New Britain herald., 1924-02-15
VANDERBILT ADMITS
 HE HAS NO FACTS
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 derstood that country papers wer' ! usually valued on basis of F per cen earning power.
 I've heard the Marion Star earned s30,000 a year." he continued, "witi s69,000 in a particularly good year That would justify value O { s360.oo0 for the paper?" Senator Lenroot interjected. No Hint of oil Interests. Yes" Mir. Vanderlip continued Al the inferences were in these ru mors that too much was paid for tht | paper. but I never said anybody con, nected with the oil business had pait any money in the transaction. hoped that by bringing out the slan der you gentlemen on this committee would get at the truth and clear. tht memory of President Harding.'
 Did you think it likely that trutf would follow on the heels of sian. der?" Chairman Lenroot queried That by uttering these things which are islander if not true, you were full filling a public duty?"
 Mir. yanderlip insisted his purpose was as given because rumors like these make reds faster than any so- viet propaganda"
 Asked why he didn't come to the committee first, Vanderlip said he did not assume that the oil committed was interested in the sale of news papers,"
 The banker said he had heard the rumors about the sale of the Star from many sources. but that none who related them to him professed to have any facts.
 T believe it important these ru- mcrs be stopped" he added. There is distinct difference between ru- mors and gossip, when you get these things in responsible quarters you'd better look out"
 \ Lifelong Republican.
 You'd have this committee believe your only purpose was to clear Mir. Harding's memory"
 Tt was. I'm lifelong republi- can"
 Chairman Lenroot read another ex- cerpt from the speech. to the effect that the committee had failed to press the Fall examination because the ex- secretary might peach" on other men.
 Mir. Vanderlip admitted he had not known Secretary Fall refused to tes- tlfy. claiming immunity although that fact was published prominently in practically every paper in the coun- try.
 Do you say these things without Lenroot thundered at the witness.
 "I had some information" Mir. Van derlip said. Tt was an inference. If you have found that witness cannot testify without gaining immunity for a crime. then l was wrong"
 Senator Adams, democrat. Colorado, took up examination.
 How many people spoke to you concerning these rumors about the Marion Starr"
 "oh, possibly a dozen. Rumors were current in New York and They were general. Ru- mors were more serious than gossip, mere tittle-tattle'."
 Refuses To Give Names
 Senator Adams asked for names Of his informants.
 ''I do not care 10 give names" Van derlip replied. There were many people. in no case did they profess to know tho facts. They were deeply .l.
 The request for names was pressed repeatedly but always brought the same reply. The committee could kill the scandal, the witness said, "by the word of the men who actually bought Inc paper"
 Senator Dill, democrat, Washington, got further statement from the that under the circumstances, he committee should by no means have sought further testimony from Fall.
 You were perfectly right fin let ing the witness go for a criminal Mir. yanderlip said.
 He then was taken back 10 the Marion Star sale. This paper would DC worth moro because of the presi- lent's connection" he said. but I2 per cent. valuation would be fair or it.'
 Denies Grutlgc For Harding There is another rumor, since we Ire chasing rumors," Senator Adams ,ut in, that you had grudge l against Mr. Harding That is not true" Vanderlip ex- .laimed. q respected him. our rela- ionship was pleasant. l have rever- | nee for his memory" What information did you have | hat Fall was about to peach 2 Sem tor Walsh asked.
 q got it from very high quarter [ hat Fall had information: that he . ras going to talk. But I regard the now. as unwarranted."
 Criticizes One
 Asked if he had further criticized be committee, the banker said he ad referred to one member as being fanatically high-mipded."
 "Im quite clear that what l would ay 10 a little gathering Of neighbors couldn't destroy the reputation Of his committee" Mr. Nanderlip con- nued "But since it has reached 10 very corner Of the country, I'll say nat I think you've done exactly ght.''
 Senator Walsh commented that the matter Of the Marion Star pur hase has come to me repeatedly. but didn't deem it my duty to proceed 4itb If ru rnfrp r1gTuor." . MT. yanderiip reiterated that the tuation demanded publicity" lt There's very vide difference be- reen your speech" Chairman Lem pot put in. and what you have said