Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1910-12-07
MAJORITY REPORT ON coNrRo-
vERsY WITH PlNcHor EXON.
CRATES SECRETARY.
TERMED A FAITHFUL
PUBLIC SERVANT
Charges in Connection With With.
dravals Of Alaskan Coal Lands Not
Justified, According to the Committee
-Giavis Accused Of Failing in His
Duty and Secretary Garfield is Rap
ped.

Washington, Dec. 7.-Ihe majority
report Of the Ballinger- Pinchot inves-
committee was submitted TO
both houses Of congress this afternoon.
At the same time the Independent re-
ports Of the democratic members Of the
and Of Representative Madi-
son, OF Kansas, also were submitted.
The conclusions OF the republicans
were submitted to the democrats at a
meeting Of the fun committee this
morning. All the republican members
except Madison signed the report Sem
ator Nelson. chairman. put the majority
report to a vote. The democratic MEM
bers and Madison voted against 1t.
Aceussrs Termed Marrow.
The majority report says Ballnger
faithfully performed the duties OF his
office with an eye single to the public
Interest"
The committee says Ballingers ac-
cusers evidently had the conservation
of natural resources deeply at heart
and evidently were disposed to take the
most unfavorable view OF the charac-
teT ana HOllVcS OK whoever LlGy sup
posed opposed their views. This. the
committee thinks, caused the accusers
to regard with suspicion the most ma
tural and innocent acts of Ball!nger in
the ordinary course of the departments
administration.
The Cunningham Claims.
The committee finds the interests Of
the people as the owners Of the Alaskan
coal fields are not threatened or en-
dangered under the present conditions.
The expression OF opinion in the Cum
ningham claims was withheld because
they still are pending. The committee
believes the commissioner Of the gem
eral land office will divide these claims
fairly and impartially. Recommends
ton is made that law be enacted for
the transfer Of these and similar claims
to an appropriate court for hearing and
decision. The report also favors the
leasing system for the Alaskan coal
fields. and that steps be taken to pre-
speculative purposes.
A Rap At CLAWS.
CLAWS had ample time and abundant
to make the field examn-
ations ne demanded. and was
the examination made, says the re-
port.
The committee declares Garfield's
blanket Withdrawals OF public lands
were made after he ascertained he
would not be re-appointed under Taft.
Also that Ballinger's Withdrawals and
restorations were made after n careful
and In good faith.
A number OF other points are con-
by the committee. and in every
instance where Ballinger acted his
Is approved. The report was
signed by Senators Nelson. Flint. Suth-
erland and Root and Representatives
Mccall, Olmsted and DENLY, all repub-
licans
eailinser's Acts Justified.
The majority report makes the fol-
lowin specific findings:
''That the charges and insinuations
against Ballinger in regard to the Cum
nlngham coal land entries or other coal
land claims in Alaska are not justified.
and his conduct in respect thereto Is
not Justly censurable.
THAT he was fully justified In re-
voking the Indian cooperative agree
ment
THAT the restorations Of water power
sites by Ballinger were made In good
faith and not in enmity to the govern
ment. and that no injury appears to
have been done the government and the
cause OF conservation by either restora-
tions or withdrawals.
THAT. In view OF the opinion OF the
attorney general. he was Justified in
the use OF the so-called
water users cooperative certificates In
with the reclamation OF arid
lands.
THAT the administration OF the rec
lamation Inv presented features just
ly subject to criticism. but no unfair
criticism or improper conduct on Bal
linger's part has been shown nor any
action by him not within the sound
discretion Of the head OF the interior
In the faithful perform
ance OF his duty.
Not Hostile to Conservation.
"That he is not an enemy Of. nor
hostile to, a reasonable and judicious
policy OF conservation. and that no
ground whatever has been shown JUS
tifying the opinion that he Is not
faithful and efficient public officer.
This 10 Second Report.
"A few months ago the democratic
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. Fletcher and Pur-
cell, and Representatives James and
Graham-together with Representative
Madison, OF Kansas. progressive re-
publican. put out another report which
they maintained to be majority
opinion, condemnlng the conduct OF
as secretary Of the interior.
This report was made public following
q meeting OF tho committee in Minne-
by some OF the republicans
who have now exonerated Ballinger.
and therefcre the natural minority be-
came q majority and the republicans
who were present, with the exception
NJ Madison Wifhdrew and hsnko 4ha