The Omaha morning bee. [volume] (Omaha [Neb.]) 1922-1927, 1923-12-01
Bryan Hid
Road Facts
Says Reed
Farmer Legislator Declares
Governor Refused to Al
low Department Heads
to Testify.
New Inquiry Under Way

Henderson. Neb.. nov. 30.-Gov-
ornor Bryan's accusations against the
last legislature were answered here
today in a statement by Perry Reed,
chairman of the senate finance COM
1 mittee. Several times during the last
session. Mr.. Reed declares. he and
other members attempted to get at
The truth about highway finances, but
We're blocked by Mr.. Bryan. The
governor he asserts, forbade any de-
partment head to give information
to the legislative committee. Further
more. he says that the governor dis
couraged the idea of an investigating
committee to study the matter after
adjournment of the session.
~ feel I owe no apology for any
statement l may have made as a
member of the investigating commit
tee, as the report was based on figures
furnished us by officials of the state
government" Mr.. Reed says. "These
statements, signed by them. were a
part of our report and made part of
the record. AS yet I see no reason
for an apology, notwithstanding Mr..
Bryan's statements.
Mr.. Bryan called Mr.. Burke and
myself down to his Office on what
was thought would be the last day
of the session and told us there was
a deficit in the state road department
I stated that IL the figures furnished
our committee by the state account
ant and Mr.. Johnson were correct
there would be no shortage. Mr.
Bryan replied that Mr.. Johnson's re-
port to US was not correct. When l
suggested that a committee be ap-
rointed to hold over and investigate
Mr. Bryan protested and said he
wanted only to let us know before
he legislatur adjourned there would
be shortage at the close 81 the BIZ
ennium. This, however, was too late
his statements correct.
Was Refused Information.
Nearly month prior to that time
l had talked with Mr.. Bryan and as
chairman of the senate finance COM
mittee told him we wanted to work
with him and asked him for sugges-
tions as to the needs of the depart
ments under his jurisdiction and told
him the committee wanted him to feel
free to come before them at any time.
This was in the presence of Senator
Purcell
During the time the committee were
working on the appropriation bill we
were unable to get any of the heads of
the departments under Mr.. Bryan be-
fore the committee or get any informa-
ton as to what they wished in the
way of appropriations.
For several days we were trying to
get into communication with Mr..
Cochran, then head of the road de-
partment, previously in charge of Mr..
Johnson. Failing to get In touch with
Mr. Cochran the committee was
obliged to call in Mr. Johnson for IN
formation desired.
Word came to us that Mr.. Bryan
had forbidden the heads of depart
ments to give out any information or
appear before a committee at any
time.
Bryan Refused Cooperation.
During my several terms as legis-
lator this was the first time l was
refused any desired information from
the head of any state department.
"I feel IL any one owes the people
of the state an apology 1t is Mr.. Bryan
himself for his refusal TO work with
the legislature as all other previous
governors have done. be they either
republican or democrat,
What the people want Is the truth
and not statements made by any in
dividual to further his political as
pirations. While have not talked
with any members Of the investigating
committee, I have confidence in the
honesty and integrity Of Senators VIII
kins. Robbins and Banning and believe
when their report is made public the
people OF the state will know the
truth"