The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-20
MAYF|E HELD r | | H I. BEGINS IN SENATE
Hinged With Great Political Significance Because Of
 Ku KIuX Issue
By THOMAS l.. STOKES Leased Wire to The Age-HeraId.l


 WASHINGTON, Dec. 19-Tinged deeply with political significance because of the Ku llux Klan issue. the case against Senator Mayfield of Texas, which may lead to his oust- ing, has begun what promises to be a long and spectacular journey through the Senate.
 The first step toward the invest1- gation was taken Wednesday with the appointment of special subcom- mittee, which will sift the evidence. The subcommittee will begin it's work after the holidays, which will place the investigation in the hands of the full committee on privileges and elections shortly after the be- ginning of the year.
 Mayfield Is charged by George F. B. Teddy, whom he defeated for senator last year, with excessive ex- penditures in the election contest. IL is also charged that the Ku Klux klan exerted an illegal Influence in the election of Mayfield and that the klan is in control of the democratic party in the state.
 The expenditures issue will be most prominent in the investigation, 1t is learned, with It's tag of New berryism." while the klan issue, now very touehy In political circles, is expected to be soft pedalled,
 o o O
 Principal Champion of Newberry.
 Senator Spencer, Missouri. chair man of the committee which will conduct the investigation, was the principal champion of former Senator Newberry. The resolution which provides for the Mayfield probe Is the same. Spencer took a copy of the Newberry resolution and made the proper interlinear technical changes. It does not mention the klan.
 To the republicans, the Mayfield case is their opportunity to throw back into the faces of the demo- orats the charges which were hurled at Senator Newberry. Spencer is losing no time in getting the investi- gation under way. In the light of the Newberry case, the republicans regard 1t as strong political matter. The lineup of the special subcom- mittee which will sift the evidence and decide what is to be presented in open hearing is significant. Three of the members, Green, republican, of Vermont; Medley of West Virginia, and Klng of Utah, democrats, have six years in the Senate ahead of them. so that they do not face early races for reelection. Tke other members are Spencer and Ernst, Kentucky, republicans.
 The committee investigation and the fight which will follow on the floor is expected to be one of the most sensational in years. No limit has been set on the expenditures of the committee. Scores of witnesses are expected to be brought here from Texas. including prominent oil men who are likely to be called in con nection with charges that Mayfield. while state railroad commissioner, intimidated large oil corporations to get campaign funds. All the bal lots in the election are expected to be brought here for a count, similar to procedure in the Newberry case. MayfieId silent.
 Mayfield has been silent for months in answer to the charges filed in the Senate. He denied the general charges in a statement issued some time ago and specifically the charge that he had intimidated oil corpora tons for campaign funds.
 He will also deny, 1t is understood, that he was a member of the klan at the time of his election, claiming that he withdrew from the organi- zation in January, five months be- fore the primary in July. It Is un- 1 derstood that W. A. Hanger. Texas state senator, who was here few days ago, will act as his counsel. Luther Nlckels of Dallas, law partner of former United States Senator Joe Bailey of Texas, IS un- derstood to be Peddys chief coun- sel. The array of evidence which is expected to be presented by Teddy is said to be enormous.
 It is claimed that Mayfield spent approximately s150,0oo in the cleo tion contests. The Texas law limits expenditures to ,000-sS,000 for the primary and s2,000 for the gem eral election. The Texans defense. it is understood, will be that the money he is charged with spending represented the general democratic fund and that his expense account was within the law.
 There are predictions that the case may never be settled at this session of the Senate. because of the klan issue and the fear of opening 1t up before a presidential election.