, 1935-09-22

No! - The inside story Of Louisi-
ana politicians dickering with the
Roosevelt administration illustrates
how panic has parlyzed the Long
ring. II Is now every imitation King
fish - or goldfish - for himself.
When the delta dictator died sew
en- Of his heutenants stood under in
dictment for income tax evasions,
including such intimates as Sey-
mour Weiss and Abe Shushan. The
financial dealings OF many others
we're under investigation and devel-
opments point to additional indict-
ments. While Huey lived his men
pretended 10 scott at the govern
ment's concern over their pocket
money.
But with his death - before he
was buried - certain followers ap-
preached the Treasury men. They
offered TO make peace with WASH
ington II pending Investigations we're
called off. They agreed TO wipe out
anti-New Deal legislation and 10
support the president next year.
They promised TO carry Louisiana
back into the union and the demo-
cratic party. The offer was CURLY
rejected.
Melting - The secret negotiations
reveal that Longs chieftains are fall
ing out fast. The faction which
asked for mercy showed amazing
unconcern for the fate OF their po-
litical associates under the Long dc
tatorship.
Although the seven under indict-
ment number some OF Longs most
faithful aides. Louisiana negotia-
tors did not bargain for dismissal
OF pending indictments. They we're
perfectly willing that Messrs. Weiss.
Shushan, etc, take the rap II the
evidence warrants 1t. All they sought
was assurance that the long hand
Of the federal government would not
strike them down In future proceed
'ings.
The Kingfish held hts gang to-
gether with threats Of reprisal. II Is
understood that when q certain lieu
tenant wanted TO turn states evi-
dence. the late senator warned him
II would be more comfortable in At
lanta than IN q state pen. Now
washington hears several may plead
guilty II they can obtain assurance
OF mild penalties. They can't. This
behtnd-the-scenes drama seems 70
prove that the danger OF political
trouble from this source win have
disappeared by 1885.
Embargo - Members OF the sen
ate munitions bloc" are nudging
Gerald Nye into an Investigation of
the abortive Ethiopian concession 10
American oil interests. They under
stand that Standard OIL was only a
front for an official European group
which withdrew from the picture
when Washington turned on the
heat.
Mr.. Nye says he has not enough
funds for this move. The senate
investigators have been skimped on
money and ordered 10 wind up their
inquiry - a development which es-
capped attention in the last minute
rush on Capitol Hill. The inquisi-
tors got only $751; instead Of s45.-
600 and were ordered to complete
their work" Only $4,000 Is left.
with numerous domestic interests
bankers. ~steel-makers. chemical pro-
ducers - still TO be examined.
Progressive senators insist that the
Inquiry continue, especially III war
breaks out. The embargo act leaves
the president with more discretion
airy power than the public realizes.
He must decide whether an embar-
20 levied against q warning Italy and
Ethiopia shall be extended to lea
sue nations which resort to military
demonstrations against MussOlini.
The senate Is not strong for presi-
Dental discretion In such a crisis
and may assign the committee to
check on the state departments en-
forcement OF the embargo act.
Lawyer - Preliminary perusal of
"A. IT,. AZ T. records at the New York
office has reached the stage where
choice OF q counsel for this S750.O00
inquiry becomes vital. Official ac-
countantS and engineers have mulled
through the telephone company's
sheets for months.
President Roosevelt showed his IN
terest In the investigation by taking
over the task Of choosing q chief in
vestigator. SO far he has got no
thing but destinations. The delay
is beginning 10 chafe some Of the
sponsors or the inquiry. From ex-
pcrience they know that any incui-
sition suffers II it is not headed by a
shrewd lawyer from the start. They
fear particularly that A. T. g. T. may
learn too much about the line OF at
tack which the Communications
Commissions accountants IN New
York are pursuing. They want the
papers shipped to Washington for
a secret study.
Some commission members feel
they have been showed out Of the