The Houston Post. (Houston, Tex.), Vol. 35, No. 47, Ed. 1 Wednesday, May 21, 1919 Page: 1 of 18
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VOL. 35 NO. 47.
HOUSTONTEXAS WEDNESDAY MAY 21 1919.
1 8 PAGES-PRICE FIVE CENTS
U 11
PURGING OF RICE
FACULTY DEMAND
OF AXSON CLUB
Ipimediate Dismissal of Dr.
Lyford Paterson Ed-
- wards Urged as First
Step to This End
iTOO MANY ISMS
BEING TAUGHT
Condemns All Un-American
and Bolshevik Prop-
aganda as Contrary to
Spirit of School
The Axson Club of Houston
urges the dismissal of Dr. Lyford
Paterson Edwards professor . at
Rice Institute. Resolutions con-
demning un-American and Bol-
shevik propaganda and calling
upon the trustees of Rice insti-
tute to "do their duty" in purging
the school of disciples of "danger-
ous and incendiary doctrines"
were unanimously adopted at a
meeting of the club at 3 p. m.
Tuesday at the home of Mrs. J.
II. Dore Harold street and Aud-
ubon Place. A copy of the reso-
lutions will be forwarded to the
board of trustees of Rice Institute.
The Axson club also demands a "thor-
ough inquiry into the thoughts and meth-
ods of the 'faculty and teachers' corps
at It!ee that the trustees may discover
for themselves the various brands of
propaganda inid "isms"' being expounded
in the class rooms much of which is dett
riuieutal if not fatal to the ideals and
principles of true Americanism which is
based on the Christian faith of its found-
ers. Asks for "American" Instructors.
TJie club iu its resolutions ask for in-
structors at Rice who believe in Amer-
icanism as was "exemplified"in the life
. of George Washington. "In the name of
present and future beneficiaries" the
resolution recites "we ask that only men
who will not ridicule our Christian faith
who will not Call Old Glory a rag and
who will not attack the character of
patriots be allowed to teach ta -Rice In-
stitute."
The resolution is indorsed b the fol-
lowing members of the Axson club who
1 wee present at Tuesday's meeting: Mes-
. dames A. R. Howard president; George
L. Noble J. Edward Hodges J.' Aubrey
Dickson M. M. Graves JyW. Wilker-
son It E. Williams Ted Smith J. H.
Dore G. C. Gifford. Mrs. A. R. How-
ard president said the entire member-
ship of the club' would "back" the resolu-
tions. Text of Resolutions.
.The resolutions follow:
0 Whereas our attention has been
railed to the utterances of Dr. L.
B. Edwards on the occasion of his
lecture delivered on the 11th day of
May 1910 and especially to his as-
persions against the character of
Washington and his praise of Le-
nine and his doctrines; and
Whereas the extent and nature of
a teacher's influence in the com
munity in which he lives is of vital
interest Jo that community and es-
pecially to the mothers in that com-
munity; and
' Whereas the situation as original-
ly reported in the daily papers has"'
neither been 'helped nor mftlified by
the published explanation of Dr. Ed-
wards; and . .
Whereas the loyal citizens men
and women of this community prop
erly resent the presentation of any
0 part of friendly front to the man
' and bis doctrines now responsible
for the conditions in Russia and
" . menacing the welfare of the world;
Resolved that we feel not only
' justified but in duty bound to make
these comments and to voice this
protest so that our attitude as an
' organized body may be known and
such influence as we have may be
k . evercised in the right direction..
. i i; It is 'our firm belief that in
times such as these it is the solemn
' ' duty of every citizen to measure his
' words to refrain from useless critN
cisin' and to be a consistent advocate
' . of thosf things which will lead pub-
lie thought in the direction of ae- )
rene and wholesome content.
V 2. We are of the opinion that v.
I ' this is no time for the advocacy of
1 revolutionary changes cither in pub-
' lie policy or methods of government
and that the higher the man stands
in that scale of intellect learning or
v public place the more careful he
should be of his preachments.
3. We are of the firm and fixed
i opinion that in these abnormal times
of reconstruction and readjustment
when the problems of idleness and
unemployment are pressing and un-
solved there Is no such thing as an
academic indorsement of the doctrine
oc methods of Lenlna nd his asso- .
- datcai .and that at no time and at "
no place. - either now or before or
J hereafter can .the character; of
Washington be assailed with im-
purity: . '
' ' ' 4. We wish to emphasise - this
thought: The Rice Institute d an .
4 Continued on taga 8 Column LI
Well Known Houstonian;
Is Claimed by Deaths
' i
HOUSTON ATTORNEY
AND FORMER .LAW
MAKER IS DEAD
George B. Griggs Succumbs
to Illness at Early Hour
Wednesday Morning
George I?- Griggs for 35 years a prac-
ticing attorney of Houston and one time
great incohonce of the Improved Order
of Ked Men difat 1:08 a. m. Wednes-
day at bis reslnence1909 Iceland ave-
nue. Mr. Griggs served in the twenty-seventh
and twenty-eighth Texas State leg-
islature and also in the State senate. He
was the author of the Griggs drainage
law. Mr. Griggs was 58 years old
having celebrated his fifty-eighth birth-
day Monday.
He is survived by his widow Mrs.
Katherine Leonhavd Griggs a daughter
Miss Elizabeth Griggs and a sou George
Griggs Jr. ail of Houston; a sister
Kirs. Adam Elder and a brother Thomas
Griggs both of Johnson City O.
Mr. Griggs was a member of Tonkaway
tribe No." 5 Red Men and also of Texas
lodge No. 1 Knights of Pythias. His
term as representative of the Knights of
ii ..
' .
recently ended. He was also superin
tendent of the insurance department of
that order.
Mr. Griggs' death resulted from ill-
ness extending over a period of nearly
two years. He took a relaffse for the
worse about a week ago.
Funeral services "will be a the resi-
dence 1!K)9 Leclaud avenue at 9 a. m.
Thursday under the auspices of Texas
lodge No. 1 Knights of Pythias. Rev.
W. Clyde Howard of the Central Pres-
byterian church will conduct the services.
The body will be forward at 10:45 a. m.
Thursday by the Settegast & Kopf com-
pany to Trenton 111. for burial. Mem-
bers of the family will accompany the
body.
One Hun Looter Shows
Really Repentant Spirit
Associated Press Report.
COBLENZ Sunday May IS. Max
Kaasch a former captain in the German
army who was arrested1 several days Ago
by American intelligence officers en a
charge of having in h. possession linen
and other property sUu-n from France
committed suicide enrly touny by ftab-
bing. 1 J ; .
American Steamer Sunk
Strikes Submerged Mine
Associated Press Report. '
GOTHENBURG Sweden May 20.
The American steamer Lake Placid
fstruck a submerged mine near the island
of Vingu near here Monday and sank in
five minutes. All those on board were
rescued.
Today's Calendar
FORECASTS OF THE WEATHER.
Auocwtcd Pretax-Report.
WASHINGTON Miy 20. Bast Texas
Wtdntsday warm lair in interior; Thursday
Partly cloudy warmer in interior.
H'sir-J" eras Wednesday fair warmer except
in southwest portion; Thursday probably fair.
Louisiana Wednesday lair warmer in north
Portion; Thursday (air warmer.
. Forecast for Itotuton and vlcioitr: Filr
wcitber. Temperature extremes end preclplt-
Uou it Iloueton coding tur 3. at 3 p.m.: Max-
imum SI minimum 00 precipitation 0.20 lncliea.
Atmospheric pressure it Houston St 3 p.m.
29.80 sem level reading. Bunrts 0:25 s.m sun-
set 8:11 p.m.
Comparative record at Houston for May' 20
ISltt 1918 191T
B:oo a.m. .....i... el . to 71
10:00 a. in 7 .". 79 7s
Nouu 71 S3 75
8:00 p.m. . Htl 7
6:00 p. in Ml 74
HelatlT humidity 7 a.m. 78 pet rant; Boon
41 per leut.
TODAY'S EVENTS.
Kiwanla dub lunch' Rice hotel 12:15
p. m. - -
Ex-Marines association- meets at court
house 8 p. m. . '.
SchooKof Missions 10:30 a. m.. First
Presbyterian church.
Christian Endeavorert meet at Oak
Lawn church 7:30 p. m.
Chamber of Commerce lunch to Andres
Horcastitas 12:15 p. m Itice hotel.
Eaual Suffrage . association committee
k meets 10 a. m xoom'310. Rice hotel
!!B?fBBlWPB)ISBIi;Wlir.lJ.....lU-. --J
figfSBt$ :
Wo I
I
i
i
j George B. Griggs f
WTTWR IfMftftR
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i i - aariiai
lV.AUMJttl VUiU
IN TEXAS BELIEF
Delegation in Congress See
Spur' to Effects' in
Election Sat-
urday
SHEPPARD TO
OPPOSE MOVE
Junior Senator Will Fight
Suggestion to Repeal
War-Time Pro
hibition
W. S. QARD Corresnonent
Houston Post Bureau.
WASHINGTON May 20. There was
much speculation among the Texas rep
resentatives following the readibg of
President Wilson's message to congress
over its possible effect upon the State
wide election to be held next Saturday.
lioln amis and pros were inclined in
the opinion that it would result in in
creasing support for Statewide prohibi-
tion despite the fact that President Wil-
son requested congress to take the ban
off wine and beer and rcpeul the war
time prohibition act. Texans who dis
cussed this question appeared to ngree
that it would not have a decided effect
so far as final results go their belief
being that prohibition will curry by a
large majority. But if any attention is
paid U the president's declaration it wan
the united opinion that it would make
voters for the amendment.
Their line of reasoning is that it will
serve to arouse the opponents of the sa-
loon and make them demand to put Texas
in the bone dry column as it has brought
them to a realization that no dependence
can be put upon the assertion that na-
tional prohibition is actually here and
that there can be no lapse between now
and the time when the constitutional
amendment goes inta effect. If the pres-
ident's message created renewed and
deeper interest in the coming election it
was pointed out that this will only have
the efect of adding to the vote in favor
of placing" Texas irrevocacy in the dry
column.
Sheppard Disapproves Suggestion.
Senator Sheppard expressed his dis-
approval of the president's suggestion
and declared he would do all in his power
to oppose the passage of any legislation
looking to the repeal of the war time
prohibitin act. A tentative poll of this
congress reveals the fact that it will not
be possible to get through at least very
soon a repeal of the ban on wine and
beer despite the president's recommenda-
tion. The prohibitionists have a large
majority and they appear determined to
hold on to every advantage they have
gained in their fight on liquor. About
the only effect of the president's mes-
sage wdl be to mafie it somewhat more
difficult to pass the necessary legislation
for the enforcement of nationwide prohi-
bition. There is one predominant note in the
discussion of the ' president's message
among the democrats. They all express
the (nought that if he has any intention
t)f making the race for a third term that
many of the suggestions contained in his
message which otherwise may appear
bard to explain become dear at once.
Bid for Thirl- Term.
This was the statement of a democrat
who has always supported the president:
"Knowing that the solid South which is
the prohibition stronghold would support
him as the democratic nominee it is the
part of a good political general to advo-
cate the restoration of beer and wine for
that element which is clamoring against
the war time prohibition law. lie always
has sought the support of labor and bis
message' is full of just that sort of ap
peal. He forestalls much of the tariff
legislation of the republicans and on the
question of the return of the railroads
and wire systems he takes popular
stand. If his message had been designed-
iy drawn as a bid for popular support and
the presidential nomination it could pot
have been more skillfully- framed."
When the vote is taken iu.the house on
the woman suffrage constitutional
amendment resolution at least 11 of the
Tesas representatives will vote for it.
It is thought the final count will show
seven against and 11 for the amend-
ment. Six of the Texans who have open
ly declared their intentions of voting
against the resolution are Eagle Mans-
field". Rarner. Ituchanan. Kdvburn and
Black. There Is doubt about the final
position of Young and Hudspeth but the
indications are they will vote for the res-
olution. Ulanton will be the Texas mem-
ber on the house committee on woman
suffrage.
i
Swarms of Army Worms
Appear in .North Texas
- f
Associated Press Reptrf
WASHINGTON May 20. The army
worm so named because it often moves
in immense hordes leaving train of
destruction baa appeared in large num-
bers in the vicinity ef Fort Worth and
Dallas Texas according to reports to the
department of agriculture. It ia busily
engaged In destroying ths wheat and oats
crop in that State reports declare. Pre-
vailing damp cool weather favors de-
velopment of he worm officials of the
department .stated and makes likely an
invasion of large proportion within the
next four or six weeks in many States
east of ths Bock Mountains.
PRESIDENT URGES
MODIFICATION OF
PROHIBITION ACT
Recommends That Ban on
Manufacture and Sale of
Beer and Light Wines
Now Be Lifted
WOULD RETURN
-RAILS TO OWNERS
President Also Recommends
Tariff ancl Labor Legis-
lation and Enfranchise-
. ment of the Women
Associated Press Report.
WASHINGTON May 10. President
Wilson's cabled message-outlining leg-
islation for the extra session of the new
congress'' was read separately in the sen-
ate and bouse Tuesday by clerks and
arrangements were made by congres
sional leaders for immediate considers'
tion of the vast legislative program with
the equal suffrage resolution to come up
Wednesdayin the bouse.
Major recommendations of the presl
dent were for early return to private
ownership of railroads telegraphs and
telephones; for repeal of war time pro
hibition insofar as applicable to beer and
wines; for woman suffrage retaliatory
tariffs for protection of the dyestuff in
dustry and labor ami employment meas
ures. The president announced his in-
tention to turn back; the railroads at tb
end or the calendar year.
Republican leaaers met. the presi
dent's proposals for early return of pub-
lic utilities by statements that mi-h leg
islation already was planned. As to the
prohibition recommendation both repub
lican and democratic "dry" leaders Joined
in vigorous statements dissenting from
the president's suggestions and predict-
ing that no beer and wine repeal would
be passed.
Opinion in both senate and bouse as
ascertained by leaders was general that
the ban on 'beer and wine would not be
lifted.
Presentation of the president's mes
sage was the principal business at'Tues
day s session. Neither tbe senate nor
house were in session much more than
an hour the former adjourning until
next Friday and the .house until Wednet
day. . nefrjre the president message
was read the bouse arranged to take up
tomorrow the woman suffrage resolu
tion. . Its adoption before adjournment
is planned. Sennte leaders have prom
ised action in the upper body probably
early next month.
The flood of bills and resolutions
opened in the senate Tuesday while
scores more wre thrown into the house
hopper which Monday received about
1200. The principal measures in the sen
ate asked for copies of the peace treaty
for definition of the American policy in
Russia adoption of woman suffrage es-
tablishment of a federal budget sys-
tem and repeal of the luxury taxes and
the daylight saving law. AU were re-
(Continucd on Page 3 Column 5)
Proposes Purchase of
Lower California and
Part of Northern Sonora
Associated Press Report.
WASHINGTON. May 20. Pur-
chase of Lower California and also a
tract of Northern Sonora were pro-
posed in a resolution Tuesday .by
Senator Ashurst of Arizona demo-
crat which was referred without ac-
tion to the foreign relations commit-
'tee. Many Texas Boys Leave
' Coblenz While Others
Set Sail From Brest
Associated Press Report.
COBLENZ May 27. Tbe 00th divi-
sion comprised of National Arm men
from Texas and Oklahoma and several
thousand replacements chiefly from New
England began moving from the area of
occupation Saturday for Brest prepara-
tory to sailing for bomb '
TEXANS SAIL FROM BREST.
Associated Press Report.
BREST May 20. The steamers Rot-
terdam Finland Mobile and New Jer-
sey are sailing for tlie United States
Tuesday from this port carrying more
than 20000 troops. This completes tbe
embarkation of the 80th division and
begins that of tbe 30th division Texas
and Oklahoma troops. . '
The 143rd infantry embarked on the
Finland. - No less than 107000 troops
have been put on transports at Brest
since May 1. t ' . ' '
.... V " '
Pershing Abandons Plan
for Visit to England
. . . iii - ' . v
1 - Associated Press Report. '
LONDON May 20. Tha proposed
visit to .England of General Pershing the
American commander In chief has been
indefinitely postponed. It la inferred
her that this postponement la due to
tbe ofiioial view that it would be .in-
advisable for tbe commander to leave tb
Rhine untuV tbe Germans Jiad signed tb
peac treaty. '. ' ' : ;.
Time Limit for Huns Nears
the End Will They Sii
By the Associated Press.
Before Thursday of the present week shall have passed the
German peace plenipotentiaries at Versailles are to make known
in full to the delegates of the allied and associated powers' on
what points of the peace treaty they acquiesce and what points
they object to and desire modified. ' .
.Thursday is the limit for the Germans to make known their -views
on the peace treaty that has been handed them. No ex-
tension has been granted the Germans who are expected - to
present to the members of the peace congress a voluminous
record of objections and of acceptances of the clauses of the
document.
Although the leaders throughout Germany have declared
the treaty as framed is unacceptable and that it will not be
signed without modification the opinion in Paris seems to pre-
vail that after the representatives of the allied and associated
governments have considered the objections raised by tlie Ger-
man plenipotentiaries and formulated their final reply the Ger-
mans will affix their signatures to the compact.
Marshal Foch is taking nothing.for granted as regards the
probable action of the Germans at Versailles. He has mde a
visit to the occupied area and has informed the courtcil of four
of the military preparations that have been made contingent ot
the Germans' refusing.to accept the allied peace terms.
LAND BAM ASKS
OPINION ON LOANS
IN ARID SECTIONS
Query Applies to Small
Tracts Where Rainfall
Is Depended Upon
Opinions of national farm loan associa-
tions as to the advisability of lending
money on 100-acre tracts and less in
that portion of Texas where the rainfall
is less than 24 inches per annum is
sought in a letter mailed out Tuesday by
the Houston Land bank. The inquiries
have been sent to all loan associations in
the arid or semi-arid sections of the
State. ..
"The Federal Land bank of Tlouston
has been criticised" Judge M. II. Gos-
sett president of the bank said "for
making' such loans on the ground that in
a stock farming country in the semi-arid
belt and where the raising of live stock
constitutes a large part- of the fanner's
income successful fanning is less certain
1 than' where the average rainfall la great
er."
There are farmers and ranchmen in
the arid or semi-arid belt who agree with
tbe criticisms made according to Judge
Gossctt '"These men admit that a bor-
rower on 100 acres in a dry belt" Judge
Gossett said "will frequentlyfind him-
self bard pressed to meet his interest and
amortization payments on account of re-
curring drouths. On tbe other band the
farmer' who has more grazing land to
carry live stock will be able to meet bia
payments on account of this added
source of Income."
Judge Oossett said the criticism which
comes from the federal farm loan board
at Washington D. C is not to discrim
inate against the small land owner but is
based on sound economic reasoning. The
economic question involved Judge do.-
sett sa(d is not limited to Texas but
applies to all land banks in whose terri-
tory are semi-arid lands. . .
President Urges War
Taxes on Some Socalled
Luxuries Be Eliminated
Associated Press Report
WASHINGTON Msy 20. Among
special war taxes which the president in
bis messsge to congress Tuesday sug-
gested should be eliminated are those on
soda water and so-caHed luxuries suh
as expensive article of clothing and
personal .equipment; on proprietary me-
dicinal andoilet preparations and on
such manufacturers products as automo-
bile trucks and accessories pianos sport-
ing goods chewing gum candy camera
and camera sunnlles firearms electric
fans thermos bottles and motor boats.
Taxes on most of these articles went into
effect on May 1 and the collection of
them involving innumerable . cases of
making small change has caused much
complaint from retailers and purchasers.
Holland Will Resist
Belgain Territorial Claims
Associated Press Report.
PARIS May 2Q. Jonkheer Van Kar
nebeek tb Dutch minister of foreign
affairs again appeared before tb coun-
cil of foreign ministers Tuesday to dis-
cuss Belgium' claim as they affect
.Holland.. Tb position of Holland in" the
controversy appears .to be absolutely
opposed to any territorial concession to
Belgium but she I willing to admit of
arrangement forthe use of the Meuse
and Scheldt river by tb Belgian.
Representative Vandyke
' Expires in Washington
: -. . .
Associated Press Report.
WASHINGTON May 20. Represent-
ativ Carl C. Vandyke of St. Paul com-
mander of tb United Spanish War Vet-
erans died of bemorrhsge of tb stom-
ach early Tuesday at a Washington hos-
pital Mr. Vandyk was a democrat and
was lerring bia third term In coogreia
NAVAL SEAPLANE"
NC-4 READY FOR
.-' HOP TO PORTUGAL
-
Navy's Only Reliance in
Ocean Flight Awaits on
Favorable Weather
Associated Press Report.
WASHINGTON Msy 20. Tugging at
anchor in the harbor of Ponta tfel
Gada Azores tbe seaplane NC-4 the
lone survivor of tbe American navy's en-
try for first Trsns-atlantic flight hon-
ors awaits orhy favorable weather' for
the. start of tbe 800-mile dash to Lisbon
Portugal.
After three days at Horta where she
landed upon completion of the record
breaking flight from Newfoundland Lieu-
tenant Commander Albert C. Read'a big
ship flew to Ponta Del Gada. Tuesday in
remarkably fast time covering the 150
miles in oqe hour and 44 minute. This
was at the rat of approximately 80
mQe n hour. . . .
Rear Admiral Jackson in reporting tbe
arrival of the NC-4 at Ponta Del Gada
said the plane was "OK" and Flight
Commander John II. Tower reported
the plane to be in "excellent condition."
Vs'avsl offiicals expect the NC-4 to get
away Wednesday unless weather condi-
tions are very bad. Tb flight to Lis-
bon should not require more than 10
hours. After replenishing fuel supplies
and being overhauled in Portugal tb
NC-4 will undertake tb last leg of tb
voyage to Plymouth England.
Tbe NO-4 was definitely made tb sole
reliance of the American navy through a
report received Tuesday night from Com-
mander Towers at Ponta Del Gada who
informed the navy department of the
sinking at sea of the NC-1 and tbe com-
mencement of tbe dismantling of tbe
NC-3 preparatory to shipping the plan
back to the United State. Previous re-
ports bad said the NC-1 wa's outside
the port of Horta in bad condition and it
was presumed by navy officials that-her
bow was torn out by destroyers attempt-
ing to tow ber into port.
It had been thonght that tb NC-S
might be put Into shape to resume tbe
night. . - v.
English Flier Announces
Intention of Trying for
Non-Stop Atlantic Record
v
' Associated Press Report.
ST. JOHNS N. F May 20. Frede
rick P. ftaynham the British aviator
whose ' intention to attempt tb ' ocean
flight simultaneously with Harry G.
Hawker believed to bar been lost at
sea came to grief when his Martinsyde
plane was wrecked while mnning to the
"take off" announced Tuesday that be
waa in the race again for .the first non-
stop ocean air cruise. Recovered suffi-
ciently from injuries suffered when bis
plane collapsed to leave bl bed Rayn-
ham said that tbe machine could be re-
built with spare parte at band here pro-
viding tbe motor was in working condi-
tion. mile the Handley-Page ami Vimy me-
chanics are assembling their huge - ma-
chine for the Atlantic "hop off the
little Martinsyde will be removed from
the tent oh the Quid! iltW tinlil to town
for repair. . " ' '
Study of weather maps snowed tbe
growth of the storm which partially
wrecked -two of tb American seaplanes
near the Aiores and which may bar
sent Hawker and hi navigator Lieuten-
ant Commander . Mackenzie Grieve ' to
their deatha off the Axore moved north-
eastward mushrooming as it progressed
until it covered hslf th Atlantic reach-
ing almost to the shores of Ireland.
Despite the' possibility that tb Sop-
with expedition went- to( it doom in
this gale some aviation and wireless of-
ficial beld to ths theory that Hawker
had fallen into the ae between New-
foundland and the Trana-atlantie steam-
ship lane supporting their contention
with the knowledge ' that none of the
many vessels steaming . across the At-
lantic bad reported sighting the plan
or hearing lta adreleats. -
CHARGE OF FRAUD
KEYS INTEREST IK'
BLUE RIDGE PROBE
Walter J. Crawford of Beau-
mont ' Takes Exception
' to Intimations or
Senator Page '
BLAKELY GRILLED
BY INQUISITORS
Owner of Oil Farm Main-
; tains'Sang Froid in Face
of Searching Ques-
tionings Houston Post Special. ;
AU8T1N. Texas May 20. When Wal
ter J. Crawford of Beaumont attorney .
for Bassett Blakely bad concluded his
testimony before the legislative commit-
tee investigating the Blue Ridge farm'
matter Tuesday afternoon be a rose and
said referring to a statement by Senator
Page during the morning session that
"the entire trsnsaction bears tbe ear-
marks of fraud":
"One member of this committee has
suggested that this entire transaction
bears the earmarks of fraud. I trut
that this suggestion has no personal ap-
plication; and that it is not suggested
that I have been a party to any' fraud. ;
I accepted this employment for my firul
in good faith a firm that lias been estab-
lished for 20 years; and I certainly am
not prepared to hear that It ha in any
wise been connected with any fraudulent .
transactldn. I have perpetrated no
fraud and have been a party to none; and :
that I wish to go Into the record and to
be fully known to tbe member of this
committee." . ' v .
To this Senator Page reiterated:
"The record ia before the people and
the may judge of the matter.. I have
said that lu my opinion the whole trans-
action smacks of fraud and I have noth-
ing to retract. I reiterate it as ray opin-
ion that -thia .whole matter smacks of .
fraud all the circumstances are indica-
tive of fraud. I have nothing to retract."
Mr. Crawford then retired to a seat
In the back of the room where he lis-
tened to th examination of Bassett
Blakely tb owner of Blue Ridge who
denied prior knowledge of the bringing in
of h well! and who positively and em-'
phatically denied having been a party to
having overreached the governor or the
prison-commissioners. '
Blakely Closely Qucstionei. -
Mr. Blakely was-submitted to sharp
questioning by the member of th com-
mittee and drawled his answers in a man-
ner that brought laughter several times
especially when be waa asked the direct .
question of why he had employed Walter-
Crawford to secure th signatures of the "
commissioners to the contract shortening
tbe leases on all the farm and terniinat- .
lag the option of th Stat on BIu Ridge.
It was Representative Osborne who was
conducting the inquiry at that particular
time and be asked fir. Blakely: . '
'Then you employed Crawford to see '
the prison commissioners "and get their '
signatures after you had understood that
the matter bad been all arranged and that
tbe policy bad been decided upon?" . '
"Ye ir."
"Did you expect any trouble in seeur-'
lng the signatures?" V
"I did not at first; but there bad been
delay and I bad been put to a great deal
of annoyance over the matter. I had had-
much trouble. ' ;
"Did you employ him" asked Osborne
"because of his legal ability or because
you knew be had influence with the
prison commissioners T" ' ' v
"My old uncle told me one never to
send a boy to mill if I wanted any meal. '
I wanted somebody who would get the
bacon. Jl wanted these signatures to get
the matter wound up. I wanted no more
delay."
"Why did you pay him a fee of J10000
for getting those signatures?" asked Os-
borne: ' ' .
"I paid him $10000 because I had a
well in the middle of C000-acr farm
and I felt riph mighty rich. Why that
$10000 was just like a dim to me then."
Later Mr. Blakely said in answer to a
question by Senator Page that be had not
discussed tbe fee with Crawford in ad-
vance and that he had paid him what
he thought be owed him for all the serv-
ices rendered him.
Fig suggested that Blakely bad said
be did not know b bad a well when he
aent Crawford to Huntsville. "NY" came
the. answer "and I hadn't paid him any
$10000 then either." .
The day brought out much informa-
tion concerning tbe securing of the sig-
natures; and Judge Crawford. made a di-
rect statement to his whole 'connec-
tion with th matter and what bis ideas
were. ' . -
. ' Crawford h) Grilled. .
Mr. Crawford was given a gruelling ex-
amlnatfon in which th fous members
of v the committee to: j hand. Par-
ticular' attention waa given to th fa t
that Mr. Crawford had been th chair-
man of th executive committee of th
Hobby campaign last yeas-; and the sl-
ot the fee which was paid him by
sett Blakely to represent him iu U.l
matter of the release of the State's n
tion and the arrangement of tlie '
for the termination of tbe State's 1
on th various Blakely lauds vim ) rM
out. ' ' '
Mr. Crawford appeared a v-y
(.Continued on P; ;s 1 T- ('
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The Houston Post. (Houston, Tex.), Vol. 35, No. 47, Ed. 1 Wednesday, May 21, 1919, newspaper, May 21, 1919; Houston, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth608451/m1/1/?q=Griggs&rotate=90: accessed April 24, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .