The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1930-06-11
BISHOP REFUSES
T0CHANCES STAND
IN SENATE PROBE
Cannon Surprises Lobby Com
mittee by Again Offering
Testimony

washington, June 1l.-H)-Walk.
ing in on the senate lobby committee
as abruptly Is he walked out on it
last week, Bishop James Cannon Jr.
answered questions today on activities
of the Southern Methodist church but
persisted in his refusal to undergo
examination on his 1928 Anti Smith
campaigning.
The churchman surprised the COM
anittee meeting, which had been called
to determine what to do about his
defiance. The investigators decided
to give him a chance to testify and
to consider their future course only
after learning his attitude.
Senator Walsh, Democrat, Montana,
brought up the matter of anti Smith
funds obtained by Cannon from e. G.
Jameson, New York capitalist, but
the witness referred again to his OBJ
jections to answering questions on
his political work.
do you care to say anything about
the $4,000 that was not reported?"
asked Walsh.
Senator Robinson, Republican, In
diana, sided with Cannon-saying he
wondered what that has to do with
the lobbying investigation"
Reads Prepared Statement
Bishop Cannon read a prepared
statement asserting he intended mo
contempt of the senate" in withdraw
ing from the committee hearing last
week.
Il intended no discourtesy." he said.
II certainly thought I had the right.
Il am here again today as a VOL
untary witness concerning the activi-
ties of the board of the M. E. Church,
South"
However. as to questions on his
own political activities, the bishop
asked the committee to consider his
objections to answering.
Cannon told Senator Borah he did
not consider himself within the juris-
diction of the committee after ap-
pearing as a voluntary witness and
being sworn.
Answering a question by Senator
Blaine. the churchman said he had
Borah's word for it that as a volun-
tary witness I am subject to the jur-
isdiction Of the committee"
The bishop maintained a respectful
manner toward the examiners. The
questioning veered again to the 1928
activities of the witness, Senator
Caraway saying E. G. Jameson had
testified he gave Cannon SIS, 300 for
the nti-Smith campaign and that
the board of temperance of the Meth
odist Episcopal Church., South, had
given S.. 1000 and that the only report
made showed receipt of $4,000 from
Jameson.
Refuses Explanation
do you have any explanation to
a1ake?" asked Caraway.
THE question refers to my political
activity" asserted Cannon, except
the question about the $1,000 from the
Methodist board"
well, let's hear about that" said
Caraway.
"Mr. Pickett Of the Methodist board
stated the exact facts" continued
Cannon. 1.-THE board gave me SIS, 1000
for circulation Of my speech 'Prohibi-
ton Repeal Unthinkable.' That was
not political activity. It was prohibi-
ton work"
Were you responsible for circula-
ton Of the speech as a political docu-
ment during the campaign" asked
Caraway.
Cannon protested this question bor-
dered again on his own political activ-
ity. He denied the document was
circulated as a political matter.
WAS the money given you by
Jameson to be used by the Methodist
board?" Caraway asked.
mo"
Cannon said the money Jameson
contributed was used for political
purposes.
Was there any relation between
your political activities and your &C
Invites as chairman Of the temper
ance board?"
mo"
Cannon testified his activities had
been as an individual and not as an
official Of the Methodist church.