The Washington times., 1926-03-31
FENN|NG PROBE
IS URGED

| The most powerful influences at
the Capitol are uniting today to
force a joint Congressional inves-
tigation of charges against Com
missioner Frederick A. Fenning.
This was revealed at a meeting
of the House District Committee
It was stated that the most in
fluential House leaders have de-
cided to force early action on the
matter and that a resolution is
being prepared, with the approval
of Administration leaders, to pro-
vide for the investigation.
Advised Fenning, Claim
Charges that the Republican steer
ing committee of the District of
Columbia had met to take official
action on the Fenning charges.
We're made by Representative
Thomas L. Blanton of Texas
am told on good authority that
this Republican steering committee
met Sunday night and advised Com.
missioner Fenning that he had bet
ter make a personal request for the
proposed investigation, Representa-
tive Blanton said.
AS a result, Commissioner Fen
ming announced that he would well
come the proposed investigation.
Resolution Prepared
Representative Ernest w. Gibson
of Vermont announced that a resolu-
ton is being prepared which will
give ample authority to a joint
Congressional committee to in
vestigate every phase of the charges
against Commissioner Fenning.
He said that members of the
Rules Committee, which influences
all important House action, feel
that there should be an investiga-
tlon ano that it should reveal every
detail of the official and private
actions OF Commissioner Fenning
and others engaged in the alleged
ring TO despoil insane war veterans.
The resolution now being pre-
pared will provide for investigation
Of the entire District Government.
IN addition to the fleming matter,
Representative Gibson said. II will
include study of the fiscal relation.
ship between the Federal and Dis
tr1ct Governments and also of the
proposed broadening of the powers
of the District Commissioners 20
administer purely civic matters.
Decision Is Delayed
The District Committee was
prevented from reaching a final |
decision on the Fenning probe |
when the House convened at II |
O'Clock, an hour earlier than |
usual, to take up the impeach- |
ment of Federal Judge George w. |
English, of Illinois.
Formal action also was pre-
vented because reports from sub |
committees were given the right |
OF way under committee rules.
The proposed investigation was
brought up by Representative
Frank r. Reid, of Illinois, who
demanded information as to what |
House action has been taken re- |
garding the Hammer and Blanton |
resolution now pending before |
the Rules Committee He insisted |
that the District Committee should |
act If the Rules Committee neg.
lects the matter
Il must object to that" Rep
resentative Blanton said THE |
District Committee connot take |
action. IhlS committee has no |
Jurisdiction and has not the power |
to make a proper investigation
''It will be useless for this com |
mittee to ask question of volun- |
tary witnesses. We cannot compel |
the attendance of any witness and
we have not power to put wit. |
nesses on OATH
This is a case in which the mem
bers of the District Committee must |
unite to force action by the Rules
Committee. ] have talked to Re. /
publican leaders and l am told that
authority for the investigation will |
be given" Blanton concluded
A special meeting of the District
Committee has been called for Mon.
day morning. AT this time further
in the Fenning probe
will be discussed.