The daily banner. (Cambridge, Md.) 1897-2008, 1919-02-08
PACKERS CONTRIBUTED
TO CAMPAIGN FUNDS
Helped Congressman Win Iheir
! Eights-Lavish in Use OF Funus'
! Despite Claim of Small Profits.

Washington. Feb. 6.-Swift & co.
contributed to the campaign fund OF
Representative Rodenberg, of ILL
nois, in 1912, and of Representative
Taggart, of Kansas, in 1915, Henry
Eeeder, counsel for Swift & Co.,tes-
tilted during cross examination To-
day by Francis J. Heney before the
Senate Agriculture Committee. MI.
Veeder said these were the only
cases he knew of in which such con-
tributions were made.
Packers activities in Washington
in connection with legislation, lnclud
ing proposed oleomargarine tax bills
and the Borland measure for 1nVes-
tigation of the packers, We're inquI-
ed into. Letters taken f1cm Mf.
Veeder's files were read by Francis
J. Heney. One of these, signed X.
=. NJ, who, the witness said, was K.
c. McManus, attorney for Swift, was
dated at Washington, January 3,
1917. and related to amendments to
the Revenue Bill and the Agricul-
tural Appropriation Bill. 1t said:
Garner, of Ways and Means, is
earnestly trying to initiate a revenue
measure with apparently excellent
prospects. We feel that there is no
use to argue now over changes or
forms-anything to get it out of that
committee. Of course, they have
our address, Underwood and Bank
head promise that if any mention is
made of revenue in the House bill
they will tack on oleo in the Sem
ate and talk opposition to death. The
danger is that a bond issue only will
be reported to meet deficit. The sit
uation is far better than we hoped
for. The plan is for Democratic eau
Gus action in committee and more or
less secret. I'll try to post you Dy
letter mailed tomorrow Sunday
evening.
Now on the Borland, Harry (code
~
0. what he thought of an amend
ment to the agricultural appropria-
ton bill providing funds for secre-
tary to make a study of the whole
subject of the production and mar
keting Of beef. He thought this
would augment the Bureau of Mar
kets work and effectually block on
other efforts. 1t is evident that the
department has changed its mind a
little. having found that the market
bulletins are popular. l should wish
10 see the specific plan before l vote
and there is plenty of time for us to
consider. (Later) Johnson ecode
name) just came from the Capitol
1ary con fidaai- that AhnfIe.oie . s-.rrs o 2.
ter resolutions would be reported
out. Maybe we will wire for you to
leave Monday p m. because things
may happen quickly
Can you mail check for $l,25O
Monday for W. F. J. as one-quartel
annual retainer of $4,000? He is al
work now and it would start us
right. G. F. S., Jr, ok'd it."
The IS. O." mentioned In the let
ter. Mr.. Veeder said, might nave
been South Trimble, clerk of the
House. who once sent him q turkey
as gift.
Mr.. Heney read letter sfrom Mr
Veeder's files in which it was statee
bv Alfred R. Union, counsel for AT
mour & Co., ''the big man" in Penn
sylvania had given assurances ther'
would be no prosecutions in 1912 TO
the sale of naturally colored oleo
margarine. Mr.. Veeder said he ha'
no idea who was the big man re
ferred to.
"If I mentioned his name Woul'
that refresh your memory any?"ask
ed Mr.. Heney. Upon the negatlV
RESPONSE of the witness Mr.. Hene
said there was only one big ma
| in Pennsylvania politics at that time
Mr.. Veeder testified that severa
oleo concerns contributed jointly t
funds for legislative work and otne
matters affecting the industry.
Mr.. Veeder testified that in l9l
| he spent $4,000 and the sam
amount the following year to oppos
interchangeable legislation
Congress. Several firms, he SAL
contributed to the fund.
Efforts were made to ascertain tn
opinions of members of Congress,
not to influence them, said the Wi
ness, who resented Mr. Heney
reading the worst meaning possio
Unto letters referring to packer
opposition to the Borland resolutlo
This resulted in another warm
change between Mr.. Heney and M
Veeder, in which the latter offer
to "go into Mr.. Heney's record.
Senator Norris said this was n
: relevant.
A letter from McManus gave t.
details of his associations with mel
bers of the House Agriculture Coz
mittee which had charge of the Bt
land resolution, and suggested tn
the representative who knew Co
gressman Warren Gard, OF On
sound him out.
Mr.. Veeder testified that Swift
Co. contributed in 1915 to ca
= paign of Representative Taggart'
L Kansas, after the election had be
held because he thought other pae
ers had done so.
- Did the fact that Taggart "
y 4 member of the Agriculture co
: mittee have anything to DO W!
this?" asked Mr.. Heney.
II THAT had a great deal to do w
it," replied Mr.. Veeder. THAT co
d mittee had charge of oleomargarl
a matters and others affecting us