Evening star., 1938-06-24
BY G. GOULD LINCOLN,


BY G. GOULD LINCOLN.
Any further Endorsement OF sena-
torial candidates by Harry L. Hop
kins w. P. A. administrator. probably
would come within the scope of the
Senatorial Campaign Investigation
Committee it developed today
Although Chairman Sheppard de-
clined to express any view as to the
likelihood of calling Mr. Hopkins be-
fore the committee. he did say that
II any ofiicial paid out of Government
funds should indorse candidates or
campaign for them, it would consti-
tute a "discussible" matter for the
committee. He said the committee
probably would investigate the cir
cumstances surrounding such indorse-
rnent.
The Endorsement given by Mr.. Hop
kins to Representative Wearin for the
senatorial nomination in Iowa against
Senator Gillette was largely responsible
for the aroused sentiment in the Sem
ate which resulted in adoption of the
resolution enlarging the usual scope of
the investigation of the Senatorial
Campaign Committee.
Probe All Charges.
a Senator Sheppard insisted that the
debate in the Senate during consid-
oration of the so-called Hatch amend
nent, which would have put w. P. A.
workers on a par with regular civil
service employees in the matter of po-
fftical activity. had justified the right
Of an official to express his personal
Preference so far as candidates are
concerned.
will Mr. Hopkins be able to indorse
any more candidates for the Senate
without being called before this COM
mittee?" he was asked
Senator Sheppard refused to make
any statement regarding Mr.. Hopkins,
He would not do so, he said, unless he
had before him all the facts.
He said. however. that the committee
would look into all charges of w. P. A.
workers engaging in political activity
for senatorial candidates. The COM
mittee, he said. was giving considera-
ton to the differentiation between
Legitimate expression of opinion" and
the improper use of influence.
Still Studies QUESTIONABLE.
Following a meeting Of his COM
mittee today, Chairman Sheppard
said the group still was considering
details of a QUESTIONABLE to be sent
70 all candidates for Senate seats
It will include a dozen questions re-
hting to contributions gifts, services
Dr anything else of value, promises,
use of Government funds. use of
political patronage, promises Of pri-
vate employment and political &C
tivity.
He said the questionnaire also would
carry an announcement that the
eommittee will receive any complaints
1t any time.
Senator Sheppard said that so far
no complaints of major consequence
had been received by the committee.
Several had come from California and
Pennsylvania. but they were not such
rs to justify ordering an investigation.
However. he said, the committee would
follow up these complaints.
Those from California were from
W P A. employees who claimed they
had been fired" They were made to
Senator McAdoo. The complaints from
Pennsylvania. he said charged general
corruption and use of money in the
Secent primary there No complaints
have yet been received from Kentucky
Or Oklahoma.
: Division Into Regions.
: Senator Sheppard said he hoped to
Have the questionnaire ready to be
sent out to candidates by next Tues
day or Wednesday.
sThe country will proba bly, be divided
up into regions, Senators on the COM
fhittee being designated to have charge
q each region.
Senator Sheppard was asked If the
hearings of the committee would be
public.
YES the law requires it," he said.
The QUESTIONABLE Of the committee
will 20 not only to senatorial candi-
dates in primaries yet to be held, but
Also to senatorial candidates in pri-
mary elections now over, as IN Florida
Pennsylvania and Iowa.
Cecil Calvert has been named the
hAAd clerk of the Investigating Com
ntfttee. The committee later will select
aasecretary and counsel and also a
number of investigators, who will be
sent out into the field. Also the COM
mattee will engage a stenographic
fdfre.
eBefore today's meeting several Sen.
atOrs interested in the politico-relie1
controversy said they were surprised
toniearn that the Senate, in approx
inea the $3.753, ,O00, 900 mp-priminl
bfft had surrendered its power to con-
firm or reject State w. P. A. admin
istrators.
These legislators said they were un-
aware when they voted on the meas
ute that it omitted clause in pre-
vfoas relief bills requiring Senate ap-
prevail of w. P. A. officials receiving
$4,000 year.
On the other hand, Senator Hatch