The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1917-01-13
The Republicans in Congress
Sting Foe to Recommit-
ting Resolution
LAWSON TO BE
CITED FOR CONTEMPT
Henry Asks He Be Dealt
with by House if 1t
Is Needful

| Washington, Jan. l3.-The House late
yesterday recommitted to the committee
on rules the resolution, previously re
ported adversely by the committee, pro
viding for investigation of the charge
that there was a leak" OF the contents
of President Wilson's peace note. The
committee was instructed to report back
to the House within five days.
| The action was the result of the mo-
ton made by Chairman Robert L. Henry
of the committee, who, sensing the feel
ing of the House, asked unanimous con-
sent to have the resolution referred back
to the committee. He asked further that
the committee be directed again to call
Thomas w. Lawson, as a witness, to ask
him again the questions involving "a
member of Congress. a cabinet official
and banker" in the leak that he has re-
fused to answer, and, in the event he
persists in refusing to answer the ques-
tions fully and completely, he be cited
before the House, to be dealt with by
that body.
The request came as the climax Of a
stirring session. Republicans. believing
they have scored victory, shouted and
applauded vigorously. In this they were
Joined by many of the Democrats, whom
it had previously been believed, intended
to support their committee almost to a
man. Mr. Henry's motion followed a
speech by James c. Cantrell of Ken
lucky Democratic member of the com
mittee, in which he advocated that the
House give the committee authority to
compel Mr.. lawson to divulge the in
forma tion and to give it authority, If he
continued to refuse TO talk, to bring him
before the House for contempt.
Il believe it is a mistake to stop this
inquiry" shouted Mr.. Cantrell amid APP
plause by the Democrats as well as the
Republicans. many of whom were stand
ing in the aisles and about the speakers
platform. He said that Mr.. lawson had
declared to the committee that he could
involve men "higher up" and that he had
said that he would give the information
to a special committee, but would not
give it to the rules committee Don't
stop this inquiry now" pleaded Cantrell.
"Give us the authority to make him tell
us anu II Ht WON L ANll us, give us Llit
authority to bring him before this bar of
Justice" The applause was tremendous,
coming from both the Republican and |
Democratic sides. 1t was evident that |
the House was reluctant to kill the in
vestigation and face the charge of being |
afraid of an inquiry. so long as the Law
son bait was dangling in their faces. Ac-
,ordingly, Mr. Henry made his motion, |
md, after brief debate the motion was
adopted. Thus the Boston financier, who |
8 still in Washington, under the juris
LECTION of the committee, will be com
yelled 10 take the witness stand again.
The question will be submitted to him in
writing. Some believe that he is anxious
o be cited before the House and for that
eason will refuse to answer. The com
nittee will meet to-day to draft a new
nd more far reaching resolution.
Before the resolution was recommitted
litter partisan politics, punctuated once
" Kisses and boots by Democrats, was
injected into the debate on the adverse
eport by the committee on rules. Speak
r Clark time and again found it neces-
airy to demand order.