The Lexington progress. (Lexington, Tenn.) 1884-current, 1921-03-04
STATUS OF THE PECK
INVESTIGATION
(From Nashville Tennessean.)

(From NASHVILLE lenneSSean.)
Athens, Tenn, Feb. 26.-Conclud-
ing it's investigation of charges
brought by Senator John Houk, of
Knox County, against Capt, T. F.
Peck, Governor Taylor's nominee for
state commissioner of agriculture, the
senate investigation committee left
here today for Knoxville, where they
will spend the night and leave Sun
day for Washington.
The Washington trip was made on
the instance Of counsel for Capt. Peck
and the reason inserted in the record
is that Senator Houk had charged
that John Shelton Williams, comp
troller of the currency, had informa-
tion regarding Peck that could not be
obtained elsewhere.
Judge w. w. Cherry of Nashville,
counsel for Houk, failed to see any
necessity for the Washington junket,
declaring that Houk's statement had
been misunderstood.
1t seems to be that the committee
is trying to learn whether Captain
Peck violated the banking laws when
he deposited state money in the Etc.
wah Bank, in which he is a stock
holder.
The impression gained by observ-
ers at the hearing is that the major
ity Of the committee will recommend
Peck's confirmation in any event, un-
less something not yet discovered is
revealed concerning him.
Captain Peck was called to the wit
ness chair to-day, but did not testi-
fly because of objections of his coun-
sci, Attorney Beasley, which was sus-
tanned by the committee.
The investigation will be resumed
in Nashville, following the return of
committee from Washington, which
will probably not be until after Hard
ing Is inaugurated.
Representative Harry Burn was the
star witness at the morning session
of the hearing of charges against
Capt. Peck, being called to repeat the
substance of a conversation he had
with Prof. Sam j. Parks in Nashville,
during which prospects of the latter's
appointment as superintendent OF
public Instruction was discussed
Burn said that during the discus
sion Parks remarked that though
Senator Houk was taking an interest
in his appointment, he thought the
Senator might take. a little more in
terest if he were going to get some-
thing out of it.
ass In this connection, Burn saidst the
sum Of $500 was mentioned and
Parks, in casual sort of way said
that he would not like to approach
the Senator on the matter and won
dered who would be good man to do
it for him.
Burn said that he informed Parks
insno uncertain terms that he would
not do such a thing, and that he
thought the Senator would be af-
fronted by such a suggestion.
Parks then continued wondering, he
said, and mentioned Senators Cham
dler, Emerson and Luther as possi-
bilities. Burns testified that Parks re-
marked as a preface to his remarks
concerning the contemplated offer to
Senator Houk, he knew members of
the Legislature were under heavy ex-
pense. Burns was preceded on the
stand by Lee Sloan of Madisonville.
Sloan testified that when Brown
and Peck had first been named school
superintendent and agricultural COM
missioner, respectively, and shortly
after their confirmation had been re-
ferred to the Senate Judiciary Com
mittee, he had a conversation with
Parks.
Parks stated that he thought Mr..
Houk would stick by him and that if
Captain Peck could prevail on Gov
ernor Taylor to withdraw the nomi-
nation of Professor Brown and sub
stitute himself (Parks), that Captain
Peck could have the confirmation in
two hours.
During this conversation, the wit
ness stated Parks announced his in
tention of making a little present to
Senator Houk but did not specify
what he intended to give.
This line of testimony brought a
vigorous protest from Judge Cherry,
counsel for Houk, who declared that
it amounted to verbal charge that
Houk had been offered a bribe. While
expressing confidence in Houk, the
committee decided to hear the testi-
mony.