OIL AND POLITICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3862, 20 March 1928, Page 27

OIL AND POLITICS.

REPUBLICAN PARTY INVOLVED. NEW YORK, March 12. The Evening World, in a copyright story, states that a mysterious new fund of over 4,000,000d0l has been discovered here. It states that the fund accumulated and was distributed between July, 1921, and December, 1922 at the time the naval oil leases were made in California and Wyoming. Although this fund is not directly linked with the Teapot scandals,” th.o newspaper says, “ there is evidence indicating direct connection with the oil deals. ’

MR MELLON IMPEACHED. WASHINGTON, March 12. A s the result of the recent Teapot disclosures, Mr Norris, in the Senate dema'lded resignation of Mr Mellon. Mr Robinson (Democrat) denounced the contribution of Sinclair to the Republican Party as the price of Republican treachery to the nation. He stated that the gift could not now be atoned for.

REPUBLICANS’ DEFENCE. WASHINGTON, March 13. Mr A. W. Mellon (Secretary of tha treasury), called before the Senate TeaP°t Dome Committee, stated that Mr \Vill Hays posted the Sinclair bonds to him. He was busy and did not open the package immediately, but told Mr Hays he would return them when he had discovered the contents, and did so. He stated that his suspicions were not aroused by the transaction. Mr Butler stated that Mr Hays met him in New York and offered him a package which he said contained 25,000d0l in bonds, but be refused to accept it. He denied a long series of questions as to whether he had knowledge of the Sinclair bonds.

Mr Will Hays stated that Mr Mellon’s testimony was correct, but said: “ I have a very indistinct recollection of the conversation with Mr Butler.” He stated ,£ at he sa,d noting about from whom the bonds came, and when asked why he aid not tell Mr Butler he answered that it wa s because he considered the matter irrelevant. HOT WORDS. WASHINGTON, March 14. Senators Caraway, Janies, Reed, and Oldfield bitterly attacked Messrs Mellon, Butler, and Hays, and President Coolidge in connection with the Continental 1 ds. Senator Reed declared that the President was responsible for corruption, while Senator Oldfield demanded that President Coolidge should clean his house. Senator Caraway called Senator Hays a “ fence ” in disposing of stolen goods.

REPUBLICAN FUNDS. WASHINGTON, March 16. Senator Borah announced that ae will attempt to raise by public subscription the money necessary to repay Sinclair‘3 contribution to the Republican campaign fund, as he says, “ to lift this obligation of shame.”

Some circles fear that this is Senator Borah’s move to clean the Republican house, and may even lead to an independent movement, as he has already received 5000dol through the mails.

THE SINCLAIR BONDS. WASHINGTON, March It President Coolidge hag pronounced approval, of Senator Borah’s tentative plan to repay the Sinclair bonds. It is reported that President Coolidge and Mr Butler conferred on the subject, and it is expected that a definite plan will be announced after April 2.