The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-04-18
WILSON TO LEAD FIGHT
AGAINST RIGGS BANK
President Will Exert All His Power in Support of the
Treasury Officials-Reports of Criminal
Proceedings Are Revived.

WAsHINGroN. April l7.--Develop-
Wilson has determined to put all tnc
power OF his Administration behind
Comptroller Williams in the Riggs bank
ngh,.
The President went into the case care
fully in a secret conference with At
tcrney General Gregory. Louis u.
Brandeis, special counsel for the De-
partmcnt OF Justice. and Postmaster
General Burleson. Mr.. Burleson pre-
sumsbly was called into the conference
tor advice on the political aspects vi
the case.
one indication which was given of the
Presidents decision to make the Tight
an out and out Administration matter
was the disclosure that Solicitor-Gen-
eral Davis had been brought into the
case on the part OF the Government
From an authoritative official source
came the Information also that the Offi-
GERS OF the bank need look for no hesl-
fancy on the part OF the Administration
In extending Its full powers in the
case.
Reports Of Criminal Action.
The disclosure of the energy which
mad been infused into the case by the
President served to revive interest in
reports that criminal proceedings may be
instituted against some officials of the
bank because OF alleged dummy loans
and other transactions not permitted by
the national bank statutes. which we're
referred to in the statement issued by
Comptroller Williams the day the in
junction proceedings were initiated.
\ suggestion which was discussed
was that the Department OF Justice
might institute criminal proceedings in
the interval before May IL. which has
been fixed as the date for the post
poned hearing on the temporary re-
strsining order issued by Justice Mccoy
Of the District Supreme Court on Mon
day.
II Is known that some OF the Govern
ment's advisers are strongly of the
opinion that this would be wise step
provided the attorneys at work on the
case are satisfied OF their ability to get
indictments on the evidence which has
been gathered by Comptroller Williams.
There are reasons for believing, how
ever. that Mr.. Brandeis and those asso-
ciated with him will exercise the great
est caution in reaching 4 decision as
to bringing criminal proceedings.
Some Of the men who have the conf
dence of the Treasury officials felt that
while the institution OF criminal proceed
ings before the injunction order comes
to a hearing would be an excellent coup
on the part OF the Government such
/ action might prove boomerang IN It's
influence on public opinion II the Gov
eminent should prove unable to get in
dictments without delay
Governments Nttttudc.
Some officials are no; without the
fealiSstion that IN the exchange NJ
, statements this week the riggs bank
officials have gained an advantage as
far public opinion is concerned. I,
, la stated emphaticallH. however. that the
Government has no thought Of being
drawn into an effort to try the cas- IN
the newspapers. but = content to rely
on the ultimate judgment OF the public
as h Will b- formed on the merits Is
finally established
The only Indications which had been
forthcoming previously that criminal
proceedings are contemplated we're con-
yeyed in the first statement issued By
Comptroller Williams
Nj Williams in that statement Do.
clared that unlawful practices on Tho
part OF certain Officers - the bank had
been disclosed by his investigation Tie