The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1928-05-02
SINCLA|R-FALL
LINK IS Barred
BY EVIDENCE
Telegram Shows Connec-
tion in U. S. Leases of
Salt Creek.
BIDS ARE HELD UP
Oil Magnate Is on Stand
Again; Denies knowledge
of viii.
BIDS ARE HELD UP

of viii.
Bg United Press
WASHINGTON, May 2. - EVi-
dence purporting to show q connec-
ton between Harry Sinclair and
former Secretary of Interior Albert
B. Fall in connection with the 1922
Government leases in Salt Greek,
Wyo., was introduced by Chairman
Nye of the Senate Teapot Dome
Committee today, when Sinclair
again was called to the stand.
Nye produced a telegram from
Fall to E. c. Finney, his assistant
in the Interior Department, urging
that bids for Salt Greek leases be
held up secretly for a month and
half.
Nye also brought out that the tele-
gram was sent after Sinclair had
visited Fall at the Fall ranch in
New Mexico. Sinclair's bid was not
made until after the telegram, Nye
said.
Sinclair later got the leases.
Sinclair denied he had any con-
nection with the Fall telegram or
that he controlled production in the
rich Salt Greek field
ct don't know anything about that
telegram" he said.
Telegram From Fall
The telegram follows:
Finley (telegraphic error.
Think all bids should be held for
present. I know each of the three
Midwest companies will bid and also
one for all, also Sinclair and if we
not too formal and avail ourselves
of necessary part of month and half
which we have we will get present
Midcontinental full differential. You
can use my absence reason making
no announcement on referring to
mines (bureau of mines). Am quite
unwen. Bad cold, but will leave via
Ell Paso in two, three days.
FALL, SECRETARY"
Sinclair said he visited the ranch
around Nov. Is, 1922, to look over
the ranch property. He has main
tairled that he lated advanced Fall
$233,0O0 for a one-third interest in
the ranch.
Senator Walsh Of Montana, in
formed Sinclair that his attorney,
Martin w. Littleton had told the
jury in the recent conspiracy trial
here that Sinclair never received
any Continental Trading Company
bonds.
Sinclair said he did not know the
bonds were Continental bonds when
he received them.
Very Unique Deal
Senator Cutting (Rep.), New Mex
leo, developed that although Sinclair
contends H. M. Blackmer, missing
oil witness, formed the Continental
Trading Company, Blackmer's name
does not appear on the contract
while the name of Sinclair was af-
fixed to it as guarantor.
Sinclair said he had no eXplana-
ton to offer for this and he knew
of no reason why Blackmer's name
did not appear on the contract.
"It was my impression Blackmel
was the Continental Trading Com
pany," Sinclair said.
Eyes, 1 would say it was a very
unique DEAL" he told Cutting at one
time.
Cutting called Sinclairs attention tc
the United States Supreme Court
decision stating that the method
employed in organizing the Cont
mental Trading Company showed
it was formed for an illegitimatt
purpose.
Sinclair said he did not care tc
comment on the courts decision.
do you mean to say you really
expect the public to consider this g
legitimate transaction?" Cutting
asked.
II can't be responsible for what
the public believes" was the reply
Walsh asked Sinclair if he
thought Blackmer, Robert w
Stewart of the Indiana Standard Oil
Company, and James E. O'Neil were
working against him in making the
deal.
Orphan in Transaction
"Well was an orphan in this
transaction-they were all connect
ed with the Standard Oil Company
and I was the only independent
there" Sinclair said.
"If these profits of the Continen-
tai were in the nature of commission
to Blackmer, why didn't you give
Blackmer part of the money
why didn't you pay him commits
sion directly?" Walsh asked.
Il think I have testified fully
about my participation in this mat
ter. can't say what was in Stew
arts mind and what was in Black
mer's mind"
"You say Blackmer was broker
Who was he a broker for?"
IT guess he was broker for him.
self"
Sinclair said emphatically he was
certain he had made no contribution
to Governor Smith in gubernatoriaI
campaigns in New York.