South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1920-08-31

tCD(l ~ Z I'D ROM PACE O\E1
knowledge of such subjects and that
the books and records OF the com
m.ttee treasurers would have 90 be
relied upon I'm that respect.
Gives Exceptions
Neither knew Of any large srdi-
viduaI contributions and AIR HAYS
was rather positive that the rCpub-
lican plan 20 limit individual gifts
70 s. 600 was being carried out sue
Cessfully. He knew OF thirty eight
exceptions 20 the rule. the largest
being for $4,000, Two for $4,000 each
and the other thirty five for lesser
amounts.
Mr Cummings explained that the
organization of which be was chair
man was poverty stricken when he
assumed that office and that he left
20 his successor 1851 iu cash and a
net Indebtedness OF slightly more
than 10000
A charge by Mr. Hays that as
early AS July 1919. the democratic
committee had installed an elaborate
fund gathering organization in the
Bond building IN Washington. was
explained 10y Mr Cummings as a
bureau for both propa EaEda and fin
ance. He said 10 grew from
hope but was reduced IN size when
u was found that the overhead
charges for maintaining the organi-
zation exceeded the receipts by from
$4,000 20 $4,000 a month
The two chairmen agreed that
legislation looking 10 federal con
troll o. presidential campaigns was
desirable. Sen Pomerene argued
that congress was pOwerless at
present because the supreme court
had held that presidential electors
We're state officials.
suggestion that a constitutional
amendment might be- necessary 20
give congress oversight of presidea-
tial campaigns. brought from Mr..
Hays proposal that the parties
might unite I'm an effort TO obtain
such a basic law.
Hays Hopes.
Earlier IN the day Mr.. Hays had
hoped that this committee VIII re-
commend The passage OF "a bill regu-
latinE primary election expenditures
i'm national congressional and sena-
tOrial campaigns.
He also favored having all pri-
mary elections for federal officials
held on a single day IN every state.
Rep. Flood estimated that S22O,-
900 would lee required by his demo-
cratic congressional committee 10
conduct its efforts properly. but pre-
scented figures 20 show that he had
received only $500 in subscriptions.
He turned the money over 20 the
democratic national committee, he
said. and expected that committee 10
finance his congressional campaigns
on questioning Air. Cummings,
Chairman Kenyon asked how much
money 10 would take to- buy the
American electorate. saying Gov.
Cox had charged that the republi-
cans were raising $15-0o0,eOo Tor this
purpose.
Sharp Rcjoindcr.
Harding couldn't be elected no
matter how much money is spent in
his behalf" reioined Mr.. Cummings.
Gov. Cox did not say that the
American electorate could be bought
for S15.GOa.0OO, but he did say an at
tempt was being made 20 do So
He could not say how many fed
eraI officials were ar san Francisco.
but referred the committee 10 the
convention records He did not
know that the secretary OF the navy
jourueyed 20 san Francisco on bat
UcshiD az government expense as
suggested Iv Nr. Kenyon. but added
If the question is intended 20 re-
fleet on Scc'y Daniels il would be
more proper 90 ask him. There is "a
lot OF political talk i'm every cam
paign that doesn't amount to much
and 20 my mind this is some OF that
kind"
Fred W. Tpham. republican ma
tiCrll treasurer. VIII uc the first wit
ness Tuesday Nr. Kenyon announC-
ed when tho committee adjourned.
lie viii bc followed by Wilbur W.
Marsh. democratic trcausurer.