New Britain herald., 1927-01-19

ing the highest principles of justice. But to my mind the showing that has been made and officially re- ported to the senate demonstrates such fraudulent conduct by the ap- plicant for this seat IS to demon- strate his personal unfitness.
 And the evidence further dis closes enough of fact to establish that his appointment grew out of his election
 This reference was to the fac, that although Smiths primary cam paign. investigated by the senate, had to do with the term beginning next March. to which Smith was ap pointed by the governor.
 Fraud, Reed Declares
 "lt seems to me" said Reed, That fraud taints the entire trans action, and puts it's challenge and stain on the credentials here pre- sented"
 Smith sat calmly looking at the speaker as Reed made his charges of fraud. He followed the Mis- sourian intcntly as he argued that the provision of the constitution al- lowing each house of congress to judge the qualifications of its mem bers was an unlimited" grant oi authority.
 Prom it there is no appeal" he said. "The courts cannot interfere and the executive cannot interpose.
 Borah Asks Questions
 Senator Borah. republican, Idaho, inquired if Reed regarded Smith as a member of the senate now.
 "Technically yes" Reed replied. But I doubt if any senator except the senator from Idaho had thought of that"
 Borah replied he was simply quot ing one of the most illustrious sen ators of the past.
 "Perhars," replied Reed.
 Reed then pointed out that Smith himself had been interrogated re- earding the testimony before the committee and twas given full op- portunity to answer.
 q want Mir Smith 10 have full opportunity to appear with counsel and have the fullest hearing before a committee which cannot be said to have pre- judged his case" he n course taken because I realize the gravity of this question:"
 In concluding. Senator Reed said the senate must do justice not only to Smith "but 10 the United States of America"
 "One thing is certain" he said. If this body does not protect Its own integrity, there is no power out side of the senate that can protect the integrity. We have the power and we must exercise it so that all may know that he who enters here must come with clean hands.
 And If that can be certified 10 this country, made known to. all men. then seratorial elections at least to some extent will be kept pure. Wealth no longer will he able to purchase seats of honor and power in this body"
 Senator Reed asked that his reso- luton be substituted for the Deneen motion to administer the oath to Smith.
 Bingham Backs Smith
 Senator Bingham. republican, Connecticut a staunch administra- tion supporter. then took up the fight for permitting Smith to take the oath
 Senator Bingham said the jour nals of the constitutional conven- ton demonstrated that It was not the intention of the framers of the basic law to bestow unlimited power upon the senate in the mat ter of qualifications of it's mem- bers. He described as extraordinary Reeds position that if the senate did not protect itself, no one else could
 Tt Is now proposed" Bingham said, "to deny a sovereign state In the senate until such time as his credentials can be looked into.'
 He added that the senate was trying to set itself up as a club and to determine who shall have in it.
 Senator Bingham added that the senate also was assuming a stan- dard of morality "higher than the states it represents"
 DO you wish to declare war on the state of Illinois?" he asked. Her junior amba ssador knocks at our gates. He has a right 10 be admitted"
 AS Senator Bingham read on and on from prepared manuscript. full of historical citations and technical arguments, the crowds in the gallery began 10 thin out, and many sena- tors adjourned to the restaurants for luncheon.