The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1934-03-16
TRIAL FOR AIRMAlL'
CONTRACTORS ASKED.
BY FAMOUS AVIATOR
lindbergh Tells Senators Gov.
eminent Should Have
Proved Fraud Charges


Charles "A. Lindbergh commended to a
senate committee Friday that the ad-
ministration should have had the air
mail contractors tried on its charges
Of fraud and collision before can
ceiling their contracts.
The army flying Of the mails was
not as efficient as it might have
been" he remarked, the air corps not
being designed for meeting such
emergencies and not having had "ade-
Quate time" to study the routes.
Testifying on the bill for q changed
and permanent set-up for private
flying OF the mails, he condemned as
unjust" a section to ban future mail
bids by past operators unless they
waive all claims against the govern
ment resulting from the contract an
nulments.
The senate caucus room was packed
ty visitors intent on his testimony.
He told of receiving salaries from
air firms totaling $4,000 q year, said
lac knew very little" OF events lead
Ing up to invalidation Of the contracts
and expressed the feeling that these
companies have the right to trial be-
fore being convicted Of guilt which is
only implied and not proven"
Not Informed on Business
II believe you are connected with
Iranscontinental and Western Air."
Senator Mcclellan (Dem., TENN told
Iindbergh. Before another commit
tee there was introduced evidence that
ti.at concern entered into q collusive
agreement to buy off Earl Hallibur-
ton SO that he would not bid on an
a;rmail contract
Il don't know about that" Lind
bergh rejoined.
but you wouldn't approve that II
II was done?" Mcclellan asked.
I have no knowledge Of the incl
dent the filler returned crisply. II
feel that these charges should have
been definitely established before
these contracts were cancelled. feel
1t was the right of the companies,
the public and my own right to have
them definitely established. say this
only IN the interests of what I most
deeply believe to be right"
Meanwhile. Richard Whitney. pres.
icent Of the New York stock exchange,
submitted data to another committee
I'm dealings in aviation stocks Just
prior to the contract move by the gov
eminent.
Definitely at odds with both Presi-
dent Roosevelt and War Secretary
Dern as a result Of the cancellation of
all U. 8. airmail subsidies to private
companies, Col. Lindbergh's appear
ance here drew the attention Of the
entire capital.
Three times he has committed him.
self to definite opposition to army
mail flying. On the first occasion
|. was strongly worded telegram to
the president himself. His second ex.
preston Of criticism came in q com-
raunication to Secretary Dern declin-
ing appointment to committee
which IS to survey army flying in all
its phases.
Snappy to Dern
Thursday. In turning down q Sec
ond appeal from Secretary Dern to
sit with the committee, the flying
CllOIlcl SAID.
II do not feel that I can take part
directly or indirectly In the operation
by military forces Of American bust.
ness and commerce."
Clarence Chamberlin who, like
Lindbergh, has hoped the Atlantic,
vas another witness called by the
committee. Chamberlin Is q member
Of the Dern committee.
The airmail subject In general con-
tinued an explosive one in both the
senate and house, with word Of new
attacks and counter attacks to come.
The senate mail investigating com.
nittee also stepped back into the pic
ture. reopening hearings after q long
reese.
Senator Fess Of Ohio, the Republi.
can whip. served notice he would an.
swer an attack by Robinson Of Ar.
kansas. the majority floor leader, who
hit both Fess and former Postmaster
General Walter F. Brown in speech
Thursday. He accused Brown Of
"connivance" in fraud.
Robinson intimated that II the Re-
publicans desired to make campaign
issue out OF atrmail contract cancel
lattons and army deaths, the Demo-
CratS would aNennk thu fRx,,e