The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1909-11-09

lpass on the claims frst. believe that
no precedent can be found In the en-
tire history of the Land once for
such action.
On the 18th received telegram
from the Land Office saying Mr..
Sheridan would report to assist me
in the trial. Mr.. Ballinger was then
in Seattle, and l went to see him
and called his attention to my writ
ten demand for a field examination.
Mr.. Ballinger said he thought the
Cunningham group would admit that
the land was being developed as
a whole. ] telegraphed to Connis-
sioner bennett that, wanted to know
whether my report (urging field ex-
Iimination) had been considered when
lthe last telegram was sent. SSIn re-
Iply, on the 18th, the Land Ofiqe
wired that Mr. Sheridan would re-
port to tske full charge Of the
cases.
At that time felt very despondent
about the outcome of these cases.
My conversation with Secretary
Ballinger, the fact that Mr. bennett
was to be the Judge In the case, and
the difficulties 1 had had with the
Land Office in my preparation Of
the cases. led me. without consulting
my superiors. to appeal to the De-
partment OF Agriculture to intervene.
This it did, and requested an ad-
journment until field examination
could be made.
On July II, Mr.. Sheridan suppressed
ed me in charge of the Alaska land
cases. and within four days after
reaching Seattle reported, concur
ring In my recommendations, and
Suggesting that the cases be post
poned to allow the field examina-
tion to be made. In this period Com
missioner bennett frequently COM
municated with Secretary Ballinger
on the subject of the postponcment.
In one of his letters to the Chief of
Field Servite at the time. Comniiss-
ioner bennett said.
Sheridan has gone over the cases
Thoroughly and thinks that the evil
dence which 1t is hoped to gain from
kennedy's visit to Alaska will be very
material, and therefore 1t Is the best
TO postpone until October 15. | have
concuTed, anticipating your telegram
to me. The Forestry can be blamed
for the action in the matter.
l
cunningham case, and impresses me
very favorably, think he can handle
lit against any rival they may bring
against him. The rest OF the Alaska
cases are IN a bad mess. CLAWS IL
very much enthused on the proposlt-
lon OF canceiing them all and getting
lthe lands back in cold storage, ana
this Is Just what will happen unless
Congress helps out"
Land Office Tells Truth.
! In another letter to the Chief of
the Field Service, Mr.. bennett wrote:
CLAWS has these coal eases on the
brain and can not see anything but
Just one line. have told him how
3 looks 70 us, and have reminded him
OF everything we have done for him,
and 1t looks as II he were returning
our favors by not standing by us as
he ought"
. On July 22 Mr.. bennett telegrapheti
! from Seattle to Secretary Ballinger:
Advise telegraphlng Schwartz auth
! orizing him to delay issuing notices
IN important cases subject our talk
/, here until Sheridan can examine evid.
ence collected
On July % Mr.. Ballinger telegraph
ed Mr.. bennett. Considering my per-
sonal reluctance to direct proceedings
In Alaska coal cases you should make
q necessary direction to Schwartz" /
Alaska Coal Lands In Danger.
IL was at this time that laid the
. facts in my possession regarding the
Cunningham cases before the Presl-
dent. The President has chosen to
treat my report as charge of crimiu-
ality. | made no such charge. nor do
make It now. The Presidents letter
rs defense Of Mr.. Ballinger and Mr..
!. bennett from charges not made in my
report to aim. 1 was not investigat-
. ing either Mr.. Ballinger OF Mr.. Dem
nett. but the Alaska coal cases. Be-
; cause knew that these cases were to
come before Mr.. Dennett and that
there was no appeal from his de-
cision save to Secretary Ballinger.
because Secretary Ballinger had
: stated he would not act in these
cases and because the next ranking
! officer of the department was Assist
liant Secretary Pierce, who had signed
, the decision which Mr.. wiclsershain
had overruled, believed the Alasha
coal cases We're in danger. The Pre-
sident has seen in this nothing but
loverzeal and insubordination on my
part, and an opportunity to praise the
Secretary OF the interior. I have not
been informed what answer the De-
partment OF the interior has made
Ito my statement, but the public will