New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-04-18
CRIMINAL SUITS
DISCUSSED FOR
RIGGS OFFICERS
White House Conference
Settles Details of
Prosecution.
rBrm me Triouns Bursu.l

Washington, April 17.--As an eI-
PLANTATION Of the long delay asked by
the attorneys for the Treasury Depart
ment in the suit brought by the Riggs
National Bank, a high administration
official said tonight this was to give
the government attorneys time TO pre-
mare for a criminal prosecution OF the
banks officers which is to follow as
soon az possible after the injunction
suit
An effort will be made, Il was de-
rlared. TO indict President Glover
Vice Presidents Father and Allies and
Cashier Father. This accomplishes
Inc suit against the bank officials for
me irregularities and unlawful pTac-
-icoe." charged by Controller Williams,
viii be pressed, according TO tins ad-
ministr2tion official.
Tho statement Of this official was
made after the conference al the Nnlte
Uousc between President Wilson, At
.orroy General Gregory, Postmaster
General Burleson and Louis ID. Bran
foi-. now virtually chief counsel IN the
case While the official IN question
would not admit that the plan 1or
criminal prosecutions was discussed at
tho conference, il was believed that
this was one Of the chief topics OF con
vcrSation.
I. vas also reported that one Of the
,,,ircipal reasons for the conference
,,as tke desire Of the President to be
Informed bv Attorney General Gregory,
Postmaster General Burleson and Mr..
E~~udcis. as to the strength or weak
,,es Of the position taken by Controller
Williams in the affair. After the con
ference, however. there was no doubt
that the administration was solidly be
hind Nr. Williams.
As previously announced IN The
Tribune. there has never been much
doubt of this. since besides Williams
The Secretary Of the Treasury McAdoo,
81 member, not only of the Cabinet, put
of the Presidents houshold, Is attacked
I'm the suit. There is not the same
amount of feeling against Secretary
WcAdoo. but 10 is plenty, and TO spare.
a straw showing that 1t is the Stten-
.+or if possible Of the administration
To- obtain a criminal Indictment against
the officers Of the Riggs Bank. IS the
fact that John +. Basky, United states
Attorney for the District Of Columbia,
has been brought into the case. Mr..
Laskv would be present at the meet,
irg of the Federal grand jury ana
probably would largely guide its ac-
lions. Hence. the administration de-
s.res him 10 be thoroughly familiar
with the details Of the government $
The connection. or lack Of connec-
rou. of Samuel Untermeyer with the
case remained a deep mystery to-day
Officials i'm the Treasury and the De
,.aytmcut of Justice would neither ad-
mi. or deny that he had been en-
Moved. one rumor had 1t that he was
ic.slrcd as the personal counsel tor
Secretary Of the Treasury McAdoo. IL
4. regarded rs almost certain. however
that IF Mr.. Untermeyer should be given
charge OF the case Louis D. Brandels
WIN sever his connection with 1t. as II
s. understood that he positively VIII
not uor. under M. Untermeyer.
.,,uc addition TO the army Of attor-
news now working for the Treasury ON
Gals. announced to-day. was Solicitor
General John W. Davis. OF the Depart
mcut o. Justice.