New Britain herald., 1924-03-21
COUNSEL PROTESTS
 SINCLAIR PROBING
lContinued From First Page.)

ohdt IS II your committee is in
 Nestieatins that entities you to take
 my client, who has been here time
 ana again with his books and papers.
 ana say you must testify further -
 Have you any Jurisdiction which
 entities you to do so under the
 standards and precedents of the Am-
 erican government?
 The right of congressional commit
 tees to call witnesses and papers from
 ail over the country to aid in farm
 lps legislation, the attorney argued.
 never had been sustained by the
 courts.
 Has it ever been denied?" was
 the reply.
 mere was long colloquy between
 Lntleton and senators as to the rights
 ot congressional committees to sum
 mon witnesses. Sinclair's counsel con tended that the committee was with
 out and vestigc of power
 If your ideas should prevail" said
 Senator Dill. democrat Washington
 this committee might as we'll close Its doors and quit
 Tt should either quit or do its work In a constitutional fashion," replied littleton.
 Rips Argument to Pieces
 As l understand Mir. Ittleton's position" said Senator Walsh, it is that members of congress are obliged for the purpose Of informing them selves concerning contemplated legis- lation 10 depend upon tho press. their ! talks with individuals and other vol untary information. which anybody may be willing to give them, but they cannot compel anybody to come . before q committee and tell it the . facts"
 Senator, your statement is facoti- ous' Littleton said.
 "Oh it is now returned Senator Walsh. Tt is a statement of your argument"
 The argument grew moro and more heated. Finally Senator Spencer. re- publican, Missouri. suggested that tho power of congress to compel atten- dance of witnesses should be passed upon as quickly as possible Little, ton agreed but was unable to advance method by which the question could be settled.
 Calling attention that tho govern- ment had brought civil suit in Wyom- ing against the Mammoth Oil com- nany in which fraud was charged , against Sinclair. l.ittleton said this was another reason why his client should not be questioned further. {
 He tSinclair) is personally charged ! in this bill fthe government bill Of complainD with n conspiracy 10 de- fraud the government" Little said. adding that fl was doubtful that Sin |, clair could be compelled to testify :, even in a court because of that e charge.
 As n matter Of Fairness and jus ~ tce," the attorney said. Sinclair , should not be compelled 10 testify T under the existing circumstances. \,
 The rules of evidence, he said. are 1, not observed by congressional com. o mittees. He then declared natly he :, cid not believe the committee had a s right in law to go now into matter :, already before the courts and prejudice the case" .
 The announcement Of igovernmcnt . counsel that there is to be criminal U prosecution in the oil cases 1.ittleton said, constituted another reason why the committee should not question Sinclair He added that it was safe 'fo assume" from tho charge against Sinclair and the bill of complaint in the civil suit that an effort would bc made 10 have him indicted
 What harm would he done to Mir. Sinclair if he testified here. if he has Q just cause" asked Senator Walsh.
 Just the harm you would suffer if You were subjected 10 present your E case before a mob in the street" re- turned Littlcton. You tell me you want to examine my client when he has been sued and maybe indicted, and compel him in an ex partc pro- ccedinE to make statement"
 "lf, he is afraid Of an indictment, he has ample protection" said E. nator Walsh
 "ics." replied the attorney you wtnt 10 bring him before you and compel him 10 take refuge under the plea that he might incriminatc him. eff"
 should we excuse him on that ground ." asked Walsh. You propose" littlcton returned, \ 10 force us tp the odium of plead ng pri,ilcro. of driving man who ias beon driven 10 plead to com 'laint in inc court and may ltr in- licted--tliat he must come here be orc tho whole country and make tho tatemcnt that ho is afraid of boinE ncriminated
 You propose to drive him 10 that humiliation. II is an outragr. \ re crsal of all traditions Of Sfhc law" 'Me do not agree with that" said Walsh.
 'Ii is g monstrous proposition" houied Littlcton. w will ncrt ou in the courts where sou have ent Us. and fight it out toe to toe. 10 not drive us into q foul atmos- here aud make d declaration which ill throw odium upon us to the E nds Of tho carth."
 When Iittlcton had finished. Ssna- ,r Walsh aid Sinclair had been alled for examination on matters hich he might have testified about hen hc was on tho stand before" There was an argument among .nstors as to whether the commit e should decide the questions raiscd public or private. Senator Spen- r. republican. Missouri suggested ] adjournment 10 study the matter It Senator Walsh declared that was lnecessary.
 No DetiSion Senator Bursum. republican. New sxico. said hc believed the commit 2 should proceed with the exam stiau of tfgg witness Senator Kan