Evening star., 1917-01-15
INQUIRY ON LEAK
IS TAKEN Up AGAIN
House Rules Committee, Be-
hind Closed Doors, Considers
Methods of Procedure.
THOS. W. LAWSON DELAYED

A sensation was caused In the
"leak" inquiry this nfternono when
Thomas w. Lawson testified that
Chairman Henry Of the rules cOmmit-
tee, conducting the inquiry. was the
representative who told him that a
cabinet officer, n member of Congress"
profited in the stock market by ad-
vance information on President Will
sons recent peace note.
The House rules committee today re-
sumed it's efforts to get Thomas w
Lawson to give the names of officials
who he intimated in previous testimony
might be involved in his charges relat-
ing to leak of advance information on
President Wilson's peace note.
Before the hearings began the commit
tee met in secret session to pass on
proposal to ignore a writ OF hapeas
corpus in case Lawson should optaih
it in fight against contempt proceed
ings. Plans were considered to prevent
Lawson from introducing the name OF
any representative of foreign govern
ment in his testimony
While the committee was delipefat-
ing behind closed doors message was
received from Lawson saying ne coulo
not reach Washington at the time spe,
Gifted for his appearance. but would
arrive later in the day.
Immediate Service Ordered.
Chairman Henry then directed the
sergeant-at-arm to get immediate
service on Lawson and bring him be-
fore the committee. recess was then
taken pending his arrival
The committee voted to recommend
to the House the adoption OF anotner
resolution, which would broaden the
scope. of the inquiry still further ana
extend the time in which the commit
tee might report to ninety days This
members say. would give ample oppor
tunity to investigate anything that
might develop.
Later Chairman Henry received
telegram from Mr.. Lawson saying he
would arrive at pm Mr.. henry tnen
set the time for the hearing to resume
at o'clock.
It developed during the recess that
Chairman Henry received letter from
Mr. Lawson yesterday laying down Ger.
tain conditions under which ne Wouio
testify. His principal contention' II Is
understood, was that special con-
eressional committee should be form-
ed to interrogate him. The rules COM
mittee will not heed the condition.
Committees Powers Extended.
James Reilly. news. manager Of the
Wafi street journal. and Donald Nc
Donald, head Of a Boston financial bu-
reau. to whom Mr. Lawson is said to
have given the name of the congress-
man who, he says. told him the name
OF cabinet member, congressman
and a broker who were involved In
stock market operations, were waiting
to testify.
Two resolutions to strengthen the
powers of the rules committee to COM
peI witnesses to answer questions pre-
sented by Representative Garrett,
member of the committee. were adopted
soon after the House met. One of them
was general in character, but the other
would compel Mr.. Lawson to give
names specifically.
Representative Campbell. republican.
introduced a resolution for special
committee of five to deal with the
leak" situation.
Among others called to testify were
Bernard Baruch of New York. F. W.
McKinnon. Chicago broker. and mem
bers of the brokerage firm of Lock-
wood & Co. New York.
Lawson Reaches Washington.
Lawson reached Washington shortly
after 2 O'Clock and was met by a
deputy sergeant arms of the House.
Lawson informed the officer that he
would appear before the rules commit
tee promptly at 3 o'clock. and went
from the railroad station to a down
town hotel. The hearing room at the
House office building was crowded with
man and woman spectators for an hour
before the time appointed for Mr.. Law
son to appear.