New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-09-25

enced by German propaganda. most
uncomfortable hour.
Grilled by dozens of indignant
members. assailed IN hot speeches
told that there was no punishment TO
ft the crime, and interrupted with cat.
calls and groans, MIR. Hefin admitted,
with the utmost embarrassment. that
he really had no information-he
merely suspected.
To cries OF "Name them!" he SAID
he would name the men he suspected
If investigation were decided upon,
but added at once that he could prove
nothing.
Representative Howard, Of Georgia,
who also had been reported as say
ING in an interview that he could put
his hands on the guilty members, to-
day declared in the House that he
had said nothing Of the kind. he was
not questioned.
Investigators Are Proposed
Two resolutions providing for an IN
vestigation were referred 20 the hules
Committee. One, proposing an inquiry
Of the Hefin remarks only, was IN
troducCd by Representative Fordney,
of Michigan. The other, providing an
investigation Of whatever Information
either Hefin or Howard might nave.
vas introduced by Representative
Norton, of North Dakota.
The Rules Committee Is in no hurry.
Chairman Pou said tonight that he
did not know when he would call a
meeting 10 take up the resolutions.
Members of the Rules Committee
have not forgotten the Lawson leak
. investigation. which they conducted.
That investigation was very much on
all fours. in their opinion, with an in
vestigation into Helms charges. Law
son had suspicious, but no proofs.
Hefin has suspicious, but no proofs.
Every member of the House realizes
that, If an investigation should be be
gun, Hefin would be compelled to
state the names Of the men he suS-
poets Those men would then be
branded for life, no matter what
should come out at the investigation,
IN the opinion Of members.
Moreover, every one IN the House
knows that there was 100000 at
the very lowest estimate, spent in
sending kilograms alone to further
German propaganda, and the exposure
that Court Won Berustorf asked for
$4,000 more last January did not sur
~ ANN many bAN tANNAsf sow 60 W N-'N
smailneSs Of the amount.
The Rules Committee obviously in
tends to give the House few days
TO think the thing over.
Before the committee meets II viii
have heard from the Administration,
which can with a word. either choke oil
or bring on an investigation. II the
Administration is neutlal, as was IN
dicated at the State Department to-day,
then the Rules Committee will sound
out sentiment in the House, perhaps 70
the extent Of bringing in a resolution
for vote without asking Mr.. Hefiin 10
name his suspects. If there is any in
vestigation, it Will scarcely be because
of Mr.. Helms talk, admitted IN the
open House to-day TO be founded on
nothing but his own opinions.
real inves tigatlon could be made,
according 10 some members, if the COM
mittee should go after the organiZa-
lions which conducted the propaganda
and brand the individuals connected
with them who are guilty Of accepting
German money TO play a German game.
What will the people think demand
ed Representative Norton, o. North Da-
kota, in the House, when last Saturday
morning it was heralded all over this
country, from Canada 10 Mexico, and
from the AtldullI " tllt oNl4lNs ~
every paper of Importance. the state
ment that the gentleman from Alabama
SAYS he can point out thirteen or four
teen members Of this Congress who
have acted suspiciousiy and, inferential-
Iy. who have received q part of this
$1,000 reported to have been asked
from the German imperial govern
ment?
I've may talk Of disloyaltv or Of
traitors; we may talk Of pacihsts; but
/ know Of no greater crime that can
be done to this country or It's people,
I know Of no greater injury that can
be done 10 this form of government,
than for a member of this body 10
charge against his fellow members
falsely that they have been corrupt and
that they have been taking money 70
influence them in their actions IN this
House.
Il do not believe there is a scintilla
of truth in this charge, but, if 1t is
true. there is no punishment severe
enough to deal out 70 such a man or
such men if found"
Wild cheers greeted this statement.
ION the other hand, if II is false,
lie continued, apologies on the part
of the man who made that statement
will not correct the evil that has beer
done" Here there was so much ap'
plause that Speaker Clark had diff
Guilty in restoring order)
"Having made that statement, hav
ing given it out to the papers OF this
country and caused it TO sink dowr
sn.c 10 hearts of tho ppOple OF