Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-01-19
Sherman Whipple, Demo- crat, Invited to Conduct
 "Leak" Inquiry.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
 TO BEGIN MONDAY
Selection of MT. Whipple Follows Bit. ter Fight Between Republicans and Democrats, Most of Latter
 Desiring Untermeyer.

WaShlngCOn, Jan. lS.-Snefman L Whipple, of Boston, Democrat, and a noted trial lawyer. was invited to- night by the rules committee of the house to act as counsel in the peace note "leak" investigation which, it now appears, will extend deeply into Wall street stock manipulations. Chairman Henry of the committee, and Representative Campbell, the ranking Republican member, said when the announcement was made, that it was hoped Whipple would ac- cept. From other sources there were intimations that the P5ston attorney had been consulted and was eXpect- ed to undertake the task.
 Further publid hearings in the en- quiry were postponed until Monday in order to give counsel and the com mittee time to complete arrangements and prepare for the further proceed. ings along the lines which the at | torney may suggest.
 The plan is to call as the first witness Mrs. Ruth Thomas Visconti, him Secretary Tumulty and w. w. I T Il, were beneficiaries of the alleged "leak." She will be followed by a l score or more of other witnesses, in- cluding men whose names have been brought into the enquiry and num- Der of New York financiers.
 Selection Ends Fight.
 The selection of MT. Whipple as the special counsel followed a bitter ] fight between the Democrats and Re publicans in the committee, in which Postmaster General Burleson and others participated. Several Demo- ! drats, including Chairman Henry, strongly advised the employment of Samuel Untermeyer. Mir. Burleson, often spokesman of the administra- tlon at the capital, is understood to nave been present to advocate the en- ployment of MT. Untermeyer.
 Representative Howard of Georgia, who announced his opposition to MT. Untermeyer, was importuned by Democratic leaders to give silent ap- proval of his retention, but Howard vehemently declined and his renewed protest, with the open objections of other Democrats and the unanimous disapproval of the Republicans, fav- ored the Untermeyer champions to [yield.
 One of the chief objection against Untermeyer was the fact that Law son is known to have discussed the case with him, and is known also to want an investigation of the stock ex- change. with Untermeyer in charge.
 The Democratic members struggled With the problem for more than "A ihours, excluding the Republicans from their conferences, while endeav- orlng to reach an agreement. Rep- resentatives Campbell and Lenroot, ranking Republican members of the committee, learned of the efforts Delng made to choose Untermeyer m the afternoon, and when their pro- tests were apparently ignored, issued statement assailing the Democrats. The statement, which charged the Demoorats with attempting to choose a partisan counsel, had the effect of bringing the differences to and end. The Republicans were invited to the conference at o'clock. at which time 1Mr. Whipple was suggested.
 May Broaden Enquiry.
 AoA'oCIoA IO DTOdQen the scope or tne enquiry was further in a new resolution. which specifically direct ca thorough investigation of the stock exchange, with the view to re- form legislation, and caused much dis cusslon in the Democratic conference early in the day. After the selection ol MT. Whipple tonight, however. it was said by Democratic leaders that the enquiry would proceed along the mes already outlined.
 A! one stage, when agreement on the counsel seemed impossible, sug. eestlon was made that the rules com nlttee immediately appoint a special committee to take over the investi. eatlon. When Untermeyer was no
 onger urged, this program was aban-
 m the investigation relative to the con1frmation lof Louis D. Brandies
 (Continued on page five,)