New Britain herald., 1917-10-05
HELM MAY SOON
LOSE HIS SEAT
Alabama Congressman Must Sub
stantiate Germanism Charge

Washington. Oct. 5.-The House
with few dissenting votes adopted
resolution yesterday afternoon calling
for an investigation into the charges
by Representative j. Thomas Hef1in of
Alabama that there are thirteen or
fourteen members of Congress whose
official conduct in connection with the
war he regards as suspicious. This
remark was made by Mr.. Hef1in on the
floor on the day that Secretary Lans-
ing made public the note which Count
Won Bernstorff wrote to the German
Government, requesting authority to
spend $4,000 to influence Congress.
A newspaper interview In which
Mr.. Heflin was quoted as saying that
he had heard of a gambling room In
Washington where peace at-any- price
members got their pay by extraordin-
airy luck at cards also is to be in
CURED into. Mr.. Hef1in has since de-
MED that he ever made this state
ment. Two newspaper men who say
he made tho statement to them will
be put on the stard by hackers of the
resolution to dispute Mr.. Helms re-
pudation.
The author of the resolution, Repre-
sentative Stephens Of Mississippi, said
Heflin from the House unless he could
substantiate the charges. Under the
terms of the resolution the commit
tee must report before the adjourn
ment Of Congress. Both houses to-
day agreed to adjourn for the session
on Saturday.
Speaker Clark appointed the follow
ing committee to conduct the inquiry:
Barnhardt of Indiana, chairman; Ven
able Of Mississippi. Dewalt of Penn
sylva9ia, Longworth Of Ohio and,
Walsh CT Massachusetts. Longworth
and Walsh are Republicans.
Mr.. Stephens action was unexpect-
ed by the House. although he said ne
had informed Mr.. Hefin Of his pur-
pose yesterday so the latter could be
on the floor when the matter was
presented. When the resolution was
called up, as privileged matter, Repre-
sentative Hef1in asked If he might be
heard. Mr.. Stephens said he saw no
reason for discussing 1t and moved the
previous question.
May I not speak briefly?" asked
Mr.. Heflin
mot one word" replied Speaker
Clark.
The House voted heavily both for
the previous question, cutting off de-
bate, and for the resolution itself. The
chorus of ayes on the viva voce vote
was very loud apparently not more
than three or four votes against either
question.
Mr. Heflin was assured of his right
to call as many witnesses as he wished.
To prevent delay, however, which.
coupled with the certainty of final ad-
tournment on Saturday. might result
in no action whatever. the commit
tee intends to start it's hearings to-
morrow.
When the committee met to con-
slider the resolution some members
were disturbed to find that no speclhc
power to summon witnesses and ad-
minister oaths had been given 1t. Oth-
err members said these were Implied
powers
REPRESENTATIVE Britten Of Illinois,
also introduced resolution Gaining
for an investigation by tho Rules
Committee of Mr.. Helms charges
and for his expulsion If his explain
ations were not satisfactory.
Representative London Of New york
Socialist, said he contemplated pre-
senting a resolution permitting Mr..
Hefin two hours to talk on whatever
subjects no wished He declared that
If this were done Mr.. Helm would
make such "humiliating spectacle OF
himself before the full House that
further punishment would be cruel
and unusual
The Stephens resolution provides:
"Said committee shall report to the
House before the adjournment or TINS
session of Congress the result OF the
Inquiry and its recommendations as 10
the action which should he taken by
the House touching any person or per-
sons involved in, or affected by, or
making these statements and charges"