The Washington times., 1929-03-29
WARRAN |
NOW OUT
AGAINST
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known drys In Congress, among
them Representative Hudson Us) Of
Michigan. Representative Morgan
(FIl Of ohio, Representative Gibson
R) Of Vermont. Representative
Hastings d. of Oklahoma, Repre-.
sentative Hall R.) OF North Dakota,
Representative williams (R.l Of
Illinois, and Representative Selvig
Cs.) OF Minnesota. All OF these were
recorded as voting for the Jones act.
Morgan Denies Charge
Representative Morgan has denied
that he brought in any liquor, as
alleged by newSpa Fer stories printed
in New York. Morgan and Hudson
are two of the main pillars Of the
Anti.Saloon League in the House.
Both the Treasury and Justice
departments have adopted a "huSh,
hush attitude toward inquiries
concerning the Panama party, al.
Z though the Treasury did contend
today that no orders were issued
to the customs authorities in New
York for freedom Of the port" for
the returning congressman.
All that was done in their cases,
said Assistant Secretary Lowman'
In charge Of prohibition and Gus
toms, was to accord them the usual
courtesy" Of the port. which en-
titles them only to prompt and ex-
peditious examination Of their bag
gage.
II the customs agents at New York
allowed them to pass through with
out examination of their luggage
we'll, shrugged the Treasury, that Is
up to the customs authorities In
New York.
Don't Want Investigation
Treasury officials said there was
no disposition on their part to IN.
vestigate the affair. Department Of
Justice officials were similarly dis
interested.
Unless Congress evinces a desire
to investigate itself on the prohibi'
ton uuestiorl---and those who be-
lieve that can be numbered on the
fingers Of the Armless Wonder-lt
appeared today that the Panama
party" would be allowed to die a
natural death from inattention.
Some interesting local points arise
In the M1chaelSOn case'
Legislation Questioned
Under indictment for a Federal Of.
Tense for six months, Michaelson
has continued to hold office, and,
by his vote, exercised an influence
on legislation. Some question
whether this is legal.
When John w. Langley, a mem
her of Congress from Kentucky,
was indicted several years ago for
conspiracy to violate the prohibition
Eact, he withdrew from Congress,
land upon his conviction some
months later, resigned his seat.
While under indictment he did not
ATTEND sessions Of Congress, nor
participate in the affairs OF the
House.
Also. 1t was pointed out today,
Michaelson was elected last No.
vember to another term. All men,
bers of the House must take the
oath Of office on April Is, when
the House assemblies in extraordi.
nary session. It IL probable that
Michaelson's right to be sworn in
will be challenged If he presents
his credentials.
Mcbride Non. Commital
Dr.. F. Scott Mcbride, head of
the Anti-Saloon League, had this to
say about the case today:
IT wouldn't presume to say what
should be done in the case Of Con.
gresham Michaelson. That would
be presumptious in me. 1t is a
matter for the Government. This
is not a law.enHorcement agency,
but a sentiment.making agency.
at is easy to indict people, but
Indictment is a I9hg way from con.
viction. He may Have. had. some
liunor in his trunk and he may
not have. He is q fine man in
many ways. Congressman Michael
son has never. 50 far az I know,
been clasSed al q wet or a dry.
He has voted for some OF our
bills and probably has voted against
some Of them"
At the Department Of Justice
today, inquiry developed that there
is considerable confusion over the
Michaelson case.
The fact that the Congressman
has been under indictment for six
months without being arrested,
posting bond or having been
brought to trial was explained by
one official ON the ground that
the Florida district attorney might
have wanted to wait until the ses-
sion Of Congress was over"
He Doesn't Know
When it was pointed out that
the Indictment was returned two
months before Congress met this
official said:
'"Oh, I don't know. them
The policy of the department in
other prohibition cases has been
10 "jacl1 up" district attorneys who
were lax in bringing offenders to
krial after indictment.
other questions were replied to:
S.The matter is in the hands of
the district attorney in Florida"
CHICAGO, March 20 n.N.S.Hl
After his indictment In Florida for
violation of the prohibition law,
\ Representative III. Alfred Michael.
aon was permitted to return to Chi.
cako, Il was recalled here today.
He>launched into a vigorous cam.
Taign for reelection, winning sup
port Of the Anti.Saloon League by
his dry utterances. Had Michael.
SON foregone the expedite" order
he might have escaped prosecution
by paying a small fine and per.
Snitting confiscation Of any alleged