The Washington times., 1917-01-03
Wood Insists on Investigation
of LaWSon'S Attack
on Congress.
BARUCH'S NAME MENTIONED
Defense Propaganda Leader
Charged With Profiting
BY State Secret.
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IeaII) there would not be quorums in
either the Senate or House next Mon
day"
The Wood resolution also recited that
MIR. Lawson had said that the good
old Capital has been wallowing in Wall
Street leak graft for forty years"
Demand for the appointment of a Sc
lect committee of five members to in
vestigate and require proof Of these
charges was then made by Congressman
Wood.
Charges Attack House.
These charges constitute an attack
upon the integrity Of the House and
its proceedings" said Mr.. Wood. And
the resolution is clearly privileged
Congressman Garrett. of Tennessee.
Democrat, quickly made a point of
ordtr against the resolution and other
Democrats came to his aid. Mr.. Wood
was backed up by Congressman Gard
ner, Mann, the minority leader, and
Campbell, of Kansas. all parliamen-
tary experts.
"This House cannot take UP every
loose charge made by any person and
declare 1t a matter of privilege" said
Mr.. Garrett. mot a member of the
House is mentioned by name in these
charges"
That makes the question of higher
Privilege" shouted Minority Leader
b. Mann.
IF these charges do not affect the
dignity of the House and integrity
of its proceedings" continued Mr.
Mann, Il cannot conceive any charges
that would. This man says we are so
dep in speculation that we could not
get a quorum here If an investigation
was started. Undoubtedly our dignity
and integrity are questioned"
Terms Him Scandal Monger.
Congressman Fitzgerald of New
York, Democrat. said:
I'VE cannot take notice here of
every scandal monger who seeks no
toriety at the expense of this House.
We owe something to ourselves and
the dignity of the House, without
aiding in the advertising of mud
singers"
"The mud is thrown at members of
this House." said Mr. Mann.
Congressman Emerson of Ohio urged
an inquiry, saying that Mr.. Lawson
was a man Of national reputation.
Eyes, reputation as a stock specu-
lator," interjected Congressman Fitz-
gerald.
Insists On Investigated.
Mr.. Garrett said he would withdraw
his point OF order IL Mr.. wood on his
responsibility as a member would say
that he had facts justifyinz an in
quiEy into the leak controversy.
II have facts which, believe war
rant an investigation, not only from
Ia, ~ f6fo hut for
its estimate throughout the country"
said Mr.. Wood.
Have you facts in your possession
refIectIng upon any member of the
House,
mo, but for the purpose that this
House may not be accused by reason
Of its ballot, 1 ask an inquiry"
absurd for the House to attempt TO
aid in a sensational inquiry.
do you not think Mr.. Lswson's
reputation is as good as MulhalFs?'
asked Mr. Mann.
Yes, I do, end l was chairman of
the Mulhall investigating committee"
said MIR. Garrett. But in that case
specific allegations were made and
members were called by name"
Fitzgerald Cites Precedent.
Congressman Fitzgerald once more
pleated with the House not to aid ~
notoriety seeker" He cited a pre-
cedent set by Speaker Reed in refus-
ing to hold privileged a somewhat
similar newspaper story accusing
members of Congress. in a general
way, Of accepting graft.
Congressman Gardner came back
with other presidents showing that
various Speakers had held that any
thing affecting the safety and dignity
of the House and integrity of its pro-
Ceedings" was a privileged matter for
investigation.
Congressman Emerson asked why
the rules committee had not heard
Mr.. Lawson when he was here yes
terday, Congressman Campbell. rank
ing Republican member, sharply re
piled that the committee had had nc
opportunity because Chairman Henry
had staged the star chamber con
ference with Mr.. Lawson and mem
bers of the committee were not in
Vited to attend il.
While Speaker Clark temporarily
withheld a ruling on the point OF
order the discussion became general
throughout the chamber as to the
privileged character of the resolu
ton so Unexpectedly presented by
Congressman Wood.
Speaker Clark finally ruled the