Evening star., 1926-06-08
.FENN|NC DECISION
EARLY NEXT WEEK
inquiry Concluded - Two
Briefs to Be Filed on Ques-
tion of ImpeaChabi|ity.

The investigation by the special
subcommittee of the House judiciary
committee into the Impeachment
charges made against Commissioner
Frederick A. F'enning by Represent
ative Blanton, Democrat, Texas, was
closed yesterday afternoon and ac-
ton on the case will be taken by the
full committee early next week.
In concluding its session. begun
MAY 20, the committee, through
chairman Graham, Republican.
PENNSYLVANIA, announced that before
concluding its consideration 1t would
hear briefs from the proponent and
the respondent on impeachabihty
of the office of District Commits
sioner. Mr.. Graham gave Represent
ative Rankin Democrat, MISSISSIPPI.
until Thursday night to file his brief
aud at the same time furnish Frank
j. Hogan, chief defense counsel. with
a COPY. Forty eight hours after re-
CENT OF this, Mr.. Hogan and his as
sociates, Thomas P. Littlepage and
Levi Cooke. will file their answer
Mr.. Graham eXpla ined that mas
much as the committee is composed
entirely Of lawyers its members
ments on the facts. which they will
take from the record themselves.
When the two briefs are In hand the
committee will dispose of the cases
in executive session early in the
week" Mr.. Graham added. Repre-
sentative Dyer. Republican, Missouri,
chairman of the subcommittee. then
announced the investigation as
closed.
Spectators Are Barred.
Chairman Graham's instructions to
Mr. Rankin included this clause:
"Suppose we reach the conclusion MIR,
Fenning is not an officer of the United
States and, therefore, not lmpeach-
able; then, if you desire, you may set
forth whatever action should be taken
bv the committee" Mr.. Hogan served
notice that his brief would declare
SIR. Fenning is an officer of a munic-
ipai corporation and, therefore, not
impeachable by Congress, and that he
also would give his views on the ap-
nIication of the Magruder VS.. Drury
Supreme Court decision to his clients
practice of accepting commissions on
bond premiums paid by lunatics for
whom he Is guardian.
The afternoon session yesterday was
held before q select audience ana
under the rules Of decorum. Only
those persons directly connected with
the case were admitted by Lieut.. H.
p. Warner. in command of the Capitol
Police at the House Office Building,
on orders OF the committee. ThlS
step was occasoned by the participa-
ton of several of the spectators in
the riot shortly after noon yesterday,
in which Mr.. Rankin and Mr.. Hogan
were the principals.
When the Fenning party returned
to the committee room after luncheon
they were accompanied by Headquar-
ters Detective T. F. Sweeney, who
sat In counsel row." one chair away
from Mr.. Hogan. The chief attorney,
his forehead bearing an increased
swelling from the blow of the inkwell
thrown by Representative Rankin,
frequently bathed the wound with the
contents of two bottles which he set
out on the table before him.
Disagree Over Term.
Mr.. Rankin continued his crOssex-
animation of Mr.. Jennings activities
as guardian, laying stress on his per-
sonaI care and attention to the large
number of wards at St. EliZabeth's
Hospital Mr.. Hogan objected fire.
uuently and at one time the two at