Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1910-03-03
WILSON CLASHES
WITH MR.. PlNCHO7
SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE IN
DENIAL THAT HE AUTHORIZED
WRITING OF DOLLlNER LETTER
ATTACKING TAFT

Teller foundation 1S Incorporated Dy d
bill introduced in the senate today. 1t
is understood the purpose is to pro
vide method for John D. Rockefeller
to dispose Of his enormous wealth in
manner beneficial to mankind. The
Rockefeller foundation, according to
the bill, is organized to promote the
well being and advance the civiliza-
ton Of the people of the United States
and its possessions in foreign lands
and for the acquisition and dissemina-
ton Of knowledge for the prevention
and relief Of suffering and the promo
ton Of any and all elements of human
knowledge. It was stated by Senator
GaIlinger today that Rockefeller al
ready has given away $52,00o,000 and
that he Is seeking method OF dis.
posing of his fortune so that it would
benefit mankind.
Wilson AssalIs Pirchot.
A sensational climax came in the
Ballinger trial yesterday afternoon
when Secretary of Agriculture James
Wilson mounted the witness stand
and angrily thumpfng the desk with
his fist, gave the lie to Clifford Pfnchot
who had Just sworn that Mr.. Wilson
had instructed him to write the letter
to Senator DoIliver which resulted in
President Taft's summary dismissal
of the chief forester.
The gray-haired man who holds the
record as cabinet officer under three
presidents was white with anger
when he took the stand. He had heard
early in the morning. that Mr.. Pinchot
in concluding his testimony, would
make the statement that he wrote the
Dolliver letter with the full knowl
edge Of the head of the department
and came into the committee room
to be ready for hostilities. He had pre-
viously denied to President Taft that
he knew anything about the Dolliver
letter.
His appearance in the room was no
lice that there was going to be hot
clash with Pinchot. Taking seat be
side Chairman Nelson Of the JOINT in.
vestfgating committee, he listened to
Pinchot tell how he had written the
letter to Senator Dolliver after gain
Ing the cabinet officers consent.
Wilson Hears Aecuser.
He showed great rneasiness as his
former subordinate brought out the
details and just as soon as the direct
examination was concluded, he asked
10 be sworH
The fire of questions leading up to
the clash were put with view Of de
termining whether Mr.. Pinchot had
been guilty of insubordination In
sending the letter to Senator Dollive1
accusing Ballinger Of betraying his
public trust by playing into the hands
Of coal land and power site, ,grabbers
and also declaring that the president
had dismissed Louis CLAWS because
purposely misled by Ballinger.
"What have you to say to the charge
that you were disrespectfu1 to the
president?" asked Mr.. Pepper, attor
ney for Mr.. Pinchot.
'T contend that the expression Of an
honest belief that the president had
acted under n1isapprehension is not
aisrespect."
what now as to showing a lack OF
confidence in the purpose Of the presi
lent to take the defense of the peo
Pies rights In his own hands?"
Says Taft Deserted Him.
tTf the president had signifled his
purpose to take matters in his own
hands I would have been happy to
leave it there. But the presidents let.
ters showed he would continue to
leave 1t in Ballinger's hands and that
he had great confidence in Mr.. Bal
inger."
what as to your being insubordi
nate?'
Z was not, but should have been
ensubordinate without second
thought If l had considered it neces.
Oary to bring the facts before the pub
lic."
Were you in fact insubordinate? q
''As matter Of fact was not"
\ Says Wilson Gave o. X.
did you consult with the secretary
before sending that letter." repeated
Chairman Nelson.
IT did"
The witness proceeded to explain
his answer by saying he went to Sec
retary Wilson on January and told
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