Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-29

Taking the stand in his own defense,
Secretary Ballinger today asserted. un-
der oath, and vehemently. to the Bal
linger-Pinchot investigating commit
tee that he would take the same action
today that he did as commissioner OF
the land office in ordering the Cunning
ham Alaskan coal claims clear listed"
provided he had the same record be-
fore him
It's a willful, deliberate lie." he
snapped, when Mr.. Vertrees asked as
to the truth Of CLAWS statement to
the committee that he had discussed
the Cunningham claims with Ballinger
in December, 1907.
He spoke with assurance and related
several instances in which former
President Roosevelt had indicated con-
hdence in him.
Adjournment for Lunch.
Mr. Ballinger still was on the subject
Of Alaskan coal claims when the midday
recess was taken. The examination now
passes from the CLAWS charge TO Bal
fingers differences with Forester Pinchot
over the restoration to entry by him or
water-power sites and his attitude to-
ward conservation in general
social event would hardy have at
tracted a larger proportion Of women
than attended the hearing today. MIS-.
Ballinger was there, accompanied by mrs
Wickersham, wife OF the Attorney Oeh-
eral Mrs. Pinchot. mother OF the for
mer forester, and Mrs. justice Lurton
also were present
Not more than one hundred spectators
can obtain admission. Every seat was
occupied this morning. with many out
side clamoring to get in.
BrandeIs Asks for Papers.
Before Mr. Ballinger took the stand At
torney Brandeis stated to the committee
hat in view of the fact that Mr.. Bal
llnger was about to testify he would like
TO again call the committees attention to
his request for papers and memoranda
bearing on the Attorney Generals sum-
mary of the CLAWS charges.
He sad he would like to renew his re-
uuest in modified form, as he needed the
yapers i'm the croSs-examination OF Mr.
BalIinger. After considerable discussion
he committee decided to grant the OPP
POSITION counsel a hearing on the reQuesf
.DmOrrow morning.
Mr.. Ballinger then was sworn. Standing
on the dais, with right hand raised, head
erect and left hand in his pocket. Mr..
0allnger made a striking figure. He
look the oath in a firm voice and ap.
l6dE6C 10 Dc pcIlcCkly OF C6cC 90 itS az
suned his seat In the witness chair.
Mr.. Ballinger recounted the story OK
his career up to the time he became COM
missi, ,ner general of the land office. on
the earnest solicitation or fresident
=. 0sevei.. oecie.-is uairieIo Id Senator
Piles He referred to the anti-vice cru.
sade he led whi-e mayor e Seattle.
.'They knew 1 clu.d enforce the law
and did," he stated emphaticaiiy.
Urged to Take Office.
Mr.. Ballinger read kilograms he had
received from Mr.. Garfield and Mr..
Roosevelt after he had repl ed negatively
to a suggestion Of Senator Pies that no
accent the post Of commissioner Of the
land Office.
Reading from the Roosevelt telegram
"It is your duty to help me. You and
Garfield will lift an immense burden rom
my shoulders"
decided to accept the st. Mr.. Yer
trees asked the witne whether his re-
iations with Garfield then wers IT -enaiy.
"Fr. end y, but never intimate knew
Mr. Garfield in college: h.,,
Mr. Vertrees asked Mr.. Bailinger wnetn.
ar he knew any of the Cunning aam Alas
kan coal claimants at the time ne De.
came commissioner. He said he was not
aware he knew any Of them at that times
h,'t had since discovered that he knew
aho,t six of them, whom he named
Did you have any interest In Alaskan
lands? ." asked Mr.. Vertrees.
.T had no interest in Alaskan or any
,.har lands. whatsoever. either directly
or Indirectly" retorted Mr.. Ballinger. en-
.sWhat professional relations did You
Or your law firm have at that time with
Alaskan"
His Alaskan Interests.
.sI don't recall that we represented any,
with the possible exception Of Watson
Alien, a lumberman, who had some in-
crest in Nome. in placer gold digging"
THAT was all"
Now wait. want to qualify thaa