Omaha daily bee., 1914-07-22
M'DERMOTT QUITS HOUSE
Illinois Representative Unde
Charges Resigns Seat.
WILL APPEAL TO HIS DISTRICT
lie IL Accused of Accepting n Fee
from PnwnbrOkeTs 20 Work
Against the Federal Loan
shark Inv,

WASHINGTON. July Representative
James T. McDermott Of Illinois today on
the floor OF the house, offered his resig-
nation TO take effect Immediately Nc
Dermott Is under charges in connection
with the lobby investigation.
McDermott, democrat, representing a
constituency which includes the stock
yards district OF Chicago, was one of the
figures in the exposure of Martin M.
MulhaI, star witness in the lobby inves-
tigatlon. A majority report OF the in
yestigation committee now ready to come
before the house recommends that he be
censured with officers OF the National
Association OF Manufacturers. A minority
report recommends that he be expelled.
His resignation came as sensation
today when, Immediately after the house
had assembled, he rose 10 q question OF
personal privilege and offered It from the
floor. declaring he would appeal his case
to the people of the Fourth district OF
Illinois"
says Alleged Bribe Was Loan.
lie said he had already forwarded his
resignation to Governor Dunno and had
announced himself as a candidate for re-
election. He presented a letter 70 the
speaker announcing his resignation.
unfortunately" he said. 81 came 10
this house a poor man; fortunately for
myself, however. taking into consdera-
ton tho character OF the charges made
against me, leave this house n poor
man. I have been compelled during my
services as a member OF this house TO
borrow money from my friends. II 30
ngt hat
opponents OF legislation which passed
this house, affecting their business as
pawnbrokers and as liquor dealers.
1T IL true have not had thu eduoa-
tional training. and perhaps tho social
training. and advantages that other
members OF this house may boast. /
have been invited TO many places In Chi
cago and elsewhere that perhaps some
members may think above my social
station, but have preferred to associate
with the people who sent me TO congress,
and when I am at home In Chicago I am
TO be found at my accustomed haunts
and among my old companions. asso-
ciatlng with the men and boys in the
great Union Stock Yards"
MuIhaIps Charges.
hulhal charged that McDermott had
permitted him to use his congressional
frank for circulating matter for the man
ufacturers and that McDermott had
claimed he had received 1880 from loca
pawnbrokers 20 work against the fedora
loan shark law. and a 5000 campaign
contribution from the Chicago Brewers
association.
McDermott's defense was that money
received from the pawnbrokerS was n
the nature OF personal loans. and tha
the brewers had contributed only $50 ou
OF personal friendship. lie also denied
a charge by Mulhall that he had forged
Harold r. McCormick's name to a checl
for $50
The majority OF the investigating com
mittee recommending censure reported
McDermott guilty OF acts OF grave i'm
proprety. undecoming the distinguished
position he holds, and added that hi
training and associations have not giver
him the ethical perceptions and standard
relative to public office that usually char
acterize public men"
The case was to come before the 10 tst
for a vote Thursday.