The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1935-01-25
Federal Probe Of Natural Gas
Company Activities in Indiana
Demanded by MidWestern Cities
Move for u. S. Investigation
Comes on Heels of
Weiss Charge.
DETROIT FIRST TO ACT
100000 Fund Chicken
Feed,' Is Retort of MiChi-
Dan CitY's Officials.

Federal investigation or
natural gas company activ-
tiles throughout the Midwest,
based on alleged efforts to
block acquisition of the Citi-
zens Gas Co., by the City of
Indianapolis, may be under
way within a few weeks, The
Indianapolis Times learned
this afternoon.
Information that probes will be
demanded of the Department of
Justice and the United States Sem
ate, came on the heels of a charge
by Senator Jacob Weiss d., Indian
apoliS), in the Indiana Legislature
that 100000 was available to at
torneys who would aid natural gas
companies gain footing in this area.
The charge was denied by Clinton
H. Givan. counsel for the Users Gas
Co., which now is attempting to OBJ
tain an operation franchise III
Marion County.
First step in the investigation al
ready has been taken by the City of
Detroit. Information obtained by
The Times revealed that the De-
troit corporation counsel is in
Washington with Department of
Justice officials in an attempt to
start the investigation throughout
Indiana and other MidWestern
states.
Mayors to Hold Session
Second move to obtain details of
transactions on natural gas fran
chises will be taken at Columbus, O.,
Monday when mayors from several
principal cities will attempt to form
an alliance, backed by the United
States Conference of Mayors and
the American Municipal Associa-
ton. Among the evidence of alleged
illegal operation which probably
will be presented, is information
gathered by the Detroit city council
which is purported to show that
efforts are being made to smash
indianapolis acquisition of the Cit
liens Gas Company.
Detroit city officials alleged that
the 100000 fund, mentioned by
Senator Weiss before the Indiana
Senate, lis mere chicken feed"
Detroit authorities today offered
to send an official to Indianapolis,
probably John Smith, Detroit City
Council president and former mayor,
to testify before a state Senate COM
mittee.
Probes to Be Sought
1t is understood that whether the
demand for a Federal probe is APP
proved in Washington or not, rep
resentatives of the cities meeting in
Columbus Monday will seek investi-
cations not only in the Indiana Leg
islature, but also in Legislatures of
Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin and Mis-
souri,.
Meanwhile, the state Senate con
victed" Senator Weiss of bad bust
ness judgment in connection with
the charges he made that a 100000
fund had been put up to block the
Citizens Gas Co. deal.
Today, Senator Weiss reiterated
the charge he made, waived his
constitutional rights and offered to
answer any question. He declared
he wanted no "whitewash" and that
committee investigation might
give that impression.
Il was asked to act as co-counsel
for the Users Co.," Senator Weiss
said. land was told there was
100000 for distribution among at
torneys in the case if I would use
whatever political influence I had
with the incoming city administra-
ton to end opposition to the Users
franchise"
Senator Jesse Wade Cd. Mt. Yer
nom said. among general laughter,
that he thought Senator Weiss had
been 'indiscreet" in not accepting
such an offer Senator Weiss jok-
ingly retorted that he hadn't seen
any money.
Kern Withh0IdS Decision
When Senator Weiss had answered
all questions, Senator Leo x. Smith
Cd, Indianapolis arose and said
that the Marion County delegation
has the greatest of confidence in
Senator Weiss integrity, honesty,
sense of ethics and ability as a
senator and majority floor leader.
Yeah, but not much respect for
his business Judgment" said an I'M
identified Senator and all the at
torneys led the general laughter.
Mayor John w. Kern today had
not decided whether he would make
the trip to Columbus but it was
likely at least two representatives of
the indianapolis Utility District,
probably Henry L. Dithmer and
William J. Mooney, would repre-
sent the city if Kern does not at
tend.
Mr. Givan. as counsel for the
Users Gas Co. has refused to name
the hackers of the firm. Under the
Legislatures action, the voting of
the franchise to the Users Co. by
county commissioners Feb. 4. has
been blocked. All that remains to
completely tie the commissioners
hands is the Governors signature.