The Vinita daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1902-1913, 1910-09-08
DEMAND REMOVAL
OF BALL|NGER
Three standpat Members Voted
Against Resolution And Now
Claim action Not Binding.

Minneapolis, Mimi, Sept. S.-Con-
demnation of Richard A. Ballinger in
the administration of tbs department
of the interior, OF which he h secre-
tary, and the declaration that he
should no longer be retained in office,
is contained in the resolution adopted
yesterday by five members of the con-
gressional committee, which has been
investigating the Ballinger-Pi -Pinchot
controversy. These five, four demo-
Gratis and one republican, claim that
their vote is binding upon the com
mittee as a whole. This, however, is
disputed by the other three members
of the committee who were present.
But five of the three members Of the
committee voted for the adoption of
the resolution which was offered by
Representative e. H Madison, of Kan
sas. an insurgent republican. Con-
sequently, the question arises as to
what action, the full committee, when
it is present, will take later.
Representatives James and Graham,
and the other democratic members,
maintain that quorum was present
despite the fact Chairman Nelson,
republican, had stated in the meeting
that there was no quorum. During
the session no member had raised the
point of no quorum and Representa-
tive James contends that the adoption
of the resolution has the effect of ex-
pressing the views Of the majority.
When the committee met eight
members were present, constituting
quorum, but before voting on the Mad
ison resolution was reached, Senator
George Sutherland. republican Of
Utah, and Representative Samuel Nc
Call, republican. of Massachusetts,
withdrew, Nelson remained but took
no part in the voting.
The republicans assert that the
withdrawal of Messrs Sutherland and
Mccall, broke the quorum. In this
view Representative Madison joins.
He said Final action could have been
taken but no report has been adopted
and the majority can, of course. If it
sees fit, reverse the action
The matter of the Cunningham coal
lands discharged chief Of the field div
ision of the general land Office was
the principal witness. The charges
against Ballinger with respect to the
Cunningham claims were made by
CLAWS. Pinchot's charges dwelt large
ly on the question Of the western
waterpower sites.
When the committee met yesterday
morning those present were: sena-
tors Nelson, Sutherland and Repre-
|sentatives Mccall and Madison,
republicans. and Senator Purcell and
Fletcher and Representative James
land Graham, democrats.
Word was received that Represent
ative DENLY, republican. would be
here tomorrow, that Representative
Olmstead. would arrive Friday and
that Senator Root, republican, Of New
York might be here Friday or Satur-
day. Senator Frank J. Flint, republi-
can, of California, is abroad and is
not expected home in time The dem
|ocratic members determined that
some action would be taken at yester
days session and Immediately after
the meeting was called to order, sena'
tor Fletcher, introduced the resoIu.
tion calling "Ballinger unfit Tor she
very responsible position he holds"
and that the public good demands
his prompt removal from the said
Office" The substitute by Madison,
which was adonted followed.