Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-03-04
Williams Routs His Accuscrs

THERE is no longer a vestige Of ground
for opposition to the confirmation OF
John Shelton Williams as Comptroller OF
thu Currency except what is found in the
most Objectionable sort Of partisan politics
and tho uncovered enmity OF bankers who.
against their will and to their own financial
inconvenience. have been compelled to obey
the law. The campaign Of innuendoes, ire
sponslble gossip and stabs in the dark, with
the motives which prompted it, has been
laid open to the glaring light Of day by the
comptroller in his letter to Representative
McFadden. Before this disclosure was made
there may have been some who were de-
celVed by the vigor Of the campaign against
MI Williams into believing in it's honesty,
and they may have questioned his fitness for
the high position to which he has been called
second time None was deceived thus how
ever VINO mad followed the attitude OF Wall
street ana other moneyed interests since the
time OF his first appointment. With his let
Ter TO McFadden, none, except those who arc
wlllfully blind, can fail to see and under
stand the animus that has prompted the
attacks on the comptroller.
McFadden halls from they State of Penn
sElvania. which, by the way, is the home
OIL Boles Penrose, who will be the next chair
man OF the Senate Finance Committee. Mr.
Williams letter to McFadden is a virile doc
ument bold in its knowledge Of absolute
honesty, and in conviction Of the Repre-
sentative's deliberate injustice and purpose
LOT political assassination. McFadden, who
in addition to being member Of the House
is president and cashier Of bank in fur
therance Of his own alleged questionable
financial methods. is charged by Mr. Will
nams with having launched the present cam
palgn against the comptroller because the
latter over term of years had forced him to
obey the laws. had kept his bank from wreck
and saved its depositors from what seemed
certain loss. This very proper interference
on the part OF the comptroller in pursuance
or his sworn duty. aroused the anger Of
the Representative that he launched his vim
dlct1Ve campaign. Challenged to prove the
truth OF his accusations that the comptroller
mas mlsused his powers, he failed to stand
forward Now he has been dragged forth
into the light, and his position is most
unenvable.
McFadden. OF course, has not been alone
In his attack on the comptroller for he has
mao at least the moral aid and encouragc &C
ment OF certain other interests which long
nave sought the comptroller's political scalp
IL mas not suited them to have a thoroughly
honest, capable and fearless banker in the
once which controls their affairs, and thcy
nave left nothing undone to unhorse him
ihelr efforts in several cases have been
proved or character with that OF McFadden
with the ground thus cut from under their
lect. enemies Of the comptroller still are abIo
10 command undivided Republican supnort
IN the Senate The political lines are drawn
and his opponents hope to prevent his CON
nfhauon. Such situation is stencil in
the nostrils OF honest people. The conn
troiler stands before the nation with c,o.,
record MS detractors and calumniator.
fou'eu' thclr motives laid open to the world
ana sui the interests which dread c1act
administration Of the banking laws arc ablc
70 rally the Republican strength ia tbnir
side. Should they be successful in defoot-
ing or preventing the confirmation, il vii,
serve as a guide to the powers that will
olrect the Republican party machine in U,.h-
Congress. over