New-York tribune., 1919-02-09

Reeds objection. in stating what he
knew of the man.
"As a result of month of intimate
association (studying the Baf case
with Musical | reached the conclusion" :"
Mr. Becker said, "and so advised the
Attorney General, that the theory of
the facts advanced by Mr.. Musica in
the Baf murder case was correct We
adopted it, prosecuted Joseph Cohen
for murder, obtained conviction
which was affirmed away up to the Su-
preme Court of the United States, and
Mr. Archiello, as he was known, who
had been convicted, was given new
trial by order of the court.
Becker Is Musicals Friend
'As a result of my acquaintance with
Mr.. Musica | became convinced that he
had repented of his sins and there
He is and for some time past has been
the intimate associate of my family
who know his past history.
"Mr. Musica is the friend of my
children; he helps them with their
Christmas, gives them Christmas pres
ents, and | have had the pleasure of
watching during this period, starting
In May, 1917, and coming down to date
the coming to life of beautiful spirit,
a beautiful Christian spirit, in the man.
which shows and convinces me that
is no man in the world to-day whom
trust more than | trust Philip M.
Musica. He is one of my best friends
| couple myself with him; l stand with
him, stand for him.
1t is the fact that Senator Reed, who
defended Hearst during this examina-
ton, is the man who has started this
new attack on Becker that has drawn
the interest of those who have been
following the propaganda investigation.
In this connection it is recalled that
Bradford Merrill, general manager of
the Hearst publications, who first
agreed to appear before the Overman
committee in Hearst's defense and then
decided not to, was seen in the Senate
lobby on Wednesday in consultation
with Senator Reed. With him also were
William A. DeFord, Hearst's counsel,
and other men of the Hearst staff. 1t
was two days later that the "New York
American" published exclusively Reeds
letter to Governor Smith about the Baff
cases.
Attitude of Governor Smith
Another point in the case also has
attracted attention-the question of the
attitude of Governor Smith in view of
the politics which is involved in the
Hearst Becker feud. One of the things
demanded by Senator Reed, in his
cross-examination Of Becker, was a
copy of vouchers signed by him in con-
nection with Musicals work. AS these
were in the archives at Albany q de-
mand had to be sent to the Governor
for them. Senator Reed wrote to SEN
ator Overman asking that he make such
a demand. In the letter he made a
special point Of speed.
"Please attend to this at once" wrote
the senator, "as it is important that ac-
tion be taken before the Governor (this
was Whitman) goes out of office on
December 81" Governor Smith took
office on January 1 and ordered the
records sert.
Watching the furry in New York
from this end also the question is
raised as to what object the present
attack can have in so far as Cohen is
concerned. AS Mr.. Becker pointed out
in his testimony, the Cohen case was
carried to the United States Supreme
Court and the whole matter of the
charges now made by Senator Reed
was thrashed out then. Mr.. Becker's
statement about this also was made in