The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1924-02-16
CHRIS T|AN
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CASE
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I said repeatedly to him that I
didn't know how he had learned
that we were about to issue the
complaint.
II returned to the commission's
offices and told my fellow commits
sioners. I didn't know what would
happen to us. We had made an ex-
haustive investigation, but after I
told them what had happened at
the White House we voted to issue
the complaint. I think that happen
ed the next day"
Thompson frequently referred to
the fact that the men in the field
were telling us we would never is
sue the complaint"
Ibid it occur to you that there
was an improperly in Christian
calling you to the White House
instead of him going to the office
Of the commission?" Senator Bruce
Dem.) Of Maryland, asked.
"It wasn't customary to be called
TO the White House." Thompson
replied. 81 don't ever recall It
having been done before that"
did you think you were being
sent for by Christian or by Presi-
dent Harding?"
"By the President, Of course"
Attitude of Commissioners.
what was the attitude Of the
commission toward this action Of
3r. Christian" asked Senator
La Toilette.
IT can speak only for myself, and
I thought It was a move to keep
a. from issuing a complaint
What else did you think?"
There was an impression In my
mind that this action on the part
Of Christian had something to do
with the statements brought to us
by our field representatives that
this case would never go through"
said Thompson.
In reply to a series Of questions
by Senator Wheeler Dem.) Of Mon
tana, Thompson declared fifty-five
cases had been submitted to the
Department Of Justice with recon-
mendations that they be prosecuted.
How many actually were prose-
Cutod?" demanded Wheeler.
Il can't recall off hand. haven't
my records"
eft seems to me-" intertected SEN
ator Watson Rep) of Indiana, that
these questions are a little afield of
an examination Of Christians fitness
Tor the position"
Palmer Didn't Prosecute.
= don't think So" snapped
Wheeler. IT understand that he and
Daughorty are close friends"
Were any cases Submitted to the
preceding Attorney. General "a.
Mitchell Palmer) thae weren't prose
cuted," asked Senator Fess R6p.)
Of Ohio.
Yes, one, the vaudeville case
when we were trying to determine
IL there was vaudeville trust"
Did Christian show any feeling
when you told him that the Famous
Players case was taking the usual
procedure?" asked Senator Gooding
Repl Of Idaho.
"Only one of great seriousness. -
did you have any reason to
suspect that Christian was connect
ed professionally with this COM
pany?" insisted Senator Bruce.
my impression was that there
was some one behind Christian or
he wouldn't have asked the cues.
ton he did about the complaint. !"
ibid you feel that he was using
MS official position to deter you
in this investigation" asked
Wheeler.
IL felt that some one was using
him because Of his official posi-
tiOn."
I'm other words" said Bruce,
The was trying to put the screws
on your"
II wouldn't like to say that"
Thompson replied, smilingly.
Thompson explained that "this
has been a, most unpleasant duty
and was excused from the stand.
When Thompson left the stand
the committee Immediately voted to
summon Christian to the witness
stand to explain the charges and
insinuations made by Thompson.
This action was proposed by Sen
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