MR MELLON IMPEACHED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21537, 8 January 1932, Page 7

MR MELLON IMPEACHED

ALLEGED MISDEMEANOURS A REPRESENTATIVE’S CHARGES (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) WASHINGTON, January 6. A resolution seeking the impeachment of the Secretary of the Treasury (Mr A. W. Mellon) was introduced in the House by Mr Patman (Democrat, Texas). “On my own responsibility,” he said, “ I impeach Mr Andrew Mellon of high crimes and misdemeanours.” The House sat tense and still as Mr Patman spoke, facing the Chamber, which was crowded with representatives who had just answered a roll call. Mr Patman based his charges on the statute of 1789 forbidding the Treasury head from engaging in commerce. 'He said: ‘‘Mr Mellon owns voting stock in 300 corporations with combined assets of 3,000,000,000 dollars.” He criticised the granting of tax refunds to concerns in which M Mellon owns shares. He said that Mr Mellon had received profits from the sale of distilled whisky, and stated that Mr Mellon 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 House Judiciary Committee by a viva voce vote, the House adjourning immediately afterwards without anyone answering Mr Patman’s accusations.