Coeur d'Alene evening press. (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) 1907-1929, 1910-01-06

ried his charges into the public
prints. and the battle was renewed
with yigor Finally the situation be-
cane 50 acute, that Ballinger. just
before the Christmas holidays, wrote
a letter to Senator Jones OF Waah-
ingtun demanding q congressional In
yeetigatiOn. not only OF his own con-
duct. but Of that OF the oHlclaIs Of
the forest ssrvfce whom he charged
with inspiring the attacks upon his
administration. This lsttsr was read
to the senate. and arrangements were
made for the Introduction immedi.
ately after tho Teeoavening Of con-
gFess Of . resolution providing for
an investigation.
Resolution Introdnced.
WASHINGTON. d. c.. Jan. GA
congressional investigation Of the
general land once and the forest
service Of the government growing
ont Of the so-called Pinchot- Balm
ser controversy il provided for in a
joint resolution which was introduced
in the two houses Of congress, yes
terday. Senator Jones Of Washing
ton offered the resolution In the SEN
ate simultaneously with its DFesen-
tation to the house by Representative
Humphrey Of Washington. II Ia be-
lieved that when the resolution comes
up for action 1t win be passed with
out opposition.
As heretofore announced. the pro-
vision il for the broadcast kind Of
public inquiry, the resolution being
OF the character requiring the sigma
lures Of the president. which gives
to 1t all the force OF a general law.
Nelson TO Head Committee.
A committee OF ~ Is to be appoint
ed to conduct the Investigation. six
Of whom shall be designated by Vice
President sherman ana six by Speak
or Cannon. Unquesdonably. Senator
Nelson. chairman OF the senate COM
mittee on public lands. will head tho
list OF senator's. and this. doubtless.
viii result in his selection as chair
man Of the Joint committee. The
scope Of the investigation Is outlined
as follows:
The committee 10 hereby empow-
cred and directed to make q thor
ough and complete Investigation Of
the administration and conduct OF
the interior department, its several
bureaus, oflces and employees. and Of
the bureau OF forestry In the agricul-
tural department. It's ofacers and en-
ployes, touching or relating to the re-
clamation, conservation, management
and disposal Of the public lands Of
the United States. or any lands held
in trust by the United States Tor any
purpose, including all the natural
resources Of such lands. and said
committee 10 authorized and empow-
cred to make any further investiga-
tlon touching said department, its
bureaus. ofloers or employees. and Of
said bureau Of forestry. It's oHlcers or
employees. as It may deem desirable"
The authority to cit during SEES
alons Of congress and In reCesses. to
require the attendance OF witnesses
and the production Of papsrs usual
to congressional inquiries b granted
by the resolution. It Is further pro-
vided that any person refusing to
obey the process Of the committee, or
to answer any question propounded.
shall be deemed guilty OF contempt,
and Jurisdiction Is conferred upon
the court OF appeals in the District
OF Columbia to try and determine
any such charges OF contempt.
Employment Of assistance. legal
or otherwise" IL specifically author
lied. This provision IL for the puE-
pose of enabling the committee to
procure the services of able attor-
neys to take charge OF the probing.
30 far as directing of questions is
concerned.
IL Il the intention OF President
Taft TO authorize the committee to
name some competent attorney to
conduct the case. aAd 1t Is possible
that both Of the persons to the con-
troyersg may be represented by
counsel.