Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1910-03-11
RECORDS CONTRADICT
SECRETARYS AFFIDAVIT
Stoned Document Handed Witness
by Cabinet Official Does Not Coin
eide With Former Proofs Relative
to Alaska Coal Mine DeaIs-HiS
Work for the People.

WASHINGTON, ID. C., March To-
James II. Garfield. former secretary
OF the interior. was finally excused
frCm the witness stand at the Bal
linger-Ph chCt investigation late this
afternoon. His final half hour before
the committee furnished the sensa-
zion of what had been. up TO that
time. decidedly dull day.
MI. Garfield stated that Mr.. Bal
finger. after having been commission
er of the land office, submitted to him
or September II, 1908, an affidavit.
signed by Clarence Cunningham. anu
containing the statement that the
GuLgenheims had no interest what
ever In the Cunningham group OF coal
mines in Alaska. while, as matter
of fact. the record IL recent hear
ing before the senate committee ON
territories, shows that prior to the
making cf the affidavit the Gusgen-
helm syndicate had been given an
option on q half interest in all the
Cunningham claims.
Suggested Amendment.
Attorney Brandeis, who was cues
tioning MIR. Garfield, followed up the
declarations by reading from Secre-
tary Ballinger's report TO President
Taft on September last, concerning
the Claws charges, the statement that
Mr. Bsllinger had suggested to Mr..
Cunningham an amendment 10 an al
fidavit made prior TO the one which
We presented to Secretary Garfield III
September. 1908. and that Mr.. Cum
ninaham made the amendment by ex-
planning in detail what he meant by
certain terms used in his former az
fidavit
Mr. Garfield said Mr.. Baliinger. in
giving him the affidavit. left the I'M
preston that bis action was entire
ly casual and that he had been re-
guested by friends in Seattle To
leave il on file for whatever II might
be worth Mr. Brandeis then called
attention to The fact that the name
Of Mr.. Ballingor's law firm was
pTinted On the backing of the all
dayit.
The former secretary Of the inter
ior was examined and cross examin-
ed as to his administration Of the Of
ice which he gave up To Mr.. Bal-
linger on March ,. 1909.
Working for the People.
Mr.. Garfield. in explaining what he
did in the matter OF the withdrawal
OF lands without specific provision by
Law. declared he was working in the
interest Of the people and TO prevent
ncrcpclistic control OF power sites
and consequent cxtcrtiCnate prices
10 the consumer.
The former secretary took issue
with MIR. Ballinger as to certain state
ments made by the latter IN his re-
ply to President Taft Nregarding the
various charges made against HIN
Doesn't Recall Conference.
Mr.. Garfield said he could not recall
any conference with Mr.. iIallingcr re-
garding the Cunningham coal claims.
although Mr. Baliinger said he had
Immediately conferred with MT. Car
field after the receipt Of CLAWS pro
test against the clear listing Of the
Alaska claims
Mr.. Garfield admitted that in urging
general coal examination by congress
early in 1908. he had made the state
ment that he was willing TO condonc
fraudulent entries IN Alaska pTovid-
ed the cntrymen were compelled 10
paw an increased price Ter the land
10 the government
The inquiry viii be resumed tenor
sOv.