New Britain herald., 1929-09-23
WAKENAN ADMITS ENGAGING SHEARER
 FOR GENEVA WORK
Continued From First Page)

tNDljlIlLtu r lOlll T II Sl 1 dSt} explained. T knew none of the American delegates" "Of course, I was interested in the conference, although I didn't give it any particular thought" the witness replied in answer to a ques- tion.
 Nakeman said his company paid Shearer in cash through AIr. Hunter. He added there was no record on the books of his company showing any payments to Shcarer. "Why?' inquired Senator Short rilga, republican, California.
 Personal Transaction "Becausc it was personal trans action of my own on behalf of my company, I didn't think anything about it.
 The witness insisted Shearcr was only to "observe" at Geneva. And you thought it was worth S25. o00?' pursued Shortridge. "Yes"
 Did you get his reports Wakeman replied he had.
 Then speaking of the conference, he said;
 T hoped that the powers would make some agreement whereby the question of this country being at war would be settled once and for all. l wasn't interested in the outcome eX- cept as it would affect some work our company was carrying on."
 And you thought it was worth s25.000 to be advised on the trend Shortridge interposed.
 "Yes."
 Was this man hired to use his in fuence on the conference? "Absolutely not
 Was he to be spy or middle man?'
 "Certainly not and that wasn't dis cussed'
 Knew Reporters Present
 Shortridge asked if the witness did not know that responsible and reputable newspapermen would re- port l1ldl cOl
 "Yes." he replied.
 Then why did you spend s25,000 for another reporter?" "I thought because of his know ledge of naval affairs he would look at this conference from another standpoint | Wakeman testified Shearer had put it over" the shipbuilders in his S25.00O Geneva deal and attributed this "to super salesmanship." T don't like to make that ac- knowledgmen1.' he said, but he certainly put it over us"
 Shearer, sitting directly behind the witness leaned forward and smiled at this remark. Shortridge remarked that prob ably none of the 'competent news papermen here in this room" would have asked S25.00 for the Geneva assignment, and then inquired if the witness ever had been 8 newspaper man.
 1 Once sold Newspapers
 Wakeman said he had, explaining 1 he once sold newspapers. 1 After the Geneva conference Wakeman said, Shearer sought em- l ploymcnt as Washington representa- tive of the shipbuilders.
 'I got disgusted with his wild statements and said no" continued the witness. When he asked for another conference in October. 1927 I refused it.
 The witness in reply to questions about Snearers S7,5o0 "propagan- da" job in Washington in 1926, described the latter's duties as fin lluencing public opinion"
 Walieman testified he did not know how successful the merchant marine legislative campaign oi Shearer was "because that kind pl work iS hard to check up on." Made No Statement
 A the time he was employed foI l the Washington work, Shearer made mo statement of his proposed policy at Geneva" Wakeman said.
 He discussed the whole genera situaton," the witness explained.
 "The recollection l have is that he suggested it would be a good thing for him to go to Geneva and report back to us.'