The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1910-01-08
McCabe Acting Forester.


WASHINGTON, u. c., Jan. s.
Pending the arrival of Assistant For
ester Potter from Ogden, Secretary
Wilson appointed Geo. T. McCabe, So
licitor of the department of agriculture
as acting forester. McCabe was re-
ceived cordially by Pinchot, who said
he was ready to turn the office over
to him Immediately.
Situation Is Most Tense.
Political observers in Washington
declare that the situation created by
today's developments is the most
tense in many years. What the out
come will be no one is willing to
prophesy. In the house of represent
atives Speaker Joseph Cannon lost his
first fight to the insurgents who COM
bining with the democrats, caused to
he adoDted al amendment to the Bal
linger-Pinchot inquiry, so as to take
from the speaker the power to ap-
point the house members of the joint
special committee of investigation
Insurgents Are Jubi.ant.
The margin of victory was narrow
three votes-but the insurgents and
democrats alike are jubilant today
The dismissal of Pinchot has lent fuel
to the flame of their celebration, and
they are venturing all manner Of pre-
dictions as to what will happen.
Three republicans, not classed as
insurgents but who profess their
friendship for Pinchot. voice with the
insurgents" and democrats, for the
adoption Of the amendment which
calls for the selection of the house in
vestigators by election from the floor.
The ca binet was in special session
the entire afternoon yesterday. fol-
lowing the regular session of the
morning. Secretary Ballinger, cog
infant of the action that was about to
be taken, remained away from the
afternoon sitting. Tt was at the end
of this special session yesterday that
the president gave out the letter he
had written to Mr.. Pinchot notifying
him that his usefulness as public
servant under the present admins
, tration was at an end.
Wilson Against Pinchot.
Secretary of Agriculture Wilson,
Pinchot's immediate superior, it APP
pears, was one of the forester's chief
accusers He told President Taft that
he advised Mr.. Pinchot not to send
the letter to Senator Dolliver; that
Pinchot had told him he had such a
letter in mind, and could induce Sen
ator Dolliver' to read it on the day
that President Taft's special message
transmitting the attorney generals
exoneration of Secretary Ballinger
was to be presented to the senate.
1t was this story of Pinchot's ap-
parently calculated INSTRUMENTATION
! that aroused the president to keenest
resentment.
Mr.. Taft accuses Pinchot of having
taken his stand against Secretary
Ballinger wholly upon the evidence
adduced by Mr.. CLAWS, and without
regard for the evidence on the other
eide, on file in the interior depart
ment.
The letter directing Secretary Will
son TO dismiss the forester forthwith
was carefully framed in the afternoon
sitting of the cabinet, and was re-
vised several times before finally be-
ing made public. 1t is the presidents
own statement of the case.
Pincho+ Betravs Little Emotion.
Mr.. Pinchot received yesterday the
letter of the president and Secretary
Wilson'S peremptory note of dismiss
sal; but nothing about his demeanor
indicated that he was surprised or
distressed by either. To an accom-
apniment of sounds OF merrment
floating down from above stairs,
where there was a party of guests.
Mr. Pinchot came down to meet the
reporters, in evening dress and silk
hat in hand. smiling and undismayed.
Asked If he would say anything for
publication. he replied:
TT will suit me just as well if you
will make for me inst that simple
statement, have nothing to say"
NJ D.-chc+ -aaad tho+ he probably
would say nothing today but he
would not say how long he would
maintain his silence.
Dismissal Will Not Hinder.
The dismissal of the principal off,
Ger oi the forestry service will in no