secure the appointment OF Sc
lection of the committees of the House
Would Ferret Hobbies.
Also, if that association. or any other
association, corporation or persons. mas
maintained a lobby. or does maintain
lobby for the purpose of influencing leSis-
lation by Congress and ascertain ana re-
port TO what extent and in what man
ner. if at all. legislation has been M
properly effected or prevented by reason
nf Sllch lobby. III II DC
found to exist at all now or heretofore
Said committee, or any subcommittee
thereof may sit in the city of Washing
ton or elsewhere to conduct its investl-
,ea,ions durin. the sessions of the House
or recess of Congress. 1t shall nave
power to employ such legal or cierlcai
assistance as may be deemed necessary,
to send for persons and papers and ad-
minister oaths. and SHAH nave the risht
to report at any time.
The Speaker shall have authority 10
sign and the clerk attest subpoenas dur
ing the recess of Congress Inc eN-
penses of said inquiry shall pe paio our
Of the contingent fund of the House upon
vouchers approved by the chairman OF
said committee, to be Immediately avail
able.
Henry Gets the Floor.
Mr. Henry OF Texas obtained the floor
promptly on the assembling or the
House today and presented the report
of the rules committee.
II object" cried Mr.. Levy Of New
York. when the resolution was read.
"Obiect to what?' demanded Speaker
Clark. abruptly. This Is privileged
uuestion-one of the highest privilege.
Mr. Levy then said he would make the
point Of no quorum, but withheld IL upon
appeal by his colleagues.
One hours general debate being
agreed upon. Mr.. Henry proceeded 70
discuss the resolution. first reviewing
the inciuents that led up TO the re-
porting Of the resolution.
This resolution is as broad as the
English language can make IL, said
Mr. Henry. land the special committee.
can 20 into any alleged transaction re-
lating to lobby efforts.
Committeeman in Accord.
Mr.. Campbell of Kansas. the ranking
republican member of the committee on
rules, said the committeeman were in ac-
pf