Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1910-01-18
GAVE JUDGE WRIGHT'S
SALARY TO NEPHEW
In His Statement the Democratic
Congressman From Nebraska
Enumerates Numerous Wrong Do
ines BY the Interior OfficiaI-BaI-
iinger Makes Sweeping Denial.
(By Associated Press.)

Somewhat waning interest in the IN
vestigati6h of the so-called Baliinger-
Pinchot controversy was quickly re-
vived in congress today by sensation
al charges against Secretary Balm
ser, CT the interior department and
other officials, filed by Representa-
tive Hitchcock, (Democrat) CT Ne
braska, with the committee on ex-
penditures in the interior depart
ment and incidentally by the senates
adoption of the investigation resolu-
ton as agreed upon in conference.
The house will adopt the resolution
tCmorrCw.
The most important allegation Of
Mr.. Hitchcock is that funds OF the in
terror department were improperly
used in paying private travelling ex-
penses of Secretary Ballinger's
nephew.
The secretary and other officials OF
the interior department will be sub
poenaed before the house committee
on expenditures, TO when Mr. Hitch
cocks charges were addressed.
Turned Money to Nephew.
The statement asserts that when
Mr.. BalEnger became commissioner
of the general land office position
he held before entering the cabinet,
he reduced the salary of Law Clerk
Wright so that Judge Wright's $4,000
salary could be given to Jack Bal
linger. his nephew, not under the
title of law clerk, but under the title.
created by Mr.. Ballingers order, of
confidential clerk I have been told
Wright died of disappointment and
humiliation soon thereafter"
Jack Ballinger remained a year in
the service. the statement says, his
manner of living. about the time his
uncle resigned, in March, 1908. being
alleged TO illustrate the reckless ex-
enditures CT the land office"
1t was announced, the statement
goes on to say. that young Jack Bal
linger was leaving the land. Office to
resume law practice in Seattle. In
order that he might receive a final
rake-off he was designated as special
temporary inspector of Offices. an evil
dent outrage on the treasury. This
enables him to draw travelling ex-
renses from Washington to- Seattle.
and a per diem also. Within two
weeks after ne reached Seattle he re-
signed, as understood in advance, and
resumed law practice. needing, OF
course. practice before the land Of
fee out there and also in Washing
ton"
Mr.. Hitchcock declared this to be
only one of many outrages on the
treasury which can be found
The statement was presented by
Mr.. Hitchcock at n meeting @ the
committee called to permit him TO
substantiate his charges Of extrava-
gance in the interior department.
The committee decided to issue sub
pcenas on Secretary Baliinger. Com
missioner Dennet. CT the general land
Office. and AL others interested IN
the charges to appear as witnesses
before the committee next Wedncs-
day morning.
Where the Funds Went.
The statement ALLEGES improper
use Of the million dollar appropriation
for the protection of the public do
main against frauds. by the purchase
Of expensive furniture" mounting in
10 tens Of thousands Of dollars. the
erection of a certain large brick chin
ney fer a land once at considerable
expense the employment Of some
eighty additional clerks salaries in
creased and in one case at least
conhled.~ out Of this million dollar
fund. letting the case OF Chief q the
Field Service Schwartz. as this in
stancel long Telegraph bills. which
cover long extracts from the news
napcrs sen; in by travelling represer-
tativcs C. the general land Office. Sc
lection G. special agents not at all
qualified etc.
Mr.. Hitchcock suggested 10 the
committee that certain employees of
the general land cficc be called 10
furnish sTecihc information, explain
inR that IL was persona non grata
with the Interior department. and that
the committee vas In a better post
ton TO obtain the facts concerning
eighty odj clerks. performing ordi-
rary clerical duties. not connected tn
anyway with the protection Of the
public domain. though 80 paid.
Crested Scnwsrtz's Position.
Concerning the Once 81 chief of
field service occupied BY n. ~.
Schwartz. the statement alleges that