Bismarck daily tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1881-1916, 1910-05-25
BALLINGER's POSITION

BALLlNGER'S POSITION
The investigation of all the multi
farious charges against Mr.. Ballinger
put forth largely by men who have
been subordinates under him and
who have been active in seeking to
undermine their superior officer
brings out the fact that Ballinger has
construed the law as it stood on the
books, endeavored to conduct the
public business as it should have been
conducted, and, in the opinion OF some
of the best newspapers of the coun-
try, he deserves commentator for
his public services, and not the whole
sale and unthinking criticism that
has been leveled against him.
Mr.. Ballinger has taken occasion
to remove from subordinate positions
in his department men who have been
disloyal and traitorous, seeking to
get a little temporary notoriety and
profit from betraying their chief Off
Ger as far as they were able to do
so. 1t is entirely proper that such
persons should be removed from the
office. If they are not in harmony
with the administration of public af-
fairs, let them get out and make their
fight in the open. The American
people have little use for stabbers in
the dark.
The Washington Post, a conserva-
tive and we'll known newspaper, says
of the Ballinger charges and Mr.. Bal
fingers attitude;
The report that Hon. Richard A.
Ballinger, secretary of the interior,
will find an excuse for resigning soon
after the conclusion of the Ballinger-
Pinchot hearing has no semblance OF
probability. 1t is not like Mr.. Bal.
linger, and there would be no occa'
sion for it. After a siege of many
months, in which every kind of in
situation, suspicion and implication
was admitted into the congressional
hearing, Secretary Ballinger has
emerged victorious. Not a single fact
has been produced to show that lie
was even derelict in duty, much less
corrupt. The huge pile of malice, vii
LITIGATION and Misrepresentation that
was intended to crush him has crura'
bled, and President Taft's confidence
in him is now seen to have been
solid ura,,na
Mr.. Ballinger has borne himself
during this long ordeal with patience
and dignity. He has not replied to
every vague insinuation, but he has
replied to every definite charge
against him, and his reply has been
backed by documentary evidence. He
has revealed himself as a strong, able
man, a good fighter, and fearless
public official, who has not swerved
from his duty. He has obeyed the
law himself and he has forced others
to obey it.
It is impossible to believe that Mr.
Ballinger will seek occasion to retire.
1t would be proof of a weakness that
he has never shown. No doubt he
has felt, at times, that public off,
cial performs an ulngrateful task
This feeling has been expressed even
by President Taft himself; but Sec.
rotary Ballinger has shown too high
sence of duty to justify the belief
that he will yield to a passing whim
air throw off the responsibilities that
he carries. He has mastered the
difficult questions arising in his de-
partment, and his injected into the
He is needed at his post. The people
are realizing more and more that this
quiet, determined, clear-sighted man
is in the place where he can serve
them and protect their interests most
effectively. His work is not yet end
ed, and it is not in his nature to leave
a task unfinished.