MR MELLON CHARGED.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 52, Issue 81, 15 January 1932, Page 5

MR MELLON CHARGED.

CREDIT AND OIL CONCESSION.

MR PATMAN’S ALLEGATION. (United Press Association—Copyright) (Received This- Day, 9.35 a.m.) WASHINGTON, January 14, The Secretary to the Treasury (Mr Andrew W. Mellon) was charged today by Mr Patman, a, member of the House of Representatives, with having taken part in an extension of credit to Colombia arranged by New York bankers. At about the time a large oil concession was granted, Mr Patman alleged, Mr Mellon ownedthe Gulf Oil Company.

A cablegram from Washington dated January G stated: A resolution seeking impeachment of Mr Andrew W. Mellon (Secretary to the Treasury) was introduced m the House by Mr Patman (Democrat, Tgxcls). “On my own responsibility,” said Mr Patman, “I impeach Andrew Mellon of high crimes and misdemeanours.” , • ... The House sat tense and still as Mr Patman spoke, facing a. Chamber crowded with representatives who-had just answered a roll-call. Mr Patman based his charges on a statute of 1789, forbidding the head of the Treasury engaging in commerce. He said: “Mr Mellon owns voting stock in 300 corporations with combined! assets of three billion dollars.” He criticised the granting of refunds of taxes -to concerns in which Mr Mellon owns shares. He said that Mr Mellon received profits from the sale of distilled whisky. Stating that Mr Mellon 1 was the principal owner of the Aluminium Company of America, he declared that- more aluminium was now used in the construction of public buildings than ever before. The resolution was referred to the Judiciary Committee of the House by a viva voce vote, the House adjourning immediately afterwards without anyone answering Mr Patman’s accusations.