Omaha daily bee., 1909-12-22
DALLlNCER FOR an INQUIRY
Demands that Charges Against Him
self Be Fully Investigated.
PUTS IT UP TO PRESIDENT
VIII Not Remain in Cabinet Under
Fire Of CriticIsm-JOint Conn
mittee of Both Houses
Probable.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 21.-President Taft
Monday yielded to the demands of both
Secretary Ballinger and his critics Tor a
public Investigation Of the whole subject
matter underlying the so-called BallingeF-
Pinchot controversy.
Mr.. Ballinger this afternoon served upon
the president virtually an ultimatum, to
the effect that such an Investigation was
indeed the price of his remaining In the
cabinet. He made It clear to the president
that he was no longer willing to sit silent
in his office in the Interior department
and wait for the thing ito blow over"
Mr.. Taft it is said, reluctantly admitted
the disappointment of his hope that the
country at large would accept as final his
own vindication of Mr.. Ballinger in his
dismissal Of the charges brought before
MIN against the secretary Of the interior
by L. r. CLAWS, the former special agent
IF the land office and his conclusion that
the investigation demanded by both sides
in this matter was inevitable.
Mr.. Ballinger's attitude in this matter
has the support Of leading republicans In
both branches OF congress, senator's and
representatives who feel that. entirely
apart from the merits Of the controversy
itself, a fostering sore of this character
| BbAoCh NAAc IN . = "a NA1 R1A -
in power and that It is high time to re-
sort to the lance. These leaders, de egmlned
that a cleansing OF this wound is pecessary
have not hesitated to go to the White
House and impress their Views upon Mr.
Taft.
Several Conferences Held.
Conferences of a confidential character
in which members of the cabinet, party
leaders in both houses of congress and the
president himself have participated. have
been held at various times during the last
few days. They eliminated today, wher
Secretary Ballinger, Attorney Genera
Wickersham and Genera
Hitchcock met In Mr.. understands office
and proceeded thence to the White House
/ where the matter was laid before the presl.
dent.
Mr.. Balllnger told the president, 1t IL
said, that the situation had become intoler'
able to him, and though the constan'
charges against him had come from ire
sponsible persons, he could not longer 81
supinely by, ard in justice to himself h
felt compelled to insist on an investigation
The president was given t9 understand
that Mr.. Ballinger's demand carried will
it the endorsement of Mr.. Wickersham ant
Mr.. Hitchcock. 1t is a known fact that III
has the sympathy also Of other members
Of the cabinet.
Cabinet VIII Discuss Matter.
Tomorrow is cabinet day. There can b
little doubt that this will be one of tn
important subjects of that meeting. Pre-
sumably this is one of the principal reason
why the investigation, backed by the ad
ministration, will probably not be breaches
in congress before it's adjournment to
---.- e., tlo boliIoy racacG
Several things have served to bring tn
matter to a head. The speech of Repre-
sentative Hitchcock, a democrat OF Ne
praska, in the house a few days ago, de
Emanding action upon his resolution provid
.ng for an Investigation of the land office
was a factor. Mr.. Ballinger, 1t is said
feared that. this resolution might he lai'
on the table by the republican majorit!
and that such action would be construed
by his enemies as an effort on the par
of the administration to "whitewash' him
A few days ago. he received pointed ad
vice from a close personal friend, a ma
who has recently left the government
service, who has himself been an investi
gator of the Department of Justice an
who is an expert on land laws, urging jus
such an ultimatum as Mr.. Ballinger carrie'
to the White House today. He impressc,
upon the secretary the conviction that tn
time had come when he must either de
mand an acquittal or retire to private life.
Reason for Ordering Inquiry.
Four important aspects of the situatio
are taken into consideration by the part
leaders:
First, the effect upon the future of tn
republican party and of the Taft admins
tration II attacks upon the integrity OF
member of the presidents official famil
may be made with impunity and above
to pass unanswered. even unchallenged.
Second. the possibility of the controvers
between adherents and opponents Of Secrc
tary Ballinger becoming so bitter as t
endanger party legislation.
Third, the practical standstill Of tn
whole policy of conservation of naturt
resources during the present conflict amonl
those in whose hands lies the administra
ton of that policy.
Lastly. the desire to do justice toward