The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1917-09-22
SOlOns Turn Over Prop
aganda Letters To
State Dept.
PEACE WORKERS
MAY BE GRILLED
Lutheran Ministers and
Foreign Press Likely
To Be Questioned

WASHINGTON. Sept. 22.-Con-
gressional investigation OF former
German Ambassador Won Bern
storffs organized anti.war propa-
gsnda depends upon President Will
son Leaders in both house and
ser1te are eager to probe the ramin-
csSons OF Germsny's intrigue as a
result OF the state department ex-
pose OF German "slush fund" to
influence congress for peace.
But neither branch desires 10 take
any action that will hamper tho
state or justice departments In run
ming plotters 10 earth. This view,
coupled with the vast expenditures
and that the president wants con-
gress 10 quit soon and go home,
probably will result In no White
House sympathy for the proposed
investigation.
In addition Secretary Lansing en-
phasized that there is no indication
that any congressman received
money. He believes that Won Bern
storff was duped--as history shows
he frequently was--by sharps who
claimed they could deliver the
goods. were paid enormous sums and
then pocketed the money.
5st there is strong sentiment
"on the hill" In favor OF search
ing investigation.
Rich or poor. high or low
whomever II hits-an inquiry should
be launched" said Senator Sauls-
bury, president pro tenn OF the SEN
ate.
Senator HustinR. Wisconsin.
thinks somewhere in the country a
master propagandist" still turks,
directing the lines Of his intrigue
thru myriad agents. preparing copy
for foreign language newspapers
and laying the lines for telegraphic
and letter lobbying
II viii introduce a resolution 20
ferret ont this influence when / am
sure II viii not hinder the govern
ment" Husting said.
Apparently he was not convinced
such "A resolution would not embar-
rass the justice department be-
cause he made the statement after
oonferring with department heads.
Today senators and representa-
tiyes were carrying evidence by the
bale 20 tho Justice department.
Copies OF form telegrams and let
ters from the American embargo
association and other organizations
active In preventing war were sent
the department In volume.
sentiment also is increasing for
probe OF foreign language news
papors which despite huge with
drawals of Advertising and falling
on IN subscriptions continue 20 pub
lish. one senator saws he can tell
Of check for $4,000 signed by
Bernstorn himself and giveu an
eastern newspaper.
II an Investigation is ordered by
congress. It will take the following
course: HsMM
summoning representatives OF all
societies and organizations active In
trying 70 avert war.
Calling upon foreign language
newspaper publishers 20 show tho
source of their incomes.
Snmmoning many clergymen of
German and Swedish Lutheran
churches IN belief that much propa-
randa work has gone thru them.
Possible Qu1zlng OF some mens~
bers ot congress.
That an orEanizauon-powerfut
and richly supplied-Was ~ Bern.
Fforh's commnnd is certain IN ngnt
strTr-aT III sruTe.E rrporU. ~
was agreed "on tbs hifl -" But \ \
operated without he legislators
knowledge of is financial backing.
they declared.
won Beruetor5 had big orrzn-
ization and an expensive one worR
lnK on congress" said Representsr
tive Adamson, GeorEia There we're