Linton (Indiana) Daily Citizen, April 1, 1922, page 1:

SENATOR  NEW  STIRS  UNUSUAL  RUMPUS
 


Through  Use  of  the  Naval  Radio  to  Broadcast  Campaign  Speech.
 


UTAH  SENATOR  ANGRY
 


Wants  All  Facts  in  the  Case  and  Theatens  to  Make  Speech  on  Senate  Floor.
 


    WASHINGTON, April 1.--When Senator Harry S. New, of Indiana, Republican, sat in his office Thursday night and broadcast a political speech over the naval radiophone he set in motion a controversy that may assume considerable proportions.
    Democratic senators were indignant upon learning that Mr. New had used the naval radio for his speech. A few of them threatened to take official notice of it in the senate and find out if the government wireless facilities are to be used for partisan purposes.

Speech  Sent  Broadcast.

    Senator New is a candidate for reelection in Indiana. He stayed here while the treaties were being considered and had to cancel many speaking engagements in his state. He thought of sending his speeches broadcast through the ether so that not only the voters in his own state, but persons anywhere who "tuned" up to the navy wavelength might learn from his own lips his appeal for return to the senate.
    All arrangements for sending the speech through the air were made by the navy department. The telephone instrument in New's office in the senate office building was connected with the naval apparatus at the Anacostia station and from there transmitted to the country.

Democrats  Indignant.

    Senator William S. King, of Utah, Democrat, was among those who expressed indignation that the navy service should have been used for the transmission of political speeches. He called attention specifically to the fact that the speech was sent on a wave length of 1,100, which brings it within the limits reserved exclusively for the government, that is, between 600 and 1,600. If the speech had been transmitted at less than a 600-wave length, or at a greater wave length than 1,600, the criticism would not apply, Senator King said.
    Senator King requested the navy department today for all facts in the case. He intimated that he might make a speech in the senate when his inquiry was answered.