Evening star., 1947-08-07

In an angry clash, senator
Ferguson, Republican, of Mich
igan today accused Howard
Hughes of trying TO discredit"
the Senate War Investigating
Subcommittee inquiring into
Mr.. Hughes wartime plane
contracts.
Howard Hughes hurled the lie
at Senator Brewster today, and
in a turbulent session before a
Senate War Investigating Sub
committee got the Maine Sena-
tor to acknowledge visits to a
residence Mtained here by
Pan Americas aAirways,
The question of whether Pan
American or Trans World airlines
maintains the more elaborate pal
ace" for entertainment in Washing
ton become one of the burning is
sues in the feud between Senator
Brewster and Mr.. Hughes, million
aire movie producer and plane
manufacturer.
The session began in startling
fashion when Mr. Hughes shouted
from the witness stand that the
story told yesterday by Senator
Brewster was "a pack of lies"
Losing no time in attacking Sen
ator Brewster's sweeping denial of
his charges that the Maine Senator
last February offered to call off the
investigation if the Hughes-con-
trolled TWA were merged with Pan
American, Mr.. Hughes asserted
Senator Brewster's story is a
pack of lies. I can tear it apart if
I am allowed to submit questions. I
do not intend to have my integrity
questioned"
On his part, Senator Brewster
maintained steadfastly that there is
no truth in Mr.. Hughes charges.
After much bitter wrangling, dur
ing which Subcommittee Chairman
Ferguson became so angered that
he threatened to clear the Senate
caucusroom of spectators, Mr..
Hughes submitted series of ques-
tions for Senator Ferguson to ask
Senator Brewster, who is chairman
of the full War Investigating Com
mittee.
Refers to TWA Palace
In his replies, Senator Brewster:
l. Acknowledged that he had
eaten at least three breakfasts in
the last few months" at special
residence maintained at 2017 F
street NV. American Airways as
a guest center for officials and
employees.
But the Name Senator insisted
this could not be termed the Pan
American Palace" and instead
waived photographs of what Sen
ator Brewster called TWAS pala-
tial' home and swimming pool in
nearby Arlington, Va.
2. Agreed that Sam Pryor, vice
president of Pan American and for
mer Connecticut Republican ma
tonal Committeeman, is a close
friend of his.
3. Said it was true that he had
spent two Thanksgiving vacations
of about one week each at home
Mr.. Pryor has at Hobe Sound, Fla.
Senator Brewster said Mr. Pryor
was not there and he (Brewster)
had purchased his own food and
borne all expense.
4. Acknowledged that he once ac-
cepted free transportation in Pan
Americans special private airliner
from Washington to Raleigh. N. c.
He said he went to Raleigh to: con-
fer with the late Senator Bailey
Democrat, of North Carolina at Sen
tor Bailey's request about aviation
legislation.
Hughes Questions Brewster.
Mr.. Hughes asked Senator Brew
ster if he would regard the house at
2017 F street NV, as Pan Ameri-
cans palace" in Washington, and
Senator Brewster retorted that if
there is any airline palace here it is
the one maintained by TWA in
Arlington.
Are you familiar with this ad-
dress, 2O17 F street NV, Washing
ton, D. CT" Mr.. Hughes asked
Senator Brewster answered, II am, 4"
and added:
II think it Is a house maintained
by Pan American for its executives
when they are here"
TITS rather modest in contrast
with 1901 North Uhle street, Airing
ton, Va, maintained by TWA," Sen
ator Brewster continued. That es-
tablishment has 20 rooms and 8 bars.
think it is now for sale for $50, 900.
It has a swimming pool, also"
Admits Breakfasts at House.
Senator Brewster said he has been
to the Pan American F street house
three times, to have breakfast as
the guest of Mr. Pryor.
When Mr.. Hughes asked if the
Senator would consider the F street
house as a palace, he answered:
Il don't want to be critical of
Pan American. but wish the
committee could 60 and look at it.
1t has a toilet on the first floor that
is always out of order-the few
times I have been there"
Cepotoy prnu,ctor &ha,, Eebod o,,+