The daily worker. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1924-1958, 1924-03-03
FORBES, HEAD OF
VET BUREAU, is
GALS new PERIL
Teapot's Understudy Is
All Set to Go

WASHINGTON, d. c., March a.
Col. Charles r. Forbes, former head
Of the Veterans Bureau, has begun
preparations for a fight for his lib
erty.
Refusing to comment on the bril-
berry indictment returned against him
late yesterday by grand jury in Chi
cago, Forbes after conference with
his counsel, James Easby-Smith, said
merely that arrangements will be
made within a day or two to have
Forbes go before a United States
Commissioner here and give bail of
$4,000 for his appearance in Chicago
when he is wanted.
Until he and his counsel have de-
ternined their course, Forbes will
have nothing to say, it was said on
his behalf. But it was indicated at
the same time that his trial is likely
to result in disclosures even more
sensational than those before the
senate committee which led to the
calling of the grand jury and the in
dictments against Forbes and J. w.
Thompson, Chicago and st. Louis con-
tractor.
In the senate's investigation, testi-
mony of scores of witnesses conferred
about the charge that Forbes had en-
tered into conspiracy to allot hospi-
tai construction contracts to favored
contractors, j. w. Thompson, st.
Louis, indicated yesterday was named
as head of one of the construction
firms favored by Forbes.
$4,000 Paid in Bathroom.
Elias H. Mortimer, Philadelphia,
former intimate associate of Forbes,
testified that he had given Forbes
$4,000 in bathroom in the Drake
Hotel, Chicago, as part payment to
Forbes for favors rendered the
Thompson firm which Mortimer re-
presented.
Mortimer also testified Forbes had
agreed to a division of all eonstruc-
ton between two groups of contrac-
tors, one to get all jobs west of the
Mississippi and the other all those in
the east, the profits to be split three
ways among the two groups and
Forbes.
Another charge brought against
Forbes during the hearings involved
him in the sale of quantities of gov
eminent supplies at far below proper
prices. 1t was for this, Brigadier
General Sawyer testified, President
Harding asked for his resignation.
In defense Forbes declared Nor
timers testimony was based on per-
Ional enmity. Mortimer admitted
he had separated from his wife on
account of quarrels begun during the
period he and Mrs. Mortimer ac-
.0p1pan.zd Ca an inspection trip to
The Pacific coast.
At the conclusion of the senate in
resignation, all evidence was turned
over to the Department of Justice
which sought in Chicago the indict-
nent since returned by the grand
Jury.
In connection with the new evil
lence, the jury stated:
THAT one or more officials of
he government used official informa-
ion for purposes of speculation.
"2-That two members of Congress
we're paid certain sums of money.
"3-That persons having no official
connection with the government or
hat particular department, had pos
session Of file of a federal de-
lartment.
"4-That money was accepted by
certain individuals, not attorneys, for
he purpose Of obtaining c,emency
or prisoners, thru their intimacy
With officials Of the government.
"5-That money was collected by
certain individuals, not attorneys, for
obtaining thru such intimacies, per-
nits for intoxicating liquors."
Thompson, who was in Chicago
When the indictments were returned,
urrendered and appeared before
Federal Judge Carpenter. He gave
10000 bond. Forbes is in Washing
on and is expected here this week.
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