The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-01-10
Conflict Quietino Down.

Washington, January 9.The present
week probably viii decide whether there
will be a prolonged conflict involving the
President of the United States within the
ranks of the republican party in Congress-
Conditions have been tending in that di-
rection for some time, but instead of add
Ing to the impulse the dismissal of Mr..
Pinchot apparently has had the effect OF
causing q halt. 1t has prompted sena-
tors and members to consider the possi-
bilities of a continuation of the contro-
versy and present indications are of =
more pacific tendency than were those of
q week ago.
There is no denying that in some re-
spects the situation remains critical. Mr..
Pinchot has a large number of personal
friends and admirers in both houses of
Congress, who would be inclined to take
mp his case if favorable opportunity
should present itself, and If they could
do so without endangering the peace OF
the party and their own political welfare.
On the other hand, many are saying that
the personal fortunes of Messrs Ballin-
ger and Pinchot are of little Importance
compared to the great question of the
preservation of party harmony and those
who take this view are urging the neces-
sity of preventing any sharp conflict in
Congress on the lines of difference be-
tween the Secretary of the Interior and
the former chief of the forest service.
Whether or not the conservative counsel
of this element shall prevail will depend
upon the course of events in Congress
during the next few days.
There Is no doubt that the investiga-
ton Of the interior department and of
t4ie forest service will proceed along the
lines indicated by the Jones' Humphrey
resolution, but it will be competent for
the investigating committee either to
broaden or narrow the inquiry. If the
advice of many of the leaders is fol-
lowed however, this inquiry will be re-
stricted as much as possible, especially
now as an influential factor, Mr.. Pinchot,
is eliminated from the dispute.
The question will receive its next atten-
tiop on the floor of the Senate. The pres
ent situation is this: The House has
adopted the resolution providing for the
appointment of its members OF the COM
mittee by the House itself, rather than
by the speaker, as was originally pro-
vided Without awaiting the official no
tification as to the action of the House,
the Senate committee on public lands has
decided to report the resolution in such
form as to authorize the selection OF the
House members by the speaker. Unques-
-tionabIy this action was taken with the
intention Of complimenting the speaker,
ana II Will. De reported 10 tne Senate
Speaker Cannon feels that 1t would be
impolitic for him to take advantage of
this condition and override the expressed
order of majority of the House, and it
IL probable, therefore that the Senate
will take such action as will steer clear
of controversy with the House. 1t is
now said that the speaker himself would
prefer that the house should select the
committee.
The Senate committee on public lands
will report M resolution tomorrow. and
II is probable that discussion of the
question will begin not later than Tues
day. ~ ~
The Senate calendar Is still clean. and
aside from the Ballinger-P Pinchot reso-
luton, the programme for the present
week is not favorable for any legislation
OF Importance. The House will proceed
with the consideration of the army APP
preparation bill. and 1t il expected that
measure will be before it at least until
Tuesday night
BIZ that time the fortidcatioDs appro-