The Paducah evening sun., 1910-03-02

had in his reply to the president,
made statements that were absolute
ly false In three essential parhcu-
lars, were not based upon Mr.. BALI
inger's letter, but upon letter writ
zen By Mr.. Balnnser FORMER "a"
partner, J. A. Ronald 10 Dr' Lyman
Abbott. Mr.. Ballnger had sent this
letter to the president las part OF
his defense" according to Mr.. Pin
chot.
senator Fletcher-Why do you
base charges of falsehood against
MIR. Ballnger in letter written by
someone else? 81.
Mr.. Pinchot-B Because he annotat-
ed the letter and transmitted II SO
annotated to the president as part
of his defense to the charges made
by me in my letter of November 4.
Senator Fletcher-You mean TO
say that Secretary Ballinger vouched
for this letter?
Mr.. Pinchot-I could draw no 9TH
er conclusion.
BaIlinger stated Facts.
Senator Nelson-Don't you know
as a matter of fact. that before
transmitting this Ronald letter to
the president. Mr.. Ballinger him
self made a statement to the presi-
dent. in which he covered these
three points and in which he stated
the actual facts?
Mr. Pinchot Yes.
Senator Nelson-Then how do you
say that he wilfully attempted to de-
ceive the president by transmitting
this letter.
Mr.. Pinchot-I don't know the
workings of Mr.. Ballinger's mind
and
Former Secretary GARFIELD was
present at the opening OF the ses-
sion.
Has Faith In Ballipgcr.
Mr.. Pinchot read letter from
President Taft dated Nov. "a, 1903.
replying to the witness letter of
Nov. 4. Mr.. Taft said he could not
coincide with Mr.. Pinchot5s views
as to Mr.. Ballinger, and declared
that the fact that MIR. Ballinger diff
fered with some of the things Mr..
Garfield had done did not argue a
lack Of friendliness on the part of
MIR. Ballinger to the cause of conser-
yation. The president also declared
that Mr.. Pinchots statement had
not shaken his confidence in the
good faith of Secretary Ballinger and
his hearty interest in the cause of
conservation.
There is expressed In this letter a
disagreement as between you and
the president as to khat transpired
at an interview between your" sug'
gested Attorney Pepper.
There is"
But does the letter In any wa,
shake your confidence In your recol
lection of what transpired at thai
Interview"
mot a bit. The statement made
to me by the president was one o
vast Importance to me as a eonserva
Zionist. and l unquestionably place.
more importance upon II than di,
the president himself"
CLAWS Charges Not Baseless.
Asked as to what impression th'
letters of the president had had up
on him. Mr.. Pinchot said the impres
sion was very deep one.
CLAWS had been dismissed oI
the ground that his charges agains
Mr.. Balllnger were baseless." h
said. when we now know they wer'
far from baseless."
J The witness proceeded to detail
his thoughts following these events
and IL became evident that he wa
leading up TO the circumstances at
tending the writing of the letter e
Senator Dolliver. upon which Presi
dent Taft demanded Mr.. Pinchot'i
resignation.
Il have a letter from Secretary oI
Agriculture Wilson saying he desire,
TO be present when any testimony II
given as to the Dolliyer letter." said
Chairman Nelson.
The examination was turned aside
and message sent requesting the
immediate presence of Secretary VII.
son.
When Secretary Wilson arrived
he took a seat beside Chairman Mel
son.
Mr.. Pinchot then read into evil
dence his letter to Senator Dolliver.
Mr.. Pinchot here read into the
record his letter of dismissal from
President Taft.
Senator Nelson pressed his ques-
ton as to whether or not Mr.. Pin
chot had consulted the secretary be-
Tore sending the letter.
Mr.. Pinchot said he would decline
TO answer the question unless 1t was
put by the whole committee. A mo-
ton to press the question was car
rfod