Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1921-current, 1921-03-02
DEN|ESEITHER
SNAYEOPR|CE
Of RED ME- TAI
Price Of Copper Was
Fixed Solely by Me,
Says Chief Executive.
Not a Suggestion of
Scandal Connected
With Either He Vows

Washington, March 1.-Presiden,
Wilson flatly denied Tuesday charges
made in he house by, Representative
Mann, Republican. Illinois, and others
that b. NJ. Baruch and John p. Ryan
had profited out of the government as
a result of the fixing of the price oi
copper during the world war.
Writing to Representative Garrett
Democrat, Tennessee. the president
characterized the charges as 'tirrespon-
sible gossip" and declared he could not
allow this occasion to pass without
again expressing his great confidence
in Mr.. Baruch and Mr.. Ryan.
No Scandal Htuted.
There was not suggestion oi
scandal connected with either of these
gentlemen in any of the, war activities
in which they played SO important a
part" the president wrote. and wish
before the closing days of this admin
istration. again to say how admirably
they served the needs of the nation
and how unselfishly they devoted their
fine talents to the government in every
crisis which faced us during the crit
ical days of the war"
Inc president added:
ITO state that either Mr.. Barnch
OR Mr.. Ryan had influenced the action
of the federal trade commission in fix
ing the cost of production or attempt
ing to dictate the recommendation. eth
er Of the war Industries board or any
of the price fixing committees. is ut
terly foolish and without foundation in
fact.
President Fixed Prios.
THE price of copper was fixed sole
II by me upon the recommendation OF
the war Industries board and the fed
eral trade commission, after full exam
ination into the costs OF production
and without any attempt upon the part
of the copper producers or Mr.. Baruch
or Mr.. Ryan to exert any pressure
upon this government or upon anybody
with either Of the boards
having to do with these matters
The president said the charges and
intimations against the men had been
answered, but that
statement Of the facts By him as to the
cost fixing might further clarity the
'As a matter Of fact" the presidents
letter said. "Mr. Bernard Baruch and
Mr.. John d. Ryan, whose names have
been linked with irresponsible gossip
IN connection with the fixing OF the
price Of copper. had nothing whatever
70 do with the price fixing negotia-
lions, which finally resulted in the
statement ! made fixing tho price.
either at the time the price was fixed,
or subsequent thereto.
Rsadjustmsat Made.
Judge Lovett acted as chairman OF
he committee which considered the
irst price fixing Of copper and, af-
er due consideration, reported to the
PRESIDENT, In September, 1917, that he
lad fixed the price at 23h cents q
,ound on condition that the wages Of
he employees Of the copper producing
companies should not be reduced be-
ow the then prevailing price which
vas based on 81 cent copper.
"A year later Z readjustment Of the
rice was made necessary BY an In
reaee IN the railroad rates and cost Of
and after negotiations. which
xtended over many months, further
Increase was recomm ended by Mr..
tobort BroOktng, chairman Of the war
board. Neither Mr.. Baruch |
or Mr.. Ryan had any part In these
egotiattons which resulted In the fix
NJ OF the price announced BY me-"
Cites UasellisAasss.
The president said that for six |
lonths after this country entered the |
iar no. price for copper was fixed and |
nat the Producers took tho admirable |
osition that they would furnish all |
ne CODDAr nAeeaaary fnp v.ar vV,rnf,aea |