The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1907-04-14
GARFIELD SAYS
ROSS AND HORN
ARE GUILTLESS
Personally Investigated
the Reclamation Graft
Charges.

There was iubilation in the local Re-
elamatlon Service yesterday, when Sec
Rotary Garfield announced after per-
sonal Investigation of the charges OF
graft I'm Idaho. that they were entirely
without foundation, and further, that
the two principal engineers involved,
Messrs Ross and Horn, deserved recog-
milton for efficient and faithful services
performed in safeguarding the interests
OF the Government He therefore di-
rected that they be given substantial
promotions.
Director Newell, in reply to questions,
stated that he was particularly pleased
at the outcome OF the Investigations, as
it strengthened his hope and belief that
the service is not only strong organ
ization, but is composed of men upon
whose integrity he can rely.
Source of Deep Chagrin.
THE publication in several news
papers Of vague charges affecting the
integrity Of engineers in Idaho was nat
urally source of deep chagrin." said
Mr.. Newell. while at no time has
there existed IN my mind the slightest
doubt as to the absolute honesty OF the
engineers against whom charges Of
graft were leveled, the complete exon
GRAFTON by Secretary Garfield Of every
member Of the service IN Idaho is very
gratifying.
I'VE have understood perfectly that the
charges were attributable TO parties
financially interested in discrediting the
engineers. The recent attacks were
made in the endeavor to intimldate the
engineers and cOerce them into taking
a less positive position in protecting the
Governments interests. These men have
boosted that they could bring sufficient
influence to compel the removal of en-
gineers who stood between them and
the payment of doubtful claims against
the Government
Conspiracy Proof Lacking.
while proof is lacking of the exist
ence of an actual conspiracy to injure
these engineers, all the elements OF col
fusion in this regard are found in the
statements which have been made in
unison by a number Of men. Taken
singly. none of these statements would
be considered as worthy of much con-
sideration, but when combined they had
the appearance of plausibnlty."
When seen yesterday afternoon about
the result of Secretary Garfelds in
quiry, Arthur p, Davis, chief engineer
Of the Reclamation Service. said.
Il am exceedingly glad, but in no
way surprised. at the decisive vindica-
ton Mr.. Ross has received at the hands
Of the Secretary Of the Interior. after
very fully and carefully considering the
facts in the case.
Ross Honesty Defended.
mo one who is wei acquainted with
Mr.. Ross has ever doubted his honesty.
Mr.. Ross was for several years State
engineer of Idaho, and in this capacity
it became his duty TO protect the inter
ests of the State in many ways, a duty
which he never shfrked for an instant,
regardless of the consequences to him
self.
THAT charges of dishonesty were at
the same time and by the same people
made against Mr.. Horn, simply added
to the absurdity OF the whole affair in
the minds of those knowing Mr.. Horn,
for his record for prObity and fidelity is
as long and as clean as that of Mr..
Ross, although he has not been thrown
in a position of making as many enc
mics"