The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-12-02
|BALLINGER REPORT
BEFORE HOLIDAYS
Majority of Committee Hold
Long Conference.
WILL UPHOLD SECRETARY
Republicans Hold Meeting at Call
of Senator Nelson, the Chairman,
WIN Be Before Congress Before
Adjournment for Christmas.

At the conclusion OF a meeting OF six
Republican members Of the BalIinger
committee on inquiry yesterday It was
announced that the report of the majority
would be submitted TO Congress just be-
fore the adjournment for the holiday re-
cess.
Those present were:
Senator Nelson. of Minnesota. chair
man: Senator Root of New York; sena-
tor Flint. OF California: Senator suther-
land OF Utah: Representatives Mccall.
of Massachusetts. and Olmsted. Of Penn
syIvania. Representative DENLY. of Mich
igan, who will join the six members
named in their conclusions on the case.
Is expected here in a day or so
Nelson Calls Meeting.
Yesterdays meeting was held in re-
Spouse TO a call issued by Chairman Mel
son. \ review OF the record was begun,
and 1t is understood views we're ex-
changed as to the form and nature OF the
report 70 be made 1t may be stated upon
authority that the majority VIII held
that Secretary Bauinger, Ia his admin
istration OF the public lands. and in his
handling OF the Cunningham claims for
coal lands in Alaska. was not guilty OF
/ improper acts as alleged by Clifford Pin
chot and other critics Of Mr. Ballinger.
Whether Mir. Ballinger or Mr. Pinchot
VIII be censured IS not known. Congress
instructed the committee to inquire into
the activities OF the Forestry Service.
covering the period OF Mr.. Pinchots dom
ination, as well as OF the operations of
the Interior Department. of which Mr..
BalllngeF Is the head. Both OF them. as
a matter OF fact. are under Investigation,
although Mr.. Ballinger has appeared be-
fore the public as the defendant
Further than 10 make known that their
report would be given 10 the public before
the holidays none Of the committeeman
showed a disposition 10 discuss the case
yesterday. Il has been assumed, ever since
the division OF the committee at Minneap-
oils IN September. when the Democrats
and Representative Madison, OF Kansas,
progressive Republican, framed a report.
that the majority would report in favor
Of Secretary Ballinger.
sAgree on Essentials.
The discussion disclosed. 1t was stated,
that the majority is agreed on all es-
sentials, and that no difficulty VIII be
experienced by the majority OF seven in
reaching a unanimous conclusion on all
points
Republican leaders in Congress realize
that tie real fight over the Ballinger-
P1nchOt controversy has not vet begun
Two reports on the affair viii be sub
niitted t. the House and the Senate. The
report Of the minority was given out az
Minneapolis IN October, It was tor
rid document. condemning Ar. Ballinger.
and demanding ais dismissal from the
Cabinet,
The indications are that action will be
taken on one OF these reports IT is a
foregone conclusion that the Senate will
adopt the majority report. The Demo-
Gratis will make an effort 10 force the
adoption OF the minority report Some
Of the progressive Republicans VIII join
with them. While the statement cannot
be made on authority, there is reason 20
believe that the Democrats will present
a resolution proposing a vote of censure
on Secretary Ballinger.