Omaha daily bee., 1910-01-10
Senate Yet to Pass Resoln,
This Subject.
SHARP DEBATE MOST PROBAB1
Caucus Selection Of Members oi
Probing Body May Result.
OFFICIAL CIRCLES ARE STIRRED
BnIIinEer-PinchOt Incident Causes
peep Feeling in Washington, but
Harmonious Outcome IL
POssibilIty.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 9.-The present
week probably will decide whether there
will be a prolonged conflict involving the
president Of the United States within the
ranke of the republican party in congress.
Conditions have been tending In that direc-
tion for some time but instead of adding
to the impulse the dismissal Of Mr.. Pinchot
apparently has had the effect of causing
a halt It has prompted senator's and
members to consider the possibilities of a
continuation Of the controversy, and pres
ent indications are of more pacific ten
dency than were those of week ago.
There is nc denying the fact. however,
that in some respects the situation
mains critical. Mr.. Pinchot has a large
number of personal friends and admirers
in both houses Of congress, who would be
inclined to take up his cause II favorable
opportunity should present itself and If
they could do so without endangering the
peace of the party and their own political
welfare
on the other hand, many are saying that
the personal fortunes of Messrs Balllnger
and Plnchot are of little Importance COM
pared to the great question of the preser-
walton OF party harmony, and those who
take this view are urging the necessity of
preventing any sharp conflict in congress
on the lines Of difference between the sec
retary of the interior and the former chief
of the forest service. Whether the con-
servative counsel OF this element shall pre-
vail will depend upon the course of events
in congress during the next few days.
scope of investigation.
There is no doubt that the investigation
OF the Interior department and of the for
est service will proceed along the lines In
dicated by the Humphrey resolution;
but II will be competent for the investi-
eating committee either to broaden or mar
now the inquiry If the advice of many
of the leaders is followed, however, this
inquiry VIII be restricted as much as pos
sible, especially now that as an official
factor Mr.. Pinchot is eliminated from the
dispute.
The question will receive its next atten-
tioE on the floor of the senate. The pres
en-. situation is this: The house has adopted
the resolution providing for the appoint
ment of it's members OF the committee by
thu house itself, rather than by the speaker,
as was originally provided. Without'await-
ing the official notification as to the action
os the house, the senate committee on pub
lie lands has decided TO represent the reso-
luton In such a form as 10 authorize the
selection OF the house members by the
speaker Unquestionably this motion was
taken with the intention of complimenting
the speaker and 1t will be reported to the
senate.
senate May Avoid Fight.
Speaker Cannon, II is said, feels that It
wo'.ld be impolittc for him to take advan-
tage of this condition and override the ex-
pressed order OF majority of the house,
ana II is probable therefore, that the SEN
ate will lake such action as will steer
clar OF controversy with the house. 1t
is now said that the speaker himself would
prefer that the house should select the
committee. In case this course prevails,
the republican members will designate their
representatives in caucus and IL Is claimed
that in that event the insurgents would
participate in the caucus proceedings
No matter how the general situation may
shape Itself, the controversy between the
secretary OF the interior and his antagonist
ia expected 20 be the principal topic in con
4 gRssional circles during the week. Off
N cAlly the question win not again come uI
IN the house until after the senate shall
have acted
The senate committee on public lands vii
report its resolution tomorrow, and It IA
probable that discussion of the question
will begin not later than Thursday. 81
great is the interest IN the subject that Il
is not to be expected that the resolution
will be adopted without debate. Indeed, Il
is now expected that the discussion win b'
animated and somewhat personal.
Position of Administration.
With the resolution adopted by the senate
and final agreement arrived at as t
exact terms between the house and senate
the investigation will proceed. In the mean
time, every effort will be made to pre-
vent its involving the administration II
too general a way.
The senate calandar is still very lean
and aside from the Ballinger-Pinchot reso
luton, the prospect for the present weel
is not favorable to any legislation Of i'm
portance. The house will proceed with TN
consideration of the appropriation bill an'
IL IA expected that that measure win b.
before Il at least until Tuesday, next
by that time the fortifcation appropria
tion bill will have been reported and
will be taken up at the first opportunity