The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-01-09
Break In Republican Ranks
Is Hurting Standpaters
CONDITIONS ARE CHAOTIC
If insurgent Ranks Hold Fast They
Can, With Aid of Democrats,
Defeat Every Move Made
BY Cannon.

Washington, January S.-(Special AN
effort to set Speaker Cannon back on
his feet will be the first move in the d.
rection of repairing the break in the
republican ranks caused by the Ba1linger-
Pinchot explosion.
At meeting of the public lands COM
tute for the Jones-Ballinger investigation
resolution was adopted. providing for the
appointment of the Senate members of
the investigating committee by the vice
president, and for the appointment of
the House members by the speaker.
This resolution will be put through
the Senate on Monday, II possible. where-
upon the House will be called upon to
agree to the Senate resolution for the
one passed by the House yesterday and
there will be one more chance for Cam
non to whip into line sufficient number
Of members to win back for him power
to name the House men who will assist
in investigating Secretary Ballinger.
This is the issue that takes precedence
over all others just now and an extra
ordinary effort will be made to bring
Cannon through a winner.
And right here there Is thrust forward
one element of the situation which illus
trates the chaotic conditions that exist
as result of the Balllnger-Pinchot af-
fair. 1t is an open secret that Presl-
dent Taft is immensely pleased at the re-
verse which Speaker Cannon met yes
terday and for the sake OF the effect that
1t will have upon the country Is willing
that the House itself instead OF Speaker
Cannon shall elect its representatives on
the committee that will investigate Bal
linger.
Relying Upon Insurgents.
Thus 1t came about that the President
is tacitly II not openly, relying upon the
insurgents. whom he has sought to force
into line by welding the patronage ciup,
to strengthen by continued insurgency
the position of the administration De-
fore the people, where all the support
possible for the administration Is now
imperatively necessary
II the insurgent ranks hold fast the
verdict of yesterday against Cannon can
he sustained With every member vot-
ins and the democrats and insurgents
standing together. Cannon can finally De
deprived OF the right to name the House
members of the Balllnger investigation
committee.
While this issue of Cannon takes prece-
dence for the moment over the general
Ballinger-Pinchot situation, the latter re-
mains the dominant political sensation OF
the hour.
C,ifford Pinchot. dismissed last night
from his post as chief forester, by order
of President Taft, is the center OF con-
stantly rising tempest. the far-reacnins
political effects of which no one can rore-
see.
P,nchot today maintained his policy OF
silence adopted last night. No statement
was forthcoming from the administrator
either. But that broad split has been
opened In the ranks OF the repupi'cah
party no one attempts to deny
Confusion In Ranks.
Save on one, the point that Cannon
must be stood up again If possiole-whicn
ia a matter personal to the interests ana
aside from any general plan to help
Taft--there is absolute confusion.
The situation Is not improved any by
the fact that Pinchots decapitation was
forced on Taft and that there was moth
ing else for self-respecting President
to do.
The issue has been forced at last and
the party Is split into Pinchot and anti
Pinchot followers. Needless to say In the
ranks of the former are all the Roosevelt
old guard and while there may be dif-
ferent story to tell week. month or a
year hence, all the present advantage is
with Pinchot. Scores OF kilograms have
poured In for him all day congratulating
him on the stand he took. He Is smiling
ly confident. Upon his arrival at his Of
flee in the agricultural department this
morning he was greeted more like con-
quering hero than an official dismissed
in disgrace. Cheers ran high in the Of
flee as he appeared among the associates
and officials with whom his relations have
been severed.
He made them a brief farewell address,
not touching upon the matters leading to
his dismissal and when later he was
tender a reception many Of those who
shook his hand parted from him with glis-
tening eyes.
Prestige of Pinchot.
Little concealment is made In admins
tration circles of the belief, as 1t is ex-
pressed, that the former chief forester
will derive considerable temporary pres
tige from his dismissal.
From the position Of one under charges
he will now become before the congress
sional investigation the chief prosecutor
OF Secretary Ballinger and the admins
tration. But when the facts are under
stood, it IL held Mr.. Pinchot will lose
popular support and slowly sink from
public view.
According to the administration view the
Roosevelt influences will not save him
from this fate.
Indeed the argument is now advanced
that not only will 1t be impossible for
the Roosevelt influences to save Pinchot
but that the former President, IL he has
any idea of further political preferment
Will be more injured than aided by the
turn affairs have taken.
P1nchot. In other words. is pictured as
a political Samson. who by his alleged
precipitancy In writing the Dolliver let
ter and putting himself In a position
whore Taft had to dismiss him. brought
the Pinchot- Roosevelt temple crumbling
about his shoulders.
Both sides to the struggle realize that
the critical hour Is at hand In the fight
against Cannon and Cannon rule in the
House. Hasty conferences were held to-