The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1924-03-21
SLNCLAIRLAWYERS QUESTION
COMMITTEES POWER

bcussing precedents when Littleton
and Senator Walsh, one of the
Senate's recognized authorities on
constitutional law, became involved
in differences on the powers OF
Congress and its committees.
Littleton proved a match for the
wits of the committee. Questions and
hypothesis were fired at him as from
machine gun, and as from u ma.
chine gun came his answers. all
telling the committee 1t had no bust
ness prying into the business OF
private individuals.
well, can't we agree on one
point" asked Spencer. that the
sooner this question is settled, the
better?"
Eyes, that's what want. want
this question settled"
Supplied With Precedents.
Littleton came well supplied with
presidents at one point, going back
to John Browns raid in 1859, about
which he spoke Familiarity and
glibly.
Littleton quoted Senator Sumner,
who was on the Senate committee
investigating John Browns raid.
Sumner held, Littleton said, that
the Senate committee was without
authority to compel witnesses to
testify.
Partisan feeling was pretty
high In those days." remarked
Walsh, land Senator Sumner was
not free from it,"
Yes, but he wasn't wrong in his
contention in this case"
U. S. Suits Cited.
"Since Mr., Sinclair's last appear
ance here another thing has come
up to challenge the authority Of
the committee" continued Little
ton.
He cited the filing Of suits in
Wyoming by Atlee Pomerene and
Owen J. Roberts, the Governments
special counsel to prosecute the oil
cases.
When Littleton completed his
arguments Senator Walsh expressed
his views on Littleton's argument.
Tn regard to the challenge that
| the committee has no authority, I
think we should go ahead with the
practice which has prevailed since
the organization of the Govern
| ment."
Walsh held that the annulment
did not exhaust the powers Of Con.
greSs.
Duty, Says Walsh.
1--WE would not have done our
full duty unless we made some
recommendations to prevent an.
other such occurrence of this leas.
ing Of naval oil reserves" he added.
ut has been said that Sinclair
has been before us befors and
should not be called again.
But, 1t is apparent that he has
not given US the full information
that we desire-namely, the books
and records Of his financial trans
actions in connection with the
leases.
II think we should compel the
witness to testify" said Walsh.
Sentaor Spencer then demanded
that the committee go into execu
tive session to consider What dis
position should be made Of the
question, after hearing Littleton
and Senator Dill opposed 1t. say
ing it was matter for public ex
animation.
LittletOn Gives Brief.
J At this point Littleton presented
the committee with the brief he
prepared challenging its authority
to examine Sinclair.
Walsh also opposed an executive
session, saying II each witness sub
mitted brief and sent the commit
tee into long discussions, the hear
ing never would be finished.
This Is only the usual objection
that Is made in court and think
we can decide now after listening
to Mr.. Littleton's argument
Walsh added.
Adams, opposing an executive
session. said Sinclair in previous
appearances has not given us
everything we desired"
Senator Bursum advised the com.
mitteO to conform 70 legal prnO.
tees anA not 60 Let itseif become