Evening star., 1938-07-28

By The Associated Press
The Senate Campaign Expenditures
Committee dispatched investigators to
the Nations political hotbeds today
after condemning tactics in Tennes-
sees Democratic senatorial race.
Evidence in the five-man Tennes-
zee campaign, the committee an
nounced, points sharply toward an
election contest in the United States
Senate regardless of which groups
candidate wins"
1t added in a formal statement
about the primary battle, which will
be decided next Tuesday:
Apparently every scheme and ques-
tionable device that can be used in a
political contest to raise funds. to in
huence votes and control the elec-
ton result is in full swing"
Farley Asked for Report.
The committee, set up as guardian
over the Senates political morals, also
took hand in the South Dakota
senatorial campaign. 1t asked Post
master General Farley to investigate
use by the Farm Security Admins
tration of its free mailing privilege
to distribute a political circular" in
that State.
The F. s. A., at Yankton. S. Oak.
the committee charged, sent out a
press release to boost the political
stock of former Gov. Tom Berry,
Democrat, In his Senate race against
Chan Gurney. Republican. Mr.. Cur
,ney asked the committee to investi-
gate the matter.
Working at top speed yesterday, the
committee acted on complaints from
several States 1t ordered investiga-
tors back into Kentucky and Penn
'sylvania for more facts. and decided to
send investigators to Georgia, North
Dakota. Indiana, Illinois and Cali
fornia in response to new complaints.
: After studying Missouri newspaper
clippings. the members voted not to
send an agent into that State because
no charges had been brought directly
before it.
: The Tennessee situation aroused 50
much concern among committeeman
that Chairman Sheppard. Democrat.
of Texas said he hoped to send at least
six investigators there at once.
f. The candidates for the Democratic
nomination in Tennessee are Senator
George L. Berry. Tom Stewart Repre-
sentative j. Ridley Mitchell. DR.. John
r. Neal and c. L. Powell
% The committee said the evidence be-
9ore it related to assessment of Federal
employees by one group participating
in the primary and assessment Of
State employees by another group.
Regardless of action that may be
taken in the courts to punish those
practicing illegal election methods and
those exercising political pressure" it
said, there are indications that the
Senate may be called upon to consider
the probability OF excessive money be-
ing used in behalf of the victorious
candidates"
In asking Postmaster General Far
ley to investigate the F. S. AS South
Dakota activities, the committee said
fthe press release in question, while
pretending to be information with re-
spect to Farm Security Administra-
ton. is in reality a political circular"
The document was described by
members as setting forth assistance
given to the Federal resettlement pro-
gram by Mr. Berry while he was Gov
ernor in 1936-two years ago-but 1t
was added. the matter was not given
publicity by the department until Gov.
Berry was candidate for Office
The committee wrote Mr.. Farley:
These franked letters contain what
your committee believes is veiled if
not direct effort to influence votes
in behalf of candidate for public
Office in South Dakota"
The committee has no desire. it
added. to take sides or to reflect upon
the candidate who was named in this
circular letter.
No Political Intent Seen.
c. B. Baldwin, acting F. s. A. ad-
ministrator, said the agency would
investigate the circular, and added
that oficials in South Dakota had ex-
pressed the opinion there had been no
political intent in its issuance.
I'VE have strict rules which forbid
our officials and representatives to
take part in politics." he said.
Senators Sheppard, Walsh Demo-
crat. Massachusetts,, and White RE
publican, Maine), attended yesterdays
committee meeting. They agreed
nothing would be done about Harry
Hopkins recent statement that 80 per
cent of w. P. A. workers would sup
port President Roosevelt.
They also decided to withhold COM
ment on the Kentucky senatorial race
because their investigators 20 far have
gathered facts only about the use of
Federal funds. The agents want to
delve further into any State expendi-
lures.
'
Troops May Be Used.
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