Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1946-07-29


tional report on notwithstanding OF
42-inch chemical mortar shells made
by Maj. Gen. Alden H. Watt, chief
|of the War Department Chemical
Warfare Service. A statement termed
the matter too important for release
of "piece-meal expressions of opin-
ion."
Senator Mead added that CON
siderable confusion" has arisen as
the result of conflicting testimony
on the subject of the shells, some of
which caused loss of life and injury
among troops at the front through
premature explosion.
Although the committee" the
statement said, ''in its investigation
Of the Erie Basin case, was pri-
marily concerned with inordinate
profits, it views the matter of shell
failures and losses of life therefrom
as matter OF even greater magni-
tude than excessive profits"
Many Cases Pending.
Senator Mead urged on behalf of
the committee that condemnation
of any individuals or companies, in
GLIDING those associated with the
Erie Basin case, be withheld" Sena-
tor Mead's reference was to the
Erie Basin Metal Products Co., Elgin
ILL.,, one of the companies in the mu-
nitions combine under investigation.
If the committee follows through
with hearings on the inquiries it
has instituted within the last week
alone. it will have its work cut out
for 1t long after Congress has ad-
journed.
The pending cases-not counting
an announced Observation-Disclosures
l.. Questioning of Mr.. May about
his association with the Midwest
munitions group and the Carson
brothers-Henry and Murray-two
of the promoters. MI. May failed to
respond to a Senate subpoena last
Tuesday but later agreed to appear
Friday. Late Thursday his physi-
clan said he was suffering from
chronic heart condition, recently
aggravated, that made it impossible
for the Kentuckian to testify for at
least week or 10 days.
In letters to his Kentucky con-
stituents, Mr.. May wrote that
Senator Mead as chairman of the
Senate committee thinks If he
can cruelty me he can use that
to make himself a great hero and
overcome his present difficult
political position and ride into
the Office of Governor of New
York"
81 have done no wrong" Mr..
Mays letter said. My conscience
is clear and will be vindicated in
the end."l
Probe of Capt. Carson.
2. Investigation of facts behind an
assertion by Murray Garsson's son,
Joseph Carson, that throughout his
Army career his commanders were
under instructions to take care" of
him. Two members of the commit
tee have asked that all concerned in
Capt. Garssons career, from enlisted
man to captain and subsequent
court-martial on charges of failure
to obey lawful order, be summoned
for questioning
3, An inquiry into allegations that
a Detroit concern paid Washington
broker" for influence to obtain a
war contract but did not obtain the
contract. A committee member said
the inquiry would involve some of
the same individuals mentioned in
the recent munitions combine in
.uuiry.
4. Investigation of the activities
OF Col Theodore Wyman, jr.. district
engineer in Hawaii at the time of
the japanese attack on Pearl Har-
Dor. in accordance with recommen-
dations of the Pearl Harbor Investi-
eating Committee
Mr.. Mays physician. DR.. Henry
M. Lowden, said this morning he
expected to visit the Congressman
about noon. He reported that he
found Mr.. Mays condition slightly
improved" last night.
! Warren f. Magee. Mr.. Mays at
torney. said he had not seen him
since Saturday. He was Informed
! by friend who went to the Roose-
welt Hotel suite yesterday that Mr.
May seemed to be somewhat better
and that his feet were propped ur
on pillows.
/ Mr., Mage added that the time oil
Representative Mays appearance
before the Senate committee is zen.
tirely up to the doctor"