Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1910-05-31
He Talked Too Much

Secretary James Wilson, who has
held onto his job as agricultural capl-
net minister for IL long years, and VINO
has been exceedingly discreet and talk-
ed nice to several presidents, has been
caught mapping.
Like all other politicians Of the sue
cessful variety, he has been a11aoie 70
the public and profusely careIuI IN
rkeepinR on the good side" OF these
republican presidents. He doubtless
discussed their good and bad policies.
but he went behind tree, or smut aho
locked the door when he Ventured I"
criticize.
Mr.. Clifford Pinchot was President
Roosevelt's right-hand man. ana MT
Secretary Wilson, who was Mr.. Pm
chots chief under Mr.. Roosevelt was
very popular with the president
Everything was lovely.
Forester Pinchot and the agricultural
secretary became very chummy. Ihey
talked cautiously, OF course, behind the
tree, or under lock and key, but they
could in private let themselves out
little, where the harness was tight and
they agreed in every particular.
Believing in his heart mat President
Taft was the residuary legatee or the
Roosevelt policies, these gentlemen IN
high offices became brave enough 10
talk out in an open place. or out on the
street, and finally they also wrote
line or two, without keeping a weather.
eye open to watch outsiders. or to
swear everybody to secrecy.
But Mr. Taft liked Mr.. Secretary
Ballinger better than he liked Mr..
Roosevelt's Mr.. Pinchot. Secretary
BalJinger was his man, he was his
choice and not a leftover from the
proceeding administration.
So, when a clash occurred between
Pfnchot ana Ballinger he naturally
sided with his man, and dropped MT.
Plnchot.
One house couldn't hold the two. at
ter they quarreled.
Secretary Wilson was caught be-
tween pincers, held by Pinchot. The
latter had to defend himself and so 1T
has transpired that the time-worn sec
rotary of agriculture talked too much
and was not careful to keep behind the
tree when he discussed Mr.. Ballinger
with Mr.. Pinchot, neither expecting
president Taft to enter the fight.
In a whirligig OF confusion he means:
'T didn't tell him to attack the presi-
dent" Driven to the confession that
he had actually played on Pinchot's
side, yet he walls over his unfortunate
dilemma and reproaches Pinchot for
talking out of school.
Therefore It has placed the usually
carefully and discreet secretary in a
tight place, and shall confidently ex-
pect him to resign before the president
announces his successor in the near ru-
ture.
1t is lese majestic to fling a speck or
dirt on the chief executive, even by ae-
cident, and no matter how many mis-
takes President Taft may make II Is
expected that all OF his official family
will fling up their hats and cry hurrahI
and smother down all criticism.
If the aged agricultural secretary had
supposed for a single moment that MIR.
Ballinger was the pet Of the president
he wouldn'thave been caught whisper
ing anywhere with Mr.. Pinchot, espe-
cially as Mr.. Roosevelt was on the
other side OF the water, and too Tar
! away to speak a good word for the late
forester In this crisis.
OF course Secretary Wilson did not
expect Mr.. Pinchot to attack the presi-
dent. But when he pulled the core
that uncovered the dubious transactions
Of Secretary Ballinger 1T was the mis-
fortune Of all concerned that the presi-
dent was found supporting Mr.. Balm
ger as against Mr.. Hlncnots ana IL was
doubly unfortunate to find the interior
department In close alliance with graf
tiers and grabbers OF the public do
main. When the secrets or a dead
past are revealed 1t will be found that
this interior department has been the
lever for many. many years by which
our public lands have been lifted out
and away from their rightful owners,
the tax payers OF the United States.