Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-04-24

Columbus. o.. Apr. 23.-Harry NJ.
Daugherty told an audience of
friends and neighbors here tonight
that he had given up his cabinet
post rather than contribute to
reasonable cause"
Files of the department of jus
tice, he said. contained abundant
proof of the plans. purposes and
hellish designs of the communist in
ternatioual."
Bear in mind" he added, that
the files which l refused to deliver
to the Wheeler investigating COM
mittee at the time my resignation
was requested. were demanded by
Brookhart and Wheeler, two United
States senators who spent last sum-
mer in Russia with their Soviet
friendS-thoSe same Soviet and
Communist leaders who preach de-
struction of constitutional govern
ment, destruction even of human
life.
Il preferred to permit my integ-
rity to be questioned and my honor
to hang in the balance for the time
being. rather than surrender the
files in the keeping of the depart
ment of justice. l gladly gave up
post of honor rather than con-
tribute to a reasonable cause"
AIR. Daugherty charged that "pil-
grimages to Moscow by United
States senator's had been arranged
Tor by the Communist authorities
after their efforts to capture Amer
lean labor organizations had failed.
mere tln RUSSIA no doubt, new
inspirations were advanced" he contin-
ued. as to what steps should be taken
TO cripple the government of the Unit
ed States and crumble the columns
that support it.
1T may fairly he Inferred that one
step in this direction was to CAPTURE.
by deceit and design, as many members
or the Senate of the United States as
possible and to spread throughout
Washington city ana the cloakrooms
OF Congress poison gas as deadly as
that which Slapped and destroyed brave
soldiers in the late war.
Time will not permit me to give on
this occasion the details of the various
plans and efforts undertaken to influ-
ence the Senate as body and indi-
Vidual members thereof When the
country is willing to hear and in condi-
tion to comprehend it, the whole story
will be made known. For protection of
innocent persons much of it must now
be withheld"
Mr.. Daugherty said that department
of justice records showed that n COM
munist movement began in the United
States three years ago to destroy conf
denCe "in our form of government"
ITO this end" he continued, Com
fdence in men of both political parties
had to be destroyed. when they could
not be dominated by the directors Of
the movement. At any cost. by any con-
ceivable method, cruel, criminal or
murderous. the character of men in
authority had of necessity to be assas-
sinated."
The former attorney general declar-
ed that official government records, OBJ
tanned from official Russian sources.
contribute indisputable proof" of the
assertions he made.
The Senate was Swept off its feet"
Mr. Daugherty continued. precedent
was cast to the winds. The protection
of individual and official rights has
been ignored. Under senatorial immun-
ity falsehoods were reeled off by SLAM
derous tonEs,es of constituencies sena-
tors. Groundless charges We're made
against those who had stood for the
enforcement of law and for orderly pro-
cesses."
Tho attorney general said of the
Daugherty committee that a majority
of this committee would make an adj
verse report without charges and with
out evidence.
II have been advised" he added,
that a resolution condemning the at
torney general was prepared even be-
fore the hearings before the investi-
eating committee commenced
Declaring that had there been any
indication that the committee investi-
cation of the department of justice
would be conducted with fairness and
along proper lines, Mr.. Daugherty said
il had been HIS intention to make pub
lie the private business transactions
of my life"