that were offered, I knew nothing about it. Mr. Lee Smith never, at any time, consulted me about any statement that he should make respecting the candidates in Indiana-never once-and I never saw W. Lee Smith until after he had been put in his present place. In fact I did not know there was such a man. As I recall, he never has talked with me about whether or not any statements should be issued in my behalf. I never asked him to issue one in my behalf. I knew that the Ku-Klux Klan had some warring factions in the State and they were seeking to hold themselves together rather than support any political organization; and being wholly on the outside, the internal workings of it were to me a sealed book.

I think, Senator, that probably covers what I wanted to say about my relations to the klan organization and to its officers. Generally speaking, I had no kind of an understanding with the general officers or with the local officers at any time in my life, that I was to be supported by them in exchange for any votes, favors, or considerations-never once-nor was there ever any kind of an understanding between us that I was to be supported by them, because I was never a candidate until right now, and Mr. Smith, the present grand dragon, and I had no kind of an understanding about it, nor had Mr. Emmons, Doctor Evans, or Zumbrunn. I have not seen either of those men for a long time. I had no kind of an understanding with them about support in Indiana in this campaign in my election. That is just about all I care to say about it. Do you think of anything else I have not covered? That is about all of the Ku-Klux

end of it.

Senator, I greatly appreciate your coming here, because in Indiana nobody knew who the Ku-Klux Klan were or who they were not. I mean in a group, in talking, everybody was always careful, because he did not know. Half of them were Ku-Klux, and nobody ever knew. Generally it was said they were favorable to me because of my standing against the League of Nations, against the World Court, and in favor of restriction of immigration and in favor of foreign-debt settlement; that those accorded with their ideas, and they were friendly to me on that account.

Now, do you want to ask me anything about my campaign organization?

The CHAIRMAN. I can get that from others. It is not necessary to ask it of you. I do not want to burden you.

Senator WATSON. All I want to say is this, if you please, that making my preliminary organization in Indiana this year was an easy matter. I have campaigned this State for 36 years and have an enormous personal acquaintance Last year, in the long recess, I was out here, speaking in 58 counties; and I went into about 28 others, speaking here, yonder, and the other place, as I do, and we all do in the off years, and I picked up representative men here and there to form my organization. I did not think I would have any opposition; but when I did, I had an organization which was ready to go, running up pretty well into about 60,000 individuals, a compact organization, as good as any I ever saw. It was made up by my personal contact and personal solicitation, and after all these years' standing of acquaintance it is not a difficult matter to do. In that way I built up my organization for the primary cam

paign. Mr. Thurman, who is collector of internal revenue, was charged with building up this organization, or had charge of building up this organization, until opposition developed to me. He was immediately dropped and another man put in his place, because I did not want any man in public office to be my personal manager when there was a fight on in the organization; and my program was carried through.

I believe that is all I have to say. I believe, Senator, I have nothing further to say.

(Thereupon the committee adjourned, to resume its hearings in the Federal building.)

AFTER RECESS

FEDERAL BUILDING, Indianapolis, Ind., October 22, 1926. The committee reconvened, pursuant to the taking of the recess, in the Federal Building, Senator Reed of Missouri (chairman) presiding.

The CHAIRMAN. Is Senator Robinson here?

Senator ROBINSON. Yes.

The CHAIRMAN. I want to make this statement for the record, that the hearing in Chicago on the Indiana situation was entered into chiefly because the chairman of the Republican committee had made a charge, in substance, to the effect that the State of Indiana was being flooded with money by the Democratic committee or some one in its behalf, or by somebody, the money being used in the interests of the Democratic ticket and the senatorial election. That statement, of course, seemed to make it necessary to inquire regarding its truth or lack of truth and, accordingly, the chairmen of both Democratic and Republican committees, Mr. Walb and Mr. Peters, were called together with certain other witnesses who, it was claimed, had knowledge touching the senatorial contest. In the course of this testimony, certain statements were made which seemed to concern Senator Watson and Senator Robinson and their activities in this campaign. They had not been summoned as witnesses. It seemed to the committee, which happened, in this instance, to be myself, the other members not being here, that it was only fair to afford Senators Robinson and Watson the fullest opportunity to meet these charges in any way that they saw proper.

Accordingly, I, on the morning after the charges had been made, wired both Senator Robinson and Senator Watson identical messages, saying in substance that they were at liberty to appear and make such statements as to them seemed proper. Some two hours I apprehend, after I had sent that message, I received a message from Senator Watson and, later, one from Senator Robinson, saying that they desired to appear, and I think, in both instances, the messages from Senator Robinson and Senator Watson had been sent before mine had been received. Very shortly afterwards I received a telegram from Senator Watson, saying that he had received my message and saying that he was unable to come to Chicago. In my message to him, I had stated that if he was not able to come to Chicago we would come here. Senator Watson's telegram, and I think a later one from Senator Robinson, requested an early hearing so that whatever the facts developed might be the people of Indiana would

have an opportunity to know them. I canceled my engagements at Chicago for to-day, although we had several witnesses subpœnaed to be there, and came at once to Indianapolis.

I have taken, this morning, the statement of Senator Watson, who was unable to leave his bed. Therefore it was taken at the hospital. Senator Robinson is here.

One thing further. This committee is proceeding under a specific authority which is set forth in the Senate resolution, which I will read and do read in full. [Reading:]

[S. Res. 195, Sixty-ninth Congress, first session]

Resolved, That a special committee of five, consisting of three members selected from the majority political party, of whom one shall be a progressive Republican, and of two members from the minority political party, shall be forthwith appointed by the President of the Senate; and said committee is hereby authorized and instructed immediately to investigate what moneys, emoluments, rewards, or things of value, including agreements or understandings of support for appointment or election to office have been promised, contributed, made or expended, or shall hereafter be promised, contributed, expended, or made by any person firm, corporation, or committee, organization, or association, to influence the nomination of any person as the candidate of any political party or organization for membership in the United States Senate, or to contribute to or promote the election of any person as a member of the United States Senate at the general election to be held in November, 1926. Said committee shall report the names of the persons, firms, or corporations, or committees, organizations, or associations that have made or shall hereafter make such promises, subscriptions, advancements, or payments and the amount by them severally contributed or promised as aforesaid; including the method of expenditure of said sums or the method of performance of said agreements, together with all facts in relation thereto.

Said committee is hereby empowered to sit and act at such time or times and at such place or places as it may deem necessary; to require by subpoena or otherwise the attendance of witnesses, the production of books, papers, and documents, and to do such other acts as may be necessary in the matter of said investigation.

The chairman of the committee or any member thereof may administer oaths to witnesses. Every person who, having been summoned as a witness by authority of said committee willfully makes default, or who, having appeared. refuses to answer any question pertinent to the investigation heretofore authorized, shall be held to the penalties provided by section 102 of the Revised Statutes of the United States.

Said committee shall promptly report to the Senate the facts by it ascer tained.

Subsequently the committee, by proper resolution, authorized any one or more of its members to act as a subcommittee, and it is under that authority that I am here to-day. I attempted to assemble the entire committee, but found that Senator Goff is in Europe, Senator La Follette is sick in bed, and Senator McNary is engaged in an active campaign, I think for somebody else--I believe he is not running and wired that it was practically impossible for him to come, but that he would come later if it was necessary. In the meantime, it transpired that it was necessary to have Senator McNary conduct the investigations in the State of Washington, where there appears to be some disturbance.

Senator King wired that he was unable to come, but has since indicated that he probably can meet Senator McNary in Washington and assist him there or, I should say, cooperate with him there, or if Senator McNary can not go, that he will go and take the evidence there. So that I am necessarily proceeding alone.

I have made all of this statement and read this resolution because I want a clear understanding of the authority of this committee. We are authorized only to investigate touching matters that concern the election of a United States Senator or the nomination of a United States Senator or Senators in this present campaign. We have no authority to go back of this present campaign, and have refrained from doing so unless the facts antedated this campaign and were interlocked with the circumstances of the campaign in such a way as to make it necessary to go into them. We have tried to observe that rule, and have pretty successfully done it except where some witnesses would voluntarily throw in some matter that was not pertinent to the question; or where, perhaps by mistake, we asked some questions that brought out matter that was not pertinent.

So that this committee-I am making this statement because of rumors that go about-has nothing to do with the investigation of the political situation in Indiana, except as that situation affects the Senatorial nominations and elections.

We have nothing to do with the escapades of Mr. Stephenson. We have nothing to do with the political embroglios of the State of Indiana except in so far as those conditions bear upon this election; and then they must, in some way, be related to the expenditure of money, the promise of rewards, or some kind of conduct which would taint an election.

I will say, for you gentlemen of the press, that unless Mr. Stephenson knows something concerning this particular election or has done something that runs over into this election, we have no business with him at all.

Now, Senator Robinson, you have appeared here voluntarily, and I take it you have read the statements of the witnesses and are familiar with the situation. You are at liberty to make any statement you wish in answer thereto.

STATEMENT OF SENATOR ARTHUR R. ROBINSON, OF INDIANA

Senator ROBINSON. Senator Reed, I read the reports of the evidence in the newspapers, and as carefully as I could. From all I could learn from the newspaper reports, I was mentioned only incidentally and there was no testimony adduced, so far as the reports I read in the newspapers were concerned, that implicated me in any manner with any dishonorable conduct of any kind.

I want to make this statement, that in the primary I sought the support of all Republicans, but did not enter into any deals of any kind or of any sort to get such support. I think that is the only statement that I have to make.

I canceled my engagements to be here, knowing you would be here to-day, because I want to aid the committee, in any way I can, in its investigation.

The CHAIRMAN. Senator, we have the transcript of the evidence taken in Chicago, and we would be glad to give you a copy, so that you can examine it and see if there is any matter contained in the transcript which you desire to specifically refer to; and after I have asked you one or two questions, we will adjourn for lunch and you can have the transcript to look over.

103434-26-PT 316

Do you know what moneys have been raised in this campaign to be expended in the State of Indiana?

Senator ROBINSON. I do not.

The CHAIRMAN. I am asking now regarding the entire expense, because I apprehend that your campaign for the United States Senate is now being conducted by the regular Republican State committee, and that it is also supporting an entire ticket.

Senator ROBINSON. That is true. I can tell you what my own contribution to the State committee is.

The CHAIRMAN. Very well. You may tell us that.

Senator ROBINSON. That is a thousand dollars; but what the total campaign fund is I do not know. I do not know how much is being expended in the Republican campaign-the whole campaign.

The CHAIRMAN. Who is the treasurer of the Republican campaign committee?

Senator ROBINSON. Jesse T. Moorman.

The CHAIRMAN. Does he live here?

Senator ROBINSON. He lives here.

The CHAIRMAN. In Indianapolis?

Senator ROBINSON. He lives at the Columbia Club.

The CHAIRMAN. In Indianapolis?

Senator ROBINSON. In Indianapolis.

The CHAIRMAN. I wish you would do me the favor of getting in touch with him and asking him to come here and bring a statement from his books as to the number of his employees, the amounts of contributions, and who the contributors are.

Senator ROBINSON. I will do that.

The CHAIRMAN. And I want the treasurer of the Democratic committee. Are there any members of the Democratic committee here? If so, I want to ask them to have the books brought over of the Democratic committee. I will want the same kind of information regarding the Democratic campaign fund.

Senator, do you know of outside speakers coming into the State to discuss questions relating to the World Court, immigration, the League of Nations, or any similar question which is an issue in the campaign in Indiana?

Senator ROBINSON. I only know from newspaper reports and from what I have heard.

Last Sunday Mr. Frederick J. Libby-I think that was his name— was at Terre Haute, I believe, and on Monday he was here at a luncheon. It was reported in the press that he would have 200 or more there, I think mostly women. I had a report on his speech at Terre Haute to the effect that he was enthusiastically in favor of America's entering the League of Nations, and that he had predicted we would enter the League of Nations in four years, but that he wanted all of them in the hearing of his voice to see to it that they went out as missionaries, right from there, to do everything in their power to bring that about.

Then at his meeting here he talked about international relations and about the great good the League of Nations is doing in bringing wars to an end. This meeting here was held-this is the press report which I read and I presume it is true-under the auspices of the Indiana Council on International Relations.