Wheeler

The Special Senate Committee headed by Senator Borah, which had been investigating the indictment of Senator Wheeler in Montana, had made its reports (TIME, May 26). The question was whether Mr. Wheeler had been justifiably indicted by a Montana jury, for accepting fees to represent a client before the Federal Government. The majority report of the Committee (made by four members) declared that the indictment was unjustified. The minority report (made by one member, Senator Sterling of South Dakota) declared the indictment was justified on the basis of such facts as had been presented to the grand jury.

With the two reports on the floor of the Senate the real wrangling began. Senator Borah opened the debate with a speech of a little under three hours, attacking the minority report and declaring that the evidence on which the indictment was based was absolutely insufficient. Next day Senator Sterling spoke for a little over three hours, declaring that, whether or not Mr. Wheeler was guilty, the evidence was sufficient to warrant an indictment, and that the Senate ought not to express itself on the subject in a manner which might prejudice Mr. Wheeler's forthcoming trial. Next day another three-hour debate followed, Mr. Sterling alone on his side and subject to the attacks of the combined Democrats who were defending their colleague.

Finally a vote was taken. More than half the Republicans did not vote. Only five of them, including Senator Sterling, voted against the majority report. Senator Wheeler was exonerated 56 to 5.