The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1910-01-05
RECLAMATION
CONTROVERSY
RESOLUTION
Ballinger- -Pinchot Matter is
Now Before Congress for
It's Action
SENATOR JONES DECLARES THE
PURPOSE IS ONE OF v|MO|CAJIoN
Few Government Officials Go Astroy
Wilfully-There May be Mistakes in
Their Judgment But Their PURPOSES
Are Honorable.

Is ordered by joint resolution today
introduced In the senate by Mr.. Jones.
ana IN the house by Mr.. Humphrey.
Doth OF Washington. As heretofore
announced the provision is for the
proadest kind of public inquiry, the
resolution being of the character re-
curing the signature of the presi-
dent which gives to it all the force
of general laws.
committee of twelve is to be ap-
polhted to conduct the investigation,
SIX OF whom shall be designated by
vice president Sherman and six by
Speaker cannon. Unquestionably
senator Nelson, chairman of the SEN
ate committee on public lands, will
ehad the list of senator's and this
doubtless, will result in his selection
as chairman of the joint committee.
Inc scope of the investigation is out
lined as follows:
Ihe committee is hereby empow-
cred and directed to make a thorough
and complete investigation of the ad-
mln1stratfon and conduct of the in
terror department, its several bureaus,
officers and employees, and of the bu-
reau of forestry in the agricultural
department, its officers and employees,
touching or relating to the reclama-
! ton, conservation, MANAGEMENT and
disposal of the public lands of the
/ united States, or any lands in trust
by the United States for any purpose.
including all the natural resources
OF such lands, and said committee
is authorized and empowered to make
any further investigation touching
said department, it's bureaus, officers
or employees. and of said bureau of
forestry, its officers or employees as
1t may deem desirable"
The authority to sit during sessions
or congress and in recesses, to re-
quire the attendance of witnesses and
the production of papers, usual to
congressional inquiries, is granted by
the resolution. 1t is provided further
that any person refusing to obey the
process of the committee OF to an
sWer any question propounded shall
be deemed guilty of contempt, and
Jurisdiction is conferred upon the
court of appeals of the District of
Columbia to try and determine any
such charges of contempt.
Employment Of assistance, illegal or
otherwise" is specifically authorized.
This provision is for the purpose of
enabling the committee to procure
the services of able attorneys to take
charge of the probing. so far as the
directing of questions is concerned
1t is the intention of President Taft
to have the committee name some
competent attorney to conduct the
case, and it is possible that both of
1 tho nrin Rino0o f<,
be represented by counsel.
1t was agreed by all persons who
i have given close attention to the Bal
linger- -Pinchot squabble that the in
vestigation should be open to the pub
lie and this is ordered by the resolu-
tion. One of the big rooms in the
new senate Office building will be used
for this purpose.
jones' Speech.
In presenting the resolution Mr..
Jones said:
"The various departments and bu-
reaus of the government are organ
lied to do its business in the inter-
ests Of the people. Every official is
but the servant and agent of the peo-
pie to act for them under and with
in the limits of the law. The efficiency
of public service depends much upon
the confidence of the people in the
honesty and integrity of their ser.
wants and agents.
1T is bad commentary upon the
state of public opinion that the mo-
ment a man accepts public office
he becomes a scOundrel in the eyes
of many Of our people and his pre-
vious life of honesty and rectitude is
no warrant of official integrity. His
acts are misconstrued and his motives
questioned. Insinuation and innuen+
does are freely made under the guise
of the public welfare but in reality
to foster some private interest. Pop
alur views are taken advantage of to
discredit an official, who, after inves-
tigating all phases of subject. may
reach decision at variance with
some private interest.
MANY do not stop to think how
seldom have government officials gone
astray compared with their oppor-
tunities and temptations for wrong
doing. In the hundred and twenty
five years of our national life few OF