Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-01-08

dispatch OF such a note until after
printed copies Of the note had been
given to representatives OF the press by
the state Department | was not con-
suited in the preparation Of the note
by the President or by anybody else.
The conferences and communications
relating to the drafting Of the note and
its dispatch were confidential between
the President and the Secretary Of
state I knew nothing Of them what
ever, nor did any other person en-
poycd In the executive office.
| have no correspondence. written or
telegraphic, with Mr. BaTuch or any
body representing him. regarding this
matter ! have had no telephone talk
with Mr.. Baruch or anybody represent
ing him, or with any one else publicly
or privately with regard TO this matter.
DENIES BARUCH MEETING
Apparently the only insnuations
made against me are that l Iunched
with or met AIr Baruch at the Bilt-
more Hotel at or about the time of the
preparation Of the Presidents sugges-
tion that the European belligerents
state their peace terms | have never
breakfasted. unched, dined or taken any
meals with Mr.. Baruch, | have met
him only at several banquets and large
dinners, when many other persons were
present ! have never discussed any
peace or other note, either when II was
in prospect or aftcrward, with Mr..
Baruch or any other persons engaged
in the purchase or sale of securities of
any kind In the stock market.
While this is "A complete denial of
the only insnuation which has been
made. l wish 10 go further and say that
I have never engaged in stock-marltet
sales or purchases myself, nor through
brokers, friends or agents
discussed the Presidents note with
TO one first, because my oath of sery-
ice requires / make no private use Of
official information, and, secondly and
specifically because, as l have stated,
] had not seen the Presidents note, and
l did not know that il was in prepara-
ton, or even contemplated.
AWAITS APOLOGY
As I have already said, in a public
statement, ! have frequently requested
the President to keep me free from
any knowledge Of impending interna-
tiOnal moves. 50 that l might not be
embarrassed by requests for informa-
tion from the newspaper correspondents,
who appeal to me in my office con-
stantly for information.
The insinuations which have been
made whether conceived in political
malice or merely through misnfOrma-
ton. are wholly false and without even
the himsiest basis
l have not at any time since acting
as Mr. Wilson's secretary, FIRST when
he was Governor of New Jersey and
later when he became President, been
interested in any stock transactions OF
any kind or given any Information TO
any other person upon which pur-
~. I Nrrfgh
10 make this statement as sweeping
and complete as l know how.
/ am still waiting for Mr.. Woods
apology
FOUND No TRACE OF LEAK
Cross-questioned by Representati
Campbell, Tumulty explained President w
son had written the peace note on his oy
typewriter and that none Of the eXecuti
Office staff had any hand in 1t.
Asked II he had been able 10 discover a.
leak himself Tumulty said he had been
able TO get any definite information, thou
he suggested the very fact that the nc
passed through many hands might eXpla
the idea Of leak.
Il do not believe any of the newspaps
men violated confidence on Secretary La
sings announcement about the note" sa
Tumulty, but you can see newspaperm
mlght tell a friend-and Il would not IA
much for any one 10 suspect what th
means"
Tumulty said he'd made every inqui
possible at the White House 70 ascertain
any Leak was possible there, He found,
said that none knew about the matter, a
that not clerk could be held uaa
suspicion" He added every man ths
can be trusted apsolutsly,'