The Dickinson press., 1910-05-28
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BALLlNGCR GAINS SUPPORT.

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{; III ths opinion Z 81 Thss: Iaahinatonl:
Post. it is time for the country to
apologize to Secretary Ballinser for the
Misrepresentation which have Deen
quite generally entertained concerning
him.
When the present investigation began
several weeks ago the conviction was
felt-even among the friends Of Secre-
tary Ballinser-that possibly he might
have overstepped himself and that to
avoid unpleasant consequences it was
the part Of wisdom for him to resign.
Moreover. it was contended in certain
quarters that his refusal to step aside
was an injustice to the Taft admin
istration.
But Secretary Ballinser could not be
induced to see himself in the light Of
the prophet Jonah. It must be candidly
admitted that under the inquisitorial
probe the discredited member of the
cabinet has appeared to much better
advantage. even if his innocence be
not absolutely proved.
1t is interesting to note what so con-
servative and Independent an organ of
public opinion as The Washington Post
says upon the subject Of the secretary's
tribulation. In an editorial this judE-
ment is expressed:
The report that Hon. Richard A.
Ballineer, secretary of the interior. will
find an excuse for resienine soon after
the conclusion of the Ballineer-Pinchot
hearing has no semblance of proba-
bility. 1t is not like Mr.. Ballinger. and
there would be no occasion for it.
After siege of many months, in which
every kind of insinuation. suspicion
and implication was admitted into the
congressional hearing. Secretary Ballin-
ger has emerged victorious. Not a
single fact has been produced to show
that he was even derelic, in duty. much
less corrupt. The huge pile of malice.
villification and Misrepresentation
that was intended to crush him has
crumbled, and President Taft's conf
dence in him is now seen to have been
founded on solid ground.
Mr.. BallinRer has borne himself dur
ing this long ordeal with patience and
dignity. He has not replied to every
vague insinuation. but he has replied
to every definite charge against him.
and his reply has been backed by
documentary evidence. He has re-
vealed himself as strong. able man.
good fighter, and fearless public
official, who has not swerved from his
duty. He has obeyed the law himself
and he has forced others to obey it.
1t is impossible to believe that Mr..
Ballinger will seek occasion to retire.
II would be proof of a weakness that he
has never shown. No doubt he has felt,
at times. that public official performs
an ungrateful task. This feeling has
been expressed even by President Taft !;
but Secretary Balllnger has shown too
high sense of duty to justify the be-
lief that he will yield to passing
whim and throw off the responsibilities
that he carries. He has mastered the
difficult questions arising in his depart
ment. and has injected into the service
strong, progressive spirit. He is
needed at his post. The people are
realizing more and more that this
quiet, determined. clear-sighted man
is in the place where he can serve
them and protect their interests most
effectively. His work is not yet ended,
and it is not in his nature to leave a
task unfinished.