The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-01-18
FORD CONTEST WILL
Be HEARD IN OPEN
Senators Wrangle Over Right
Of Present Senate to Con-
duct Hearing.
LAWYERS URGE HASTE
Automobile Makers Council
Says Newberry Aids Spent
as 100000.

WASHINGTON, Jan 17.-1n taking up
Henry Ford's petition contestins tho
election Of Truman II. Newberry to tho
Senate from Michigan, the Senate Elec-
ions Committee decided to-day to hear
Ill evidence in open session.
A sharp conflict developed over tho
right Of tho committee to decide a con-
test for a scat In the next Senate.
Chairman Pomerene said when his reso-
luton for an investigation of the
Michigan election was voted down re-
Gently that Mr.. Ford's petition for a re-
count had not been filed and that n new
issue was presented with the formal
contest.
Senator Kellogg (Minnesota). Repub-
ncan. in denying that a new issue had
developed, insisted the contest should be
decided by the next Congress. Tho
chairman said. however, the question
would have to be settled later and dis
cussions with counsel proceeded.
Henry E. Bodman of Detroit. counsel
for Newberry, in announcing that the
latter desired to cooperate fully with
che committee in preserving all evidence
declared the bill introduced In the
Michigan Legislature to have the Michi-
gan Supreme Court take charge OF tho
ballots would protect all interests.
Wants Senate TO Act.
Senator Pomerene and other Demo
Gratis contended that the Senate itself
through the Privileges and Elections
committees, should act
On behalf OF Senator Townsend OF
Michigan. Senator Knox OF Pennsyl-
vania. Republican. read kilograms from
Republican organization officers in
Michigan and state Legislature officials.
stating that the bill introduced there to
preserve the ballots was assured Of
prompt passage.
Bodman said Mr.. Newberry did not
vote and took no part in the election.
but that he would not oppose injunction
proceedings by Mr. Ford to prevent de-
struction of the ballots.
Alfred Lucking. Mr.. Ford's counsel. in
osntending that the injunctions and pro-
posed legislation did not meet the situa-
tion, sked for an immediate investlga-
ton and recount by the committee.
I'VE DO not contend" he said, that
this Senate can bind the next. nor that
this Senate can determine the rights Of
Mr.. Ford. but the present Senate should
proceed with an immediate investigation
and recount"
Mr.. Lucking declared that tho ac-
Ahu"icuSoo IA el'O'VNu
Mr. Newberry's campaign were "only .
fraction" and charged that they actually
reached about $500, 900.
Ballots at Marquette and Saginaw AL
ready had been destroyed or removed.
he said, and correspondence OF tho New
berry campaign managers had been
burned.
Says Delay II Dangerous.
1T follows that every days delay Is
dangerous" said Mr.. Lucking. III the
6enate postpones an investigation for
olx months or q year the time will be
utilised to destroy and suppress the evi-
dence and put the witnesses beyond
reach"
Senator Ashurs. IN. NJ proposed that
mo serEeant-at-arns of tho Senate be
ordered to Michigan to take charge OF
the ballots. and the committee recessed
b consider the question. but reached no
decision. Further consideration Of the
caro was deferred until tomorrow.
To present the case concretely before
the committee Senator Pomerene's reso-
luton proposing an immediate invest
cation was formally introduced IN the
Senate late to-day. II provides for pos
session by the Senate committee,
through the sergeant alarms. OF all
ballots and other evidence and would
0tve the committee power to summon
witnesses to take all necessary steps to
prosecute an inquiry.