New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-01-30
One Brands Him Per-
jurer, Other Repudi-
ateS Pool Story
FISK ADMITS HE
HAS AIDED M'ADOO
White Says He Is Friend
of Bernstorff-Both Dis
claim Note Tip


washington was fatty contradicted
Yesterday by Pliny Fisk in the morn
ing and by Archibald S. White IN
the afternoon. These two men were
the principal witnesses before the
Rules Committee of the House, which
resumed its leak inquiry in the Gus
tom House.
"All romance" is the term ap-
pIed by Mr.. White to Lawsons
story. Mr.. Fisk recommended that
Lawson be put behind the bars for
perjury"
Their reputation of Lawson's
statements will materially shorten
the hearing here, in the opinion OF
several committeeman. On the other
hand. it may very well result in
the recall of Lawson. 1t is under
stood that the Boston financier has
been ordered to remain in touch with
the committee.
Mr.. White is the man on whom Law
son mined bis tale of Pliny Flsks
boast that h. (Fisk) could call secre-
tary McAdoo out of bed to the teie-
rbone whenever he chose, so great was
his influence with the Secretary.
Coutradicts lawson Flatly
Mr.. White denied that Fisk had ever
made snch a boast. that he had ever
retailed it to Lawson or that he hsd
ever mentioned Fisk TO Lawson IN any
relation. though he had seen Lawson
about zee a week during October NO
vem6er and December of last year.
usually at the Hotel Belmont, IN Law
sons apartment.
Another person whom White Jaw on
occasion during this period was Count
Won Bernstorf. He denied, however,
that he had ever introduced Lawson to
the German Ambassador or helped TO
bring them .ogether Sherman L.
Wbipple. counsel to the committee
pressed him hard on this point.
The witness acknowledged that Nc
Sweeney. Lawson's confidential man.
mad come to him on one occasion. varl-
ously described as two years. year
and half and year ago, and asKeo
him 10 arrange a meeting between his
two friends. But he replied, he sslo;
MAKE your own own arrangements.
TIE two had met.
Wbito's friendship for both Lawson
and Won Bernstorff was the subject o.
most careful inquiry on Whipple's part
an inouirv 10 be resumed to-day, II was
intimated. White would not admit tnat
he had ever had any business dealings
with either. though he has known them
for years.
Knew Fisk Only Formally
His acouaintance with Pliny Fisk, he
said was purely formal, a term by
which Mr.. Fisk had described il in the
morning On one occasion. however
botb agreed White had sought FISK out
10 interest him in stock of the tederal
Chemical Company. White promotlon.
The witness invariably described ms
conversations with Lawson on ms ire
ouent visits to the latter's apartment
Al the Belmont. on the occasion OF
dinner a. Delmonico's ana once Wneil
thar met by accident at the onice OF
II. Content e. Co., stock brokers, as
having 10 do with general business
conditions and the war.
did YOU talk about stock market
perations-about going into the mar
ket and opcrating?" he was asked.
"No, sir. | never operate.
But about his operating
"No, sir"
sThese weekly social conversations
seem to have become rather a habit
How did you get it?'
4 don't consider that l had the
habit, sir"
White Is Calm Witness
In contrast 20 Pliny Fisk, whose
voice quavered and whose hands
trembled from nervousness while on
the stand, MIR. White displayed un-
faltering calm. lie is a stout man
Of early middle age. with generous
brown mustache, which he twrls up
ward at the ends somewhat in the Ger
man manner. lie never once forgot to
include "sir" in every reply, and IN
speaking Of his social acquaintance
With the Count and Countess Won
bernstorf II was remarked that his
intorations became slightly English.
Cant you recall" ne was asked,
that you went to see Mr.. Content and
talked with him and Mr.. Lawson about
the Presidents peace messsge?'
No, sir"
But | thought you said you usually
talked with Mr.. Lawson about the
war;"
Only in a general way. sir"
What was the subject of converse
ton. then"
"My general recollection is that our
observations had to do with the pre-
Nailing market"
DO you know Mr.. Bernard Bsruch -
Very slightly, sir"
You didn't meet him at Mr.. Con-
tents Office at any time?"
No, sir"
Have you any acquaintance in dip
lomatic circles ?" asked Mr.. Whipple.
"Yes."
Who are they?"
Count Won Bernstorf, the German
Continued on page 4. column