The Waterbury Democrat., 1935-07-09

demands of witnesses that they be
allowed to cross-examine each 9TH
err.
The excitement came after Rep.
Ralph o, Brewster, T., Me-, ana
THOMAS Corcoran, RFC attorney,
told widely varying versions of ac-
tivity concerning lobbying for the
utilities death sentence and in
volving Passamaquoddy SS5,90o,-
600 power project in Maine.
AS corcoran unfolding his phase
Of the story, Brewster rose in
anger and shouted:
you're a liar"
Room in Confusion
The dramatic statement plunged
the crowded old house caucus room
into confusion.
Corcoran, near the end of the
defense of his activities which in
stigated the investigation, demand
ed that witnesses be given the
right to cross-examine each other.
~ think it would be most ap-
propriate," he said, 'if witnesses
were allowed to cross-examine each
other"
Corcoran charged that Brewster
shifted positions on the death sem
tence" issue. Brewster voted
against the clause after, Corcoran
said indicating that he favored
Z it.
Corcoran denied fatty that he
had told Brewster he would halt
work on the Passamaquoddy pro-
jent unless Brewster voted for the
hath Sapfanpp
Changed His Mind
Corcoran testified that he learned
after Brewster returned to Wash
ington that the Maine representa-
tive had changed his mind and
would not vote for the death sem
tence because of his peculiar poll
ti1al situation"
It was then that Brewster shout
ed at Corcoran: "You're~a liar"
Chairman John ]. O'Connor of
the house rules committee con-
Quoting the investigation pounded
wildly wit hhis gavel seeking to re-
store order and a moment later adj
journed the inquiry.
Corcoran explained that he had
been comforting frequently with
Brewster on the legal details of
getting the Passamaquoddy power
project under way.
N He said he had depended on
Brewster's influence in putting
through the Maine state legislature
enabling acts for the project.
''It would, of course, take
strength and courage to carry out
what Brewster had promised to do
4 in the legislature" Corcoran said.
Listened to Utilities
sswhen 1 learned Brewster had
changed his stand on the death
sentence and was listening to the
utility companies, I realized had
put myself in sweet spot by de-
pending on him."
Corcoran said he told Brewster
of this realization during meet
ing in the CapitoPs statuary hall
Immediately before the house vot-
\ ed ON the death sentence. DR.. Err
nest Gruening, commissioner Of
insular affairs and a close friend
Of Corcoran, also was present.
II told Gruening about the
change in Brewster's attitude as
soon as met him." Corcoran said.
(; -Gruening said it seemed impossi-
BILE that Brewster had run out on
his belief.
Il. told Gruening to watch the
clock because / was certain Brew
ster would stall and be late for the
4 appointment. He was.
"When he came in Gruening
asked him whether it was true,
and Brewster replied that it was.
Bet On Wrong Horse.
AFTER few preliminaries, said
Corcoran. II told Brewster that
had depended on him great deal
IN okaying the Quoddy project but
that with his change of mind 1t
was obvious / had bet my money
on the wrong horse.
ssBrewster said he realized he
had put me in tough spot but
that he could do nothing else. He
then asked If it would help if he
were to return to his hotel and
refrain from voting"
The crowded committee room
was startled at that point by a
loud shout from Brewster who
screamed at the top of his voice:
Then Came the Epithet
A moment later Brewster apollo
Eized for interruting the proceed
{ngs.
The hearing was concluded as
C0rcoran reiterated that he felt
perfectly justified in threatening
10 take some hitherto implanted
action in connection with Passama-
muddy because of his belief that
Breswster could no longer be de-
uSnded on to carry out his share
III clearing up legal difficulties.
He emphasized that he did not
saw as Brewster charged, that he
would halt the project.
Corcoran said he told Brewster
that, III your peculiar political
oozltion Is SO delicate as you say,
i want to make 1t clear that / am
not accusing you of running out.
but that II Is best that you and
/ be brutally frank now to avoid
personal MISUNDERSTANDING as to
pur position on "Quoddy" In the
not Free ssan
II. az you say, you are not q
tree man politically and must take
UoHer company support In your
I1|eu1ations, then you will under
1{4nd perfectly that from now on
4on cannot expect me TO trust you
rs protect "Quoddy', or trust your
.1@ufz1ces that we VIII get that
||&inn power authority out OF the
4I.M's legislature"
1.afeefan testified that he met
Nv 5sHisf through nf. Ernest Grue-
a1-4..1... - tla WI4lnIaa ~