The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1924-08-05
Senator CouSens Promises Biggest Investigation
of All When He Probes Into Treasury Department
By CHARLES P. STEWART
NE4 Cert,ioe Writer

NEA Service Writer
EVd ASHINGTON, Aug. 5.-"In-
W vestigating" is going to
T. break out again in Wash
ington, Sept. 1, probably worse
than ever before.
It will be only one investiga-
ton, instead ow half a dozen, as
\ earlier in the year; but that one,
for various reasons, promises for
to outclass anything heretofore.
1t is the investigation Senator
Couzens started into the Treasury
Department
Senator Couzens' plan is to delve
especially into the doings of the
income tax division and the prohi-
bition unit.
Against these two administtra-
tons more charges probably have
been made than against all other
governmental departments, bu-
reaus, divisions and units COM
bined. That's one reason why SEN
sations of the first order are fore
seen.
1t Is an investigation. of all in
v stigations. which has been despe-
taly fought. The fact, despite all
,stacles, that those behind it are
still determined to jam It through.
suggests a tenacity, a ruthlessness.
on their part that promises the
real thing" The character of some
Of the investigators suggests it,
too. -
May Enliven Campaign
And it will come right in midst
of a national campaign. Whatever
is brought out. If anything. will
have it's bearing-red hot, perhaps
ON the campaign itself.
It will be recalled that:
Senator Couzens first asked for
a treasury inquiry.
The investigating committee
Craftsmanship went to Senator Wat
son of Indiana, who wanted no
such investigation. Couzens was
given a place on the committee.
So were Senators King of Utah
and Jones of New Mexico. who
were friendly to the inquiry. but
seemingly not, at the time. en-
Enthusiastically so. A fifth member
was Senator Ernst of Kentucky,
who. like Senator Watson. didn't
believe there was anything to in
vestigate.
Couzens, with little backing, had
to push the inquiry mostly by
himself. No trained investigator,
as he expresses it. he simply
"f1oundered around"
But he didn't give up. as doubt
less it was expected he would.
Suddenly came the announce
ment that he had hired Francis j.
Heney, San Francisco graft prose
cutor, TO help him out.
This meant a sure-enough IN
vestigation-at once.
The outcry was terrific. Presi-
dent Coolidge himself joined in the
protest. scolding the Senate for
doing so much investigating, any
way. Couzens had no right to
hire a lawyer of his own. he said.
Can't Stop Them
But the Senate supported Cou-
zens. Since it was doubtful If he
did have a right to hire his own
lawyer, a resolution was adopted
for Heney's employment by the
Is Senate.
At that point Couzens. the in
vestigation's whole inspiration,
fell i'll. From that moment not
another word about the inquiry
was said and it was generally be-
lieved-and hoped by sonnet
had been forgotten. until a few
days ago, when, most unexpect-
edly, Senators Couzens. King and
Jones called on Chairman Wat
son, with thu news they were
ready to begin again.
Senator Watson resigned. Sen
ator Ernst was out of town, but
it was expected he would quit,
too.
Little, however, care Couzens,
King and Jones. They decided to
go ahead by themselves. Couzens
was elected chairman.
But to avoid the slightest sug-
gestion of animus. the three de-
cided to select other counsel in
place of Heney.
They set Sept. for the start.
There is small doubt they will
make it then.
If it develops what many officials
predict it will, it will be among
the most sensational features Of
what promises already to be a
most unusual presidential cam
paign.