The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1931-05-07
WOMAN REFUSES TO
GIVE TESTIMONY TO
SENATE COMMITTEE
Senator Mye Says Ada Bur-
roughs Will Be Cited to Sem
ate for Contempt
IN CANNON AFFAIR
Woman Declares She Is Acting
on Good Authority in Refus-
ing to Testify
IN CANNON AFFAIR

washington, May 7.-(R-Chair-
man Nye Of the senate campaign
funds committee said Thursday he
intended to cite Miss Ada Burroughs,
Richmond, to the senate for contempt
after her refusal to testify to the
committee.
When Harry r. Sinclair, millionaire
oil operator, refused to testify to q
sena.> committee, the senate cited
him for contempt and he was sub
sequently sent to jail by the court.
Miss Burroughs. formerly treasurer
for the Cannon-Anti Smith organiza-
ton In Virginia, was called before the
committee Thursday at the begin
ming Of its investigation into Bishop
James Cannon's campaign activities
She refused fatty to testify after
reading q statement which chal-
lenged the authority of the committee
to make the investigation.
Senator Nye said he would ask the
committee to consider next week "in-
formation which may be found the
basis for reporting to the senate q
violation of the corrupt practices act
He indicated the committee would
seek no further testimony In its search
for the use of money by Bishop Can
non in the 1928 campaign.
Chairman Nye persisted in his ques.
tioning.
"You feel you are acting on goot
authority IN tAking this position2"
Miss Burroughs said she was salts
fled Of her position.
Nye leaned over the table and ask.
ed Miss Burroughs to identify q sign.
ature Of Bishop Cannon to q letter
calling q conference.
II have nothing to add to my state
ment."
Nye asked her If she prepared hel
statement to the committee.
Il decline to answer" she responded
and then hastily added:
II prepared the statement myself"
Nye read q letter of the bishop call
ing a political conference In 1928 FOL
consideration of congressional as well
as the presidential election which ne
said gave the committee the authority
to investigate his activities.
Senator Dale said he did not believe
Miss Burroughs wanted her answer
that she prepared her own state
ment to stand. reminding her 1t In
cluded numerous legal citations.
II Said in my statement that I re-
ceived legal help" she replied.
"The committee has evidence there
Is q violation Of the corrupt practices
act" said Nye. Don't you want to
testify on that evidence?"
" Il decline to testify" she again
replied.
Senator Dill called attention that
Miss Burroughs in her statement de-
MED she had violated the law.
"she testified to that but refuses to
answer other questions that might be
embarrassing" said Senator Dill.
"Are you refusing to testify for fear
Of discriminating yourself?" asked
Nye.
II have nothing to add to my state
ment," she concluded.
Nye ended his questioning and an
nounced that G. B. Stevens, Chariot
tesville, who had been summoned
would not be called.
The committee then turned to q
hearing Of Professor Merriam Of Chi
cago university on the subject Of cleo
ton reforms.
After Miss Burroughs left the stand
she was recalled.
"You are aware Of the possible con-
sequences attendant upon your &C
tion?" asked Nye.
Eyes" she said simply.
"You are fully aware" asked Sena-
tor Dill, that there Is q law involved
here and that you are subject to
prosecution?"
Eyes," she said.
Chairman Nye explained later that
II the committee determined to take
any action against Miss Burroughs II
could do nothing until the senate was
again in session. Congress Will not
reconvene until December.
whatever Is done cannot be done
until congress Is in session." he said
Certainly" said Senator Nye, I'VE
will have to cite her to the senate fo1
contempt"
The committee will not take up the
case immediately, however. The SEN
III