Evening star., 1934-02-10
MORE WITNESSES
CALLED IN PROBE
OF ARMY TRUCKS
Justice Agents Continue
Search for Missing Auto
Representative.
GRAND JURY WILL GET
new EVIDENCE MONDAY
Government May Ask for Indict-
ment of More Than
Three Persons.

continued their search for a mys-
teriously missing witness whose testi-
mony is deemed very important"
United States Attorney Leslie C. Gar
nett today sent out subpoenas for a
new group of civilian witnesses in the
Governments grand jury investigation
OF War Department motorization
awards.
The elusive witness, Frank Speicher,
representative of the Eastern Beck
Co., manufacturers Of a puncture-
proof inner tube for automobiles, was
being sought in New York City, where
he is said by Investigators to have
gone after his name had been brought
to attention of the grand jury by an
other witness.
Speicher is wanted for questioning
in connection with the grand jury's
collateral inquiry into efforts of auto
mobile accessory manufacturers to Sc
cure contracts under the $4,000, 900
military motorization allotment from
public works funds.
Proposals Claimed.
r. c. Remick, said to be another
agent for the tube concern, and
Speicher are alleged to have been ap-
preached by a person whose indict-
ment for conspiracy to defraud the
Government is to be asked by Federal
authorities. Remick already has tes-
titled. The Government alleges that
improper proposals were made to the
tube representatives by the suspected
lobbyist" whose activities already
have been under scrutiny in con-
nection with claims Of inside influ-
ence" at the War Department made to
motor manufacturers.
The grand jury was idle today, but
was to meet again Monday morning
to hear new evidence prepared by
special agents of the United States
Division of Investigation and other
Federal officers.
While the grand jury inquiry started
out as an investigation of motor spe-
ciflcations and bids, startling rami-
| fications have turned up involving
War Department purchases Of va
riety of products.
The rapidly accumulating evidence
indicated the Government might ask
/ lOl VI lIldIl lIlIto
persons alleged to have been involved
! In conspiracy to "cut in' on huge
| commissions sought in return for their
influence" in fixing" specifications
and awards for motor trucks.
Legion Men Mentioned.
At least four persons whose activt-
ties have been given close attention
by the grand jury it is said. are
prominent In national circles of the
American Legion. The Government
is expected to ask for indictment of
two or more of this group of legion
naires.
The most recent testimony taken
by the grand jury has to do with al
| legged claims of friends" of high War
Department officials that specifica-
tions could be arranged" to favor
motor or accessory firms who en-
ployed the outsiders on commission
basis. A s5o,000 retainer fee is al
legged to have been demanded of one
company. the Marmon- Harrington
Co. of Indianapolis, which rejected
the proposition and notified Federal
authorities. A per cent commission
on a Sl,000,000 deal also is alleged
to have been asked
Silvermans Offer.
Joseph Silverman. jr., whose ac-
tivities the War and Justice Depart
ments announced are the objective of
special inquiry by the grand jury. is
said to have made overtures through
an attorney to the effect that he
would be glad to tell his side of the
story to Government officials. The
latter appear disinclined. however. to
listen to what Silvernan may have
to say.
Silverman few days ago appealed
to Senator Royal Copeland of New
York for advice. but Copeland says he
turned away the New York surplus
war supplies trader. as he had no ad-
vice to give him. Copeland previously
has interceded on Silverman's behalf
before Federal officials in connection
with the latter's efforts to resell to the
Government war surplus clothing. it
is said.