Evening star., 1915-02-15
SHIP TRUST INQUIRY
VOTED BY SENATE
Burton Resolution Amended to
Probe Part Concern Took
in Purchase Fight.

the senate
Administration democrats and filibus-
tering republicans unanimously voted
for a resolution to look into charges of
lobbying by the so-called shipping trust
and to inquire into any negotiations by
administration officials to buy belliger-
ent ships.
A resolution, introduced by Senator
Burton of Ohio, providing for an in
vestigation by special committee of
the Senate to ascertain whether any
firm or corporation or individual which
might have an interest in having the
United States purchase the interned mer-
chant vessels has had any dealing with
any official of the government, was
favorably reported to the Senate to-
day from the committee on contingent
expenses of the Senate. and later
adopted unanimously.
The resolution was amended SO as to
provide for an investigation by the
same committee to learn what effect
the so-called shipping trust or any
firm or corporation had made to defeat
the administrations ship purchase bill
The committee is also instructed by an
amendment to ascertain whether any
senators are holding stocks or bonds
of the United Fruit Company or other
shipping corporations.
The report of the resolution was
made by Senator Williams of Missis-
sippi.
The Burton resolution, which was in
troduced Saturday, has commonly been
understood to strike at Secretary Nc
Adoo of the Treasury Department.
though Senator Burton disclaimed on the
floor of the Senate any intention of re-
f1ecting by an innuendo or otherwise
upon Secretary McAdoo.
Reed Criticises Burton.
Senator Reed. however. took the floor
and roundly criticised Senator Burton
for the introduction of his resolution.
II will say to the senator from Ohio
that he need not disturb his soul over
any opposition which the Secretary of
the Treasury may make to his resolu-
ton" said Senator Reed. 1.-The Secre-
| tary of the Treasury will welcome any
kind of investigation the Senate cares
| to originate. He has always been so
ready to furnish information that it
was not necessary to Introduce this
resolution. which. in effect, reflects
upon the character of the Secretary of
| the Treasury.
This innuendo should never have
been made in this chamber unless a
senator had before him the evidence
to prove the charges. This is very
grave charge to bring against the Sec
retary of the Treasury.
This body ought to be something be-
sides mere vent for scandal No res
| olution ought to be introduced in this
body for the purpose of spreading evil
reports which have been expressed
| only on the lips of the irresponsible.
II will not ask the senator from Chic
| if he has any information of any trust
|
charge as has been made by innuendo
\ in his resolution"
Burton and Reed in Tilt.
| Il am glad to hear" replied Senator
Burton. that the senator from Mis-
souri, is now taking his stand against
| irresponsible utterances in this body
1t was not so long ago that he adopted
| another course
| Senator Reed challenged Senator Bur-
ton to state when he had reported ir-
responsible statements.
| Senator Burton replied by referring
to the charge of 'insidious lobby
which had been made in the Senate
| bill, and which Senator Reed had sup
ported.
Those charges came to u.s." said
Senator Burton, without any tangible
{
/ Yes. and we made good on them,'
said Senator Reed. Senator Burton
called attention to the fact that though
many months had expired since the
tee had completed It's investigation no
report ever had been made by that
| committee.
Burton Denies Innuendo.
Senator Burton denied that he had by
innuendo made any charge against the
Secretary of the Treasury.
Senator Reed said: IT am glad that
the senator from Ohio had stated that
he did not intend to reflect upon the
Secretary of the Treasury. and that he
does not vouch for any of the rumors
| that have been heard"
| The Burton resolution as originally
submitted provides that a committee of
| five senators be appointed with the
power to compel the production of
| books. summons witnesses and take
any individual. firm or corporation in
the United States has made loans or
advances to any individual, firm or
corporation owning ships that are de-
tanned in the ports of the United States
or elsewhere to avoid the consequences
OF war; whether any individual Arm
or corporation in the United States
has at any time obtained option upon
any SuCH snip Ut SHlpS, whether the
person, firms or corporations having
made such loans or obtained such on
ton have any connection direct or in
direct with the government of the
| United States
Resolution Adopted.
When the Vice President put the cues
ton on the resolution as amended !,
was adopted without opposition.
The Vice President then immediatel,
appointed the following committee tc
make the investigation: Senators Walsh
Simmons, Reed. Burton and Weeks
Continue Fight for cloture.
| The democratic leaders of the Senat,
today said they would continue to fgh,
for a cloture rule such as that pro.
posed by Senator Reed of Missouri. Il
bring about an end of debate and 3
vote on the administration ship DUR
chase bill.
conference was held in the offic
of Senator Martin of Virginia thi
morning, attended by Senators Kern
Simmons. Fletcher. Swanson, Lea o
Tennessee, Reed and other democrats
In conformity with the action of tn
caucus Saturday night. it was deter
mined to keep the Reed resolution 70
cloture and vote on the ship bill Feb
ruary 19 before the Senate At
O'Clock today che Reed resolution cam
up as the unfinished business of th
Senate