The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1935-07-18

on CdplUOl Till WlGIlOuI pSISOIldlly
affairs. But Elmer was destined fo1
Elmer is Just about 49,"
He graduated from nigh school
ministry. Meanwhile he is helping
brother and sister by carrying mes
sageS for Western Union at Warren,
Pa, doing janitor work--and other
things.
He told the Black lobby commit
tee about the other things yester-
day, and no Senator or Representa-
tive is likely ever to read another
batch of kilograms telling him how
to vote without wondering if Elmer,
or some of his fellows, collected
them from relatives and friends TO
earn 3 cents a name.
The story starts with message
sent from Western Union head
quarters in New York, June 10, ad
vising all Office managers that the
Wheeler Rayburn utilities holding
company bill was coming up in the
Senate and telling them to "see that
our service is offered to all interest
ed parties"
Associated Paid Bill
1t continues with efforts of one
j. A. Fisher, manager of the War;
rem office, to develop business along
these lines. Mr.. Fisher himself told
the Black committee about writing
out messages, dictated to him by r.
P. Heron of the Associated Gas and
Electric Co.. urging Senators and
Representative to vote against the
bill, and signing names out of city
directory.
F. R. Veale, Western Union S
general manager for the Eastern
district, investigated the subsequent
burning of these messages and dis
covered. he told the committee, that
Mr.. Fisher had also sent his three
messenger boys out wit form
kilograms, and instructed them to
get as many signed as possible
Heron of Associated was paying for
the messages. Mr.. Veale said he
believed Paul Elmer Danielson, one
of the three messengers, obtained
one signature.
He Explained the Bill
rs this true?" asked Senator
Black.
Il got six" said the long -imbed
boy, standing up and blushing.
Who from?'
We'll, my mother signed one, and
a boy friend of mine, Hugh Nc
Kelvie, and then a neighbor, Minor
G. Anderson"
What did you tell them?"
Just asked them if they wanted
to send telegram"
But what did you say about the
contents?"
Il explained the Wheeler-R aybuTn
bill to them as it had been put to
me by Mr.. Fisher"
The committee and spectators
roared. They had heard the boys
fumbling answers to a long series
of questions about the burning of
the messages.
So Senator Black asked for
Elmer's explanation of the Wheeler
Rayburn bill. Elmer thought the
bill was to let the companies be IN
the hands of big men"
He's Neutral Now
Senator Black found the telegram
that Neighbor Anderson. ma
chinist, had signed and sent to Rep
Driscoll. 1t read, do not let poll
tics influence good judgment. OPP
pose Wheeler Rayburn bill
Then Senator Black asked Elmer
some more about the message and
Elmer said he'd been told since, by
Mr.. Epstein, a merchant in War
rem. that the bill meant "juSt the
opposite" that it would take the
companies out of the hands of big
men"
How to you feel about it now?"
said Senator Black.
I'm neutral, now" Elmer
answered, blushing again
Price Same for All
The committee sent Elmer out in
the hall to sit, for a while, and
then called him in for another ques-
ton.
Were you paid for getting sigma
tures?" Senator Black asked.
Associated Gas and Electric at
tended to that" said Elmer.
How much were you paid?"
Three cents message"
Then you got 1S cents alto
gether?"
Yes, through Mr.. Fisher"
The price was just the same for
influencing Senators and Repre-
sentatives, Senator Black developed
Tinoc IndoY