Evening star., 1924-01-29
M|SSLAPE BALKS
At BOX PLAN PROBE
Objects to Various Questions
Asked Of Her by
Senators.

The Senate committee investigating
propaganda met again today, devoted
half an hour to further examination
Of Miss Esther Everett Lapc. regard
ing the Box peace award, and then
went into executive session to decide
IL the steps for handling plans under
the award comes within the purview
of the commuters instructions.
Miss Lape, who had hesitated to
proceed with the description Of the
Box plan. at the direction OF Chair
man Moses was excused until tomor-
row. when the hearing will be re-
sumed.
At the opening OF the hearing.
to turn over all documents which ne
had requested of her at the last ses-
sion OF the committee. Miss Lape said
she desired 70 explain the documents
method by which the jury Of award,
at it's final session, deliberated over
seventy.seven plans. divided into
seven "dominent groups" and from
which the winning plan was chosen.
Says Plans "Leaked.'
Miss Lape declared after the an
nouncement Of Mr.. Boks peace award
had been made public through a
leak" her ONCE began to receive
plans, but that as conditions Of the
award had not been then made pub.
lie, they were returned with the re-
quest that they again be submitted
when the rules were formulated.
when Senator Moses asked for de-
tails of the handling of the plans
after they were received. the witness
expressed the opinion that this did
not come within the committees
jurisdiction and she was supported bv
senator Caraway, democrat, Arkansas
How the jury handled it's own
n TorR Is OF no consequence Miss
Lape said. The way in which the
plans were handled would serve no
useful purpose, only TO satisfy Curl
osity and disgruntled contestants
senator Moses insisted the question
was pertinent
rs it the purpose to find out the
method of selecting the winner?"
asked Senator Caraway
That may arise later Mr.. Moses
Miss Lape then proceeded to tell in
a general way about the groups un-
der which the final plans were han
died. The plans were handled in
u manner satisfactory to the jury
and ratified" she explained AT the
final session the jury considered
bers OF the jury, under seven domi-
nant groups"
Explains Groups.
These were: First. the court dis
associated from the league-dealing
with the court alone; second the
league Of nations. nine plans: third,
associate membership in the league
Of nations. five plans: fourth. cooper
alton with the league Of nations
three plans; fifth. the league and
court together. usually with reserva-
tions in both directions. sixteen plans;
sixth, some development Of the arbi-
tration principle. further develop
ment of The Hague idea. eight plans:
and seventh. other miscellaneous
plans, among formation of an entirely
new court, equal association OF ma
tions; outlawry OF war; an fnterna-
tIonal criminal court: revision Of the
Versailles treaty. an economic plan
based on raw materials; and pro-
gressive disarmament, to be secured
by cancellation of debts on the part
of the United States"
THAT is all very interesting" said
Senator Moses, but how did you
select the winning plan. which was
to be submitted to q, referendum and
later to force congressional action"
Miss Lape took exception to the
and Mr.. Moses said: Induce, then"
You ought to be able to induce
action by the Senate with an ex-
preston Of public opinion" Miss Lape
said. How the jury arrived at the
seventy-seventy plans can be OF no
concern to the people OF the United
States or the Senate"
II haven't asked that" the chair
man said. Il want to know the steps
by which you move toward the taking
OF the referendum"
But. Mr.. Chairman---" Miss Lape
interposed.
"Will you tell US If you are going
to answer7' queried Mr.. Moses. III
not. well adjourn"
Sees Implication.
Must l answer that question:"
asked the witness. There is an i'm
plica ton in it,
Of the committee to have the back
ground" said Mr.. Moses.
THE handling OF the plans came
before the first full meeting or the
jury Of award on October IL" said
Miss Lape The entire jury was not
present. Brand Whitlock was not
there. Let me say. however. that L
was in communication with all MEM
bers OF the jury"
At this point Senator Caraway said
that he did not think the resolution
covered this matter. and moved that
the committee go into executive ses-
sion.. Miss Lape was excused for the
day.
Iape that Senator Reed, democrat,
Missouri, who was absent from to-
days hearing. desired to question her
further along the lines which he pur-
sued at the last session, dealing with
the league OF nations. tendencies of
the members OF the policy committee
and the Jury OF award, under The
American peace plan. sponsored by
lEd ward w. RnlS.