Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1913-06-02
ASHURST. BACON AND BoRAH
TESTIFY BEFORE INvEsTi.
eating COMMITTEE.
INTERESTED CITIZENS
ACTING WITHIN RIGHTS
Many Visit Senators to Make Inquiries
But Are Lsgitimatsiy Concerned and
Can Not Be Chased 40 Lobbyists,
Declares Ashurst-Witnesse Have
No knowledge Of Money Used.

Washington, June 1.-The first sena-
tors to testify today at the senate's in
! is working against the tariff bill. de-
clared they knew of no improper in
! tiuences being exerted, no use of mon
Fey, and had not themselves attempted
to improperly influence any other SEN
ators. All admitted having talked with
manufacturers interested in the tariff,
but all considerd such proceedings
strictly legitimate and none considered
the men with whom they talked as
lobbyists"
Senator Ashurst said, however that
man named McMurray had attempt
ed improperly to influence senators
against a movement to cancel con-
tracts by which McMurray is said to
stand to receive S3.5o0,0Oo. Senator
Borah also referred to the men Sem
ator Ashurst mentioned"
Just before the committee began
taking testimony Chairman Overman
and Senator Reed conferred with
President Wilson. 1t was said the
pl cSlucut WOulO lOl Uc CSdllOu OCAoA
! the committee but would transmit any
information he might have on the
subject of lobby"
Washington, June 2.-The search for
a tariff lobby, such as President Wilson
had declared was operating. began to-
day with the senate judiciary sub-com-
naittee holding open hearings.
Every senator was prepared 10
| answer a series Of eleven questions
| which constituted a 'grilling" to de-
termine whether he has any personal
interest in the tariff or other legislation
| or to find out what persons have ap-
| on the tariff bill.
| 1t has been estimated that hundreds
Of men Interested in manufacturing or
other business affected by the tariff
have been in Washington in recent
weeks and many senators claim it
would be impossible to remember all
persons who have called on them to
| make appeal for changes.
President Wilson's declaration that
| an "insidious lobby" large and power
| full, was at work, led many to believe
| that the committee might suggest to
l 1IeSlOeHL w llSOAl lLoI AAC SOAAA AAAeaf>S
personal statement giving any infor-
matio nthat he may have to the COM
| mittee.
Senators Called to Testify.
Senators Ashurst, Bacon, Bankhead
and Borah were the first asked to ap-
pear before the committee. A schedule
has been prepared limiting the ques-
tioning Of each senator to fifteen min
For ~ the
committee until 10 o'clock each night.
Before the committee met Senators
Overman and Reed went to the White
House and had a long conference with
President Wilson. Both declined to
| talk Of the visit but the president said
he had made suggestions to the SEN
| ators which would be developed during
the course of the inquiry. The presi-
dent was not asked to appear at the
| hearings and 1t was generally regarded
| at the White House that he would not
1t was said that the president had
placed practically all his information
| on the lobby in the hands Of Senators
| Overman and Reed and 1t was said he
! might later furnish the names of those
whom he believes to be lobbying
against the tariff bill.
| photographers ordered the members
| around in a businesslke way while
! some pictures were taken. Senators
Bacon and Ashurst foved aside.
"I don't care to get into such a pic
| ture," said Mr.. Bacon.
Ashurst In General Denial.
Senator Ashurst was first called. He
said he was not interested directly or
| indirectly or financiall+- in the produc-
ton, manufacture or sale of any article
mentioned in the tariff bill or any
other bill pending before congress nor
had he sought to influence any other
senator
| The committee then made the first
effort to secure the list of so-called
"lobbists" or persons who have talked
with senator's" about the tariff bill.
! Senator Ashurst said he had not
kept record Of those who had talked
with him but he was prepared to give
names Of all he could remember. The
first was ''Killiam Kettner, Of Califor-
MIA" who had asked him to find out
whether there would be any further
reduction in the tariff on lemons and
| fruit. The senator asked Chairman
Simmons. Of the finance committee,
and the latter said he thought the I'm
derwood rates would stand.
! Put told him. ss.S the scaa.c:.
that I wanted 1t distinctly under
stood that in asking the question that
/ was not urging the tariff be not re-
duced."
Citizens Acted Within Rights.
A Mr.. Mcclure, representing western
sheep men. and a Mr.. Tomlinson, rep
resenting cattle men, Senator Ashurst
said. called on him and by legitimate
argument sought to show him that the
sheep and cattle business would be
hurt by the bill.
Nothing improper was said to ME
by these men and what they did every
American citizen has a ri4ht to do
talk to their senator about their bus