The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1919-10-27
SENATE COMMITTEE
REJECTS WILLIAMS
FOR j, S, COMPTROLLER

WASHINGTON. Oct. 26.--The nomi-
nation Of John Shelton Williams Of Viz
Einia IL the comptroller Of the currency
for renewed five year term was re-
fused appreciation yesterday by the
Senate ComUIttc" On Banking and Cur
rcncy. by n vote Of to T. cast upon
strictly party lines. III" committee dc
Cidcd To report tho nomination unfaNOr-
ably to the Senate.
This action, II is believed. marks the
beginning Of one Of the bittcrest con-
lirmati0n fights ever waScd IN tn" sem
ate. The chances Of ratification of the
committees action by tho Senate are
not certain. With the palitical status
of the Senate ~ Republicans and ~
Democrats 1t is hardly expected even
by the most intense opponents OF MI.
Williams that the whole Republican
strength can he continuously asserted
in the forthcoming executive sessions.
On the other hand. 1t IS not TO be cX-
rcctrd that Mr.. Williams can Poll the
unanimous vot" of tho Senate Demo-
Gratis. The administration, however,
will rally for a StiI night for coniirma-
ton.
Will Seek Early Action
After the commuters action Senator
Mclean Comm. chairman Of the Bank
ing and currency Committee, said that
he would report the rejection TO the
Senat" immediately and that hr would
seek tarly action in executive session.
This. however is hardly possibility
in view Of the present tendency of the
peace treaty in n" uprcr house. Fur
thcrmorr ihc Administration Democrats
will undoubtedly use every cndcavOr 10
prevent Il vote on the committee recon-.
incubation until they have had time ~
align their forces and seek 10 find
among tn" Republicans few votes
necessary 10 reverse the committees
action.
The Republicans would like TO draw
tho lSs>uc On tn" Comprehensive NJ the
earliest possible moment. If 1t shall
tranSprr that IN" majority have the
necessary votes 10 defeat confirmation ii
Is predicted that a continuous executive
session will lac forced and tho lssuc tried
out on tho basis Of an endurance test
The appointment is for a five year
tenn. and therefore in addition to any
reasons involving Tn" illness of Mr.. WILL
Jams /" IN" "Ulc, thor. art%"s N" Qu'S-
ton If whether IN" E"l,Ih!i"ans viii
want rs earnest a p"riisau Democrat ~
Mr. Wilson occupying one II The most
powerful offices in the Administration.
l'nl:l tn" S'uat" confirms In" nominal
zion Of Comptroller. cr rIiifI's IN" rec
"mmrndatiuu made Ey the committee.
Mr.. Williams Will continue TO s"rv" as
Comptroller during III remainder Of the
PRESIDENTIAL tenn Of MIR. Wilson.
Only One Phase Settled.
Yesterdays action hy the committee
brig TO an md only IN" phase Of the
wn0iH CaEr of Cumrrroil'r Williams. The
controversy over his appointment is
based upon III" Charc". reiterated L. III"
Cumn!it'" on banking and Currency by
"ppon.ntS uf Mr.. Williams. that he is
t"mpcram"ntally unfit for The office Of
c"nrtr"ll'r. II" was charged with hav-
ing used tho powers "f his office 10 vent
Personal >r!t"a. The nomination was
pending IN tho las, Congress while the
Democrats controlled the Senate. They
were unable, however. oven with their
majority, 10 force vet" to confirm and
the case was carried over into tho pres
ont Congress.
At tho last session Cf tho SIXty-ffth
Congress Senator W""Ns lMnsS.D APP
pcar"l against The C"u,!r!Ha':un ara
fought u before tho committee at which
he was then a member.