The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1910-02-05

appeared amazed at this piece Of tss-
titnony.
what criminal offense had these
claimants committed" asked Rep,
! James.
Conspiracy to defraud the United
States"
Rep James-"And that involved per-
jury?"
YES"
Rep. James-"But bennett took the
view that if they were kept out Of the
land that was sufficient?'
Eyes"
"And that's all of my connection-of-
ticially-with these cases.
When Louis r. CLAWS thus closed
his three days testimony and stepped
from the witness chair new light
had been thrown upon the famous
"Ballinger- Pinchot controversy" which
has not only reflected discredit upon
the Taft administration but has raised
discussion in all parts of the country
that for over two months has been rag
ing like a blizzard of words.
CLAWS testimony and conduct be-
fore the Nelson investigating commit
tee awakened the fighting blood and
patriotism of every person within the
hearing of his voice, with the possible
exception Of those having designs upon
government timber and coal lands.
CLAWS gentlemanly bearing at all times
while witness, even when attempts
his testimony, must have explained to
every student of human nature why the
entire country was backing up the
position of this young man in prefer
ence to that of his powerful enemies.
After CLAWS had completed his
straightforward and simple story, it
was plain why Clifford Pinchot, a mil
lionaire several times over, had, sup
ported with characteristic enthusiasm,
the cause of CLAWS though it antag-
onized the secretary of the interior and
even the President of the United
states. After the three-day story of
the special agent of the land office had
been heard, it was no longer strange
why Chief Forester Pinchot had sacri-
feed his position in order that he
might in a measure pay tribute tn
CLAWS and the single handed and sec
ret fight that the latter had carried on
against land thieves and public graft
eTs s." N"SF''' -
Every word of CLAWS story was sup
ported and doubly- strengthened by Of
fetal records. There was not a single
expression in all of CLAWS testimony
which carried the remotest suggestion
of self-praise or self-importance. The
witness had no compliments for him
self, and his perfect candor at times
seemed to arouse the enmity of Chair
man Nelson, who appeared bent upor
breaking down CLAWS testimony tina,
the general land Office interfered in
behalf of the coal land thieves.
So far the investigation has made
it plain that the man behind the Bal.
linger-Pinchot controversy is CLAWS
who is but rs years old. It appears
evident that the dismissal of Pincho,
and others grew out of CLAWS clash
with the general land office while he
was working to prevent land frauds in
Washington, Oregon and Alaska. Gla-
Wis is a tall, notwithstanding man
frank in speech but not inclined to be
over-talkative. He impresses one OF
his sincerity even in short CONVEX.
sation.
Stripped Of technicalities, the per
tinent facts concerning CLAWS and his
dismissal are as follows:
l. He entered the government land
office in September 1902, and in April
1914, was made chief special agent.
2. While in the government employe
he saved to the country some SO coal
claims in Alaska which by survey con.
tain approximately 63,oOO,OO0 long ton.
Of coal. He successfully prosecuted
many land fraud cases, for which he
received praise from his superior Of.
f1cers.
8. He early discovered that R, A
Ballinger. now secretary of the interi.
or was advising. in the capacity of at.
torney some of the claimants how 4
secure patent.
4. CLAWS next found that member:
Of Congress were among those en-.
deavoring to get possession of valuable
government lands.
S. When in the midst of investisa.
ton of Alaska coal cases, CLAWS re.
NniNrnA 0f -