Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1910-01-06
SENATOR 10 N ES
DEFENDS SECRETARY
DECLARES HALLINeER's PUR-
POSES AND OBJECTS ARE SAME
AS THOSE OF THE MOST RAD.
IcAL coNsERvATIoNIsT.

washington, u. T., Jan. 6.-InyeSti
cation Of the Ballinger-Pinchot con.
troversy is ordered by a joint resolu.
tion today introduced In the senate by
Mr. Jones, and in the house by Mr.
Humphrey, both Of Washington state
As heretofore announced the pro.
vision Is for the broadcast kind of pub
tic inquiry, the resolution being of the
character requiring the signature of
the president which gives to it all the
force of general law.
A committee of twelve is to be ap-
pointed to conduct the investigation,
PIX of whom shall be designated by
Vice President Sherman and six by
Speaker Cannon. PROFESSIONALLY Sen
ator Nelson, chairman Of the senate
eommittee on public lands, will head
The list of senators and this doubtless
will result in his selection as chair
man Of the joint committee The scope
pf the investigation is outlined as
follows:
Text of the Resolution.
The committee is hereby en-
powered and directed to make a
thorough and complete investigation OF
the administration and conduct OF the
interior department, its several
bureaus, officers and employees, and OF
the bureau of forestry in the agricul-
fural department, its officers and
employees, touching or relating to the
conservation, manage
ment and disposal of the public lands
pf the United States, or any lands held
in trust by the United States for any
purpose, including all the natural re-
sources of such lands, and said com
mittee is authorized and empowered
TO make any further investigation
touching said department, its bureaus
officers or employees, and of said
bureau of forestry, it's officers or en-
ployes as it may deem desirable"
Principals May Have Counsel.
The authority to sit during
eesslons Of congress and in re-
cesses, to require the attendance of
witnesses and the production of pa
pers, usual to congressional inquiries.
Is granted by the resolution. 1t is
provided further that any persons re-
Pus1ng to obey the process Of the com
mittee or to answer any question pro
pounded shall be deemed guilty of con
:empt, and jurisdiction is conferred up-
On the court Of appeals of the Dis
5rict Of Columbia to try and determine
any such charges Of contempt.
Employment of assistance, illegal o1.
is specifically authorized
This provision is for the purpose of
the committee to procure the
services OF able attorneys to take !
,harge of the probing SO far as the
Erecting Of questions is concerned. 1t !
s the intention of President Taft TO
,ave the committee name some com !
,etent attorney to conduct the case, /
Ind it is possible that both of the I
principals to the controversy NAV be (
represented by counsel.
1t was agreed by all persons who
ave given close attention to the Bal
squabble that the in
estlgatlon should be open to the pub
is and this is ordered by the resolu-
ion. Onezof the big rooms in the
lew senate office building will be
sed for this purpose.
Jones Defends Rallinger.
In presenting the resolution, Mr..
ones said:
THE various departments and bu.
eaus of the government are organiz. /,
d to do It's business in the interests
the people. E cry official is but
le servant and agent of the people
act for them under and within fhe T,
mits Of the law The efficiency oil
uhlic service depends upon the con
dence of the people in the honesty
nd integrity of their servants and 4,
gents
1T is a sad commentary upon the ,
ate of public opinion that the nom
ut man accepts n'.''t.cg office he be.
'mes a scoundrer IN the eyes of the
aople and his previous life of hon
'tT and rectttpde is no warrant of Of
'ial integrit..a His acts are miscon-
rued and his motives questioned. J
sinuation and innuendoes are freely !.
ade under the guise of the public ! 1
elfare, but in reality to foster some
'ivate interest. Popular views are
ken advantage of to discredit an of-
,ial who, after investigating nu "a
lases of a subject, may reach deci- G