Evening star., 1934-03-05
S|LVERMAN QUIZ
BY JURY
Surprise Development Indi-
Gates "Trader" May Be
Allowed to Defend Self.
BY REX COLLIER.

Joseph SllNeGman, JT., NE" 1OIk
and Washington trader, about
whose Army contracts the grand jury
Investigation of lobbying by friends
of the War Department" revolves, may
Be permitted to defend himself before
the Jurors surprise developments to-
day indicated.
Possibility of Silverman's appear
ance shortly as an eleventh-hour wit
ness In the prolonged inquiry loomed
eS a result of a conference today be-
tween Assistant United States Attor-
ney David Pine, in charge of the
grand jury hearings, and Robert T.
Scott, legal associate of A. Mitchell
Palmer former United States Attor-
ney General who is counsel for Sill
Verman.
Heretofore it had been thought the
grand jury would close its proceedings
early this week without giving Silver
man an opportunity to be heard.
Not Ready to Report.
Now it appears the grand jury Will
not be ready to report its findings
before next week The continuance
OF the inquiry is due partly to the
possibility that Slverman and per-
haps other witnesses will be ques-
toned and partly to inability of in
yestigators to locate an important
witness, Frank E. Speicher, tire sales
man.
Attorney Scott. it was learned
sought to lay before Pine certain
statements purporting to show that
Silverman was not involved in any
wrong doing that might be under in
VestieatiOn by the grand jury. The
inquiry is listed officially on the rec
crcis as the case of the United States
vs.. Joseph Silverman, jr.. ct al
Pine, who was acting United States
attorney today in the absence of his
superior, Leslie c. Garnett, is said to
have advised Scott that he would be
glad to receive such statements on
behalf of the Government. but that
he could not present them to the
grand jury.
Scott vas told. however that il he
wished to offer factual evidence in
support of the statements Pine would
be willing so to advise the grand jury
for any ection it might care to take
toward receiving the evidence.
The only evidence of this kind that
the grand jury could receive would be,
logically, testimony by Silverman him
self. it was indicated at the court
house In view of the willingness Of
the grand jury to grant the request
OF certain other persons for hearing
under waivers Of immunity, it seemed
likely request from Silverman elso
would receive favorable consideration
Silverman's name was the first
brought into the inquiry publicly by
Government officials. Although he
has remained in seclusion at his home
In Cleveland Park throughout the
proceedings, recently, through Palm
ers office. he sent to Secretary of War
pern letter calling on the War De-
partment to fulfill contract he had
signed for an underwear saddle trade.
Circumstances surrounding nego-
tiations for this trade. which was
halted by the general staff on the
ground that the Government would
lose millions Of dollars Of emergency
cavalry equipment in exchange for
surplus underwear previously bought
from the Army by Silverman. have
been under investigation by the grand
jury.
Ready to Defend Deal.
Silyerman. it is reported. is prepared
to defend this proposed deal as one
that he believes would be advantageous
to the Government. In his letter to
Pern, Silverman contended the War
Department would gain 100000 by
carrying out the contract.
The missing witness, Speicher, Is
wanted for questioning as to any
knowledge he may have of Silver
mans negotiations with the War De-
p3rtment Another witness, r. c.
Remick, is understood to have men
toned Speicher in connection with
efforts by himself and Speicher to sell
Ieakproof inner tubes to the Army.
Joseph B. WoOdside. former as
eistant to Controller General McCarl
and now manager of fleet sales in
Washington for General Motors
Corporation, and Norman K. Haig. in
charge Of Government and State
sales for General Motors. also were
in conference today with Pine. Wood
side previously has testified before
the grand jury.