The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1910-05-16
OKLAHOMA DELEGATION
COMPLETELY NOhpLUSSEO
Had Been Given Iniimatl0n That
Impartial Inquiry Would
Be Made

Washington, d. c.. May 1G-The
Oklahoma delegation that called up.
on P. esident Taft in reference TO an
impartial investigation OF the Musko-
&c town lots cases was completely
non-plussed by the change at the
White House within less than an hour
after the President had intimated his
intention to have the cases inyesIigat-
be dismissed. The conference with
the President was participated in by
senators Bailey, Owen and Gore and
Representatives Carter and Ferris OF
Oklahoma. These members of the
Oklahoma congressional delegation and
the Texas senator had called upon
p esident Taft TO urge him to appoint
to Oklahoma and make an unbiased
inquiry iuto the methods and purpos-
eS OF the Haskell case, and that If the
prosecution revealed that the prosecu-
tion Is the result of political malice
and would not serve any public inter
est. that the department of justice
be directed TO dismiss the case.
Owen Explained
Senator Owen explained that the
purpose of the conference was to have
an absolutely fair inquiry made into
the eases, and suggested that the adj
ninistration owed this both to Gov
ernor Haskell and the state of Okla.
oma, which he declared also was
suffering as a result OF the unfortu-
nate situation. He asked that tina
cases either go over until Governor
Haskells term had expired or that
ae inquiry be set on foot at once.
President Taft appeared to be hearti
~ and cordially in accord with ,he
y ishes of his callers and intimated his
intention to have the cases inyesti'
gated to determine whether it shall be
dismissed The President even Went
20 far as TO say, "Of course, what is
desired is that an Indifferent man
shall conduct this investigation.
No" replied Senator Bailey, ac
cording to the story brought bacA
from the conference. eve prefer an
impartial man; the tenn indifferent
might apply to capacity as well as
fairness
The President laughingly accepted
the amendment, and everybody left
satisfied that Mr.. Taft at the particu
lar moment was in the mood to sift
the Haskell prosecution to the bottom
ID determine whether it should pro
csed
the congressman who attended the
conference had not returned long 10
their respective offices when they
Wee informed that the attorney gen
eral had Just authorized a statement
10 the effect that the criminal indict
ment against Governor Haskell OF OK
/ lahoma, In connection with what are
known as the Oklahoma town lot In
dian cases. viii continue 10 be pressed
by the department Of Justice. which
will seek 70 have petit jury pass
! upon the guilt or Innocence of the
governor al the Jane term of the fed
tral court
II was further stated that this de-
cislon was made by Attorney General
Nickersham after conference with
the President. which was subsequent
to the conference between the Presi
cent and senator Bailey and the Dem,
ocratic members of the Oklahoma dele
cation. 1t was also announced that
special Assistant Attorney General 5
X Rush OF Omaha would continue
he prosecution. ". Il. Gregg, United
States attorney, at Musbogee and Mr.
.kush have been in Washington for
several days in consultation With the
attorney general In regard TO the Has
kel matter
Senator owen explained that. OF
course, the President had right 10
change his mind at any time he saw
fit. But said he. Il don't understand
/ IT,"
Judge c. b. Stuart, of McAlester
Governor Haskell's leading counsel,
and Orville T. Smith. his assistant
have also been here seyral days. All
Judge Stuart would say was that il
seems Wickersham has succeeded in
oYermlmg the decision of the Plesi-
dent"