The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1924-02-18
ROBERTS RATIFIED
BY SENATE VOTE
AS OIL COUNSEL
Sensational Confession Pro-
videS New Evidence for
Teapot ProberS,
BY PAUL r. MALLON
United Press Std1 Correspoudenf

WASHINGTON, Feb. 1S.-Owen J
Roberts OF Philadelphia was confirmed
as second oil counsel by the Senate
today.
His confirmation, coming by an over.
Of the Senate toward bringing the
leases into the Federal Court.
A sensational confession" has pro.
vided the Senate oil investigators with
new evidence relating to oil specula.
ton.
Committee members declined to re
veal who made the confession and
were carefully guarding details OF the
new evidence. Several subpoenas have
been issued, however, for important
witnesses" whose names are being
withheld for the present.
Vote Is 68 to 8
The vote on Roberts was IS to 8.
Those voting against Roberts in.
cluded: Senators Ashurst, Wheeler
and Shepard, Democrats; Brookhart,
Frazier and La Toilette, Republicans;
Johnson of Minnesota, and Shipstead,
Farmer-Labor.
Senators Adams and Dill, Demo
Gratis who opposed Pomerene, voted
for Roberts.
Subpoenas require books of several
brokerage houses be brought to Wash
ington Immediately.
Senator Wheeler, Democrat, who is
rot a member Of the investigating
committee is leading the new trial
during the absence of Senator Walsh,
Montana.
Mclean I'm Washington
Edward B. Mclean, millionaire
Washington publisher, who was sub
poenaed from Palm Beach, Fla, has
arrived in Washington. Senator Walsh
previously said Mclean was called to
tell what he knew of reports regarding
existence Of a so-called S1.000,000 slush
fund and other matters.
The books Of the brokers are expect
ed to be in Lenroot's hands by Tues
day at the latest.
Lenroot refused to confirm or deny
subpoenas were issued for Harry
Payne Whitney, associate of Harry
F. Sinclair, Elmer Smathers, J. Philip
Bernhard, Harry B. Bernhard and also
the order clerk and Office manager
of J. P. Bernhard & Co. of New York
Court action on the oil scandal Is
promised within forty.eight hours.
Further hearings have been post
poned to Feb. %.
Confirmation of Roberts by the Sem
ate was believed certain, though after
considerable criticism from Senator
La Toilette and others.
Pomerene Is Confirmed
Atlee Pomerepe. Ohio, who was con-
f1rmed Saturday night by the Senate,
said today as soon as Roberts is con-
flrmed a statement Will be issued, out
lining the procedure the special coun-
sci will follow.
Pomerene indicated this will consist,
first, OF the injunction suit to stop
further pumping of oil from the re-
serves and application for receivers
TO take care of the interests Of the
Government and the leases until the
cases are finally decided; second. suits
to abrogate the leases, and finally,
converting Of federal grand jury to
return indictments against any deemed
guilty of criminal actions in connec-
ton with the lease.
Immediately after Roberts is con-
frmed, the Senate is to dispose Of the
resolution appropriating 100000 for
court action. This already has passed
the House and it's adoption by the Sen
ate will provide funds for employment
Of assistance by Pomerene and Rob
erts.
Ready for Action.
With these steps taken, the Teapot
Dome scandal will definitely pass
from the realm of investigation into
that of action. At the same time,
however, the committee will keep in
close contact with the special counsel
and new developments when the in
CURRY is resumed will Be instantly
communicated to the lawyers for such
action as may be proper.
Additional counsel may be selected
by the Senate. Senator Pittman,
member Of the investigating commit
tee, believed Roberts and Pomerene
ought to have some capable assistance.
He wants to propose that a call be
issued for volunteers to aid in the
prosecution. He believes some Of the
nations greatest legal authorities