The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-03-03
M'FADDEN WOULD
IMPEACH WILLIAMS
Pennsylvania Hesitates to
Act Due to Early Closing
Of Congress.
WILL REPLY TO ATTACK
Illegal Use OF. Confidential Re-
ports Of National Bank Ex-
aminer Charged.
Specia, Dsspotc. TO TIE SUI.


WAsHNGroN, March D. Following
the personal attack upon him and his
banking connections yesterday by John
Shelton Williams Comptroller of Cur
rency. Representative McFadden (Pa-)
announced to-day that he would reply
on question Of personal privilege to-
morrow.
He said further that he was consider
Ing Introducing simultaneously a resolu-
ton calling for Mr.. Williams's impeach-
ment by Congress and removal from
misdemeanors." Mr. MoFadden said to-
night that only the fact that the present
session IL closing caused him to hesitate
In this direction
II have ut my disposal" he said. "evi-
oence OF q nature that calls for Mr..
Williams's impeachment I had hoped
the Administration would permit the
House Rules Committee TO act on my
original resolution calling for an In
vestigation Of the Comptroller's office.
I have made repeated attempts to In
duce the committee chairman to permit
hearings on my resolution. Republicans
on the committee are aware, of this and
VIII confirm what I say at the proper
time. Whether / decide to demand Mr.
Williams's Impeachment tomorrow or not
his days as a public Official are num-
beher. or that the country may rest
assured"
His Methods Criticised.
The open and shut fight between the
Pennsylvania Representative and the
Comptroller, the lines Of which were laid
down in the latter's letter published this
morning, has challenged sharp interest
OF Senators and Representatives. One
OF the principal criticisms Of Mr.. WILL
iams In the conduct OF his Office of
Comptroller has been that in a large
number of his personal controversies
with bankers land other business men he
has used In his own defence confidential
information obtained through the use Of
the wide inquisitorial powers with which
bank examiners are vested.
The criticism OF this alleged method
OF defence has been promised on the fact
that this inquisitorial power over the
Affairs. Of national banks has been given
the bank examiners solely In the interest
Of protection of depositors and stock
holders Of national banks and trust COM
panies which have come under the opera
ton OF the banking and currency act.
In the belief that such information would
be held strictly confidential, the Comp
troller's Office. according to these critics,
has been given access to THE informa-
ton.
Contention Of Comptroller.
In his attack on Mr.. McFadden yester-
day. Mr.. Williams, II Is asserted, pub
lished again part of the information
so obtained. This publication was not
for the purpose of correcting alleged evil
practices on the part of the banking in
stitution In which Mr.. McFadden le in
terested. II Is charged, but purely by
way Of retaliation for an attack on one
public official by another.
Mr.. Williams II Is understood, meets
this criticism with the proposition that
II Is necessary for the successful per-
formance of his duties that he combat
with whatever means he has at his dis
posal any attempt to undermine public
confidence In his Office.
WASHINGTON. March 1.-The nomina-
ton of John SHELTON Williams to sue
coed himself as Comptroller OF the Cur
rency was called up at an executive ses-
sion OF the Senate early this morning,
but objection was made by Republican
Senators. and 1t went over. Mr.. will-
iams's nomination will be considered at
another executive session before Con-
gress adJourns, but the Republicans plan
to prevent favorable action.