The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-01-05
TO DIG DEEP.
Joint Resolution introduced in
the g. s. Sen ate.
Provides for Investigation Of
Ballinger-Pinchot Quarrel.
TO BE FULL AND OPEN
A Committee of IL Is Provided
for the Purpose.
With Power to Call Witnesses
and Make Them Talk.

Washington, Jan. 5.-Investigation of
the Ballinger-Pinchot controversy is or
dered by a joint resolution today intro
duced in the senate by Mr.. Jones, and
in the house by Mr.. Humphrey. both of
Washingt-a. AS heretofore announced
the provision is for the broadcast kind
Of public inquirs, the resolution being
of the character requiring the signature
of the president which gives to it all
the force of the general law.
A committee of IL is to be appointed
to conduct the investigation, six of
whom shall be designated by Vice
President Sherman and six by Spea
Cannon. Unquestionably Senator Nell
son, chairman of the senate COMMITTEES
on public lands, will head the list Of
senators and this doubtless, will result
in his selection as chairman of the joint
committee. The scope of the inyestiga-
ton is outlined as follows:
The committee is hereby empowered
and directed to make a thorough and
complete investigation of the admins
tration and conduct of the interior de-
partment, officers and employees, and OF
the bureau of forestry in the agricul-
tural department, it's officers and en-
ployes, touching or relating to the re-
clamat1on, conservation, management
and disposal of the public lands of the
United States, Or any lands held in
trust by the United States for any pur
pose. including all the natural resources
Of such lands, and said committee IS
authorized and empowered to make any
further investigation touching said de-
partment, its bureaus, officers or en-
ployes, and of said bureau of forestry.
its officers or employees as it may
deem desirable
Ample Authority.
The authority to sit during sessions
of congress and in receSSeS to require
the attendance of witnesses and the
production of papers usual to congress
sional inquiries, is granted by the reso-
luton. 1t is provided further that any
person refusing to obey the process of
the committee or to answer any ques-
ton propounded shall be deemed guilty
of contempt, and jurisdiction is con-
ferred upon the court of appeals of the
District of Columbia to try and de-
termine any such charges of contempt
employment of assistance legal or
otherwise is specifically authorized
RMS provision is for the purpose of en-
aiding the committee to procure the
services Of able attorneys to take
charge of the probing. SO far as the di-
recting of questions is concerned 1t IS
the Intention of President Taft to have
the committee name some competent
attorney to conduct the case, and it Is
possible that both of the principals 10
counsel.
1t was agreed by all persons who
have given close attention to the Bal
ltnger-Pinchot squabble that the in
vestigat1on should be open to the pub
lie and this is ordered by the resolution
One of the big rooms in the new senate
office building will be used for this pur-
pose.
In presenting the resolution Mr. Jones
said:
Jones's Speech.
The various departments and bu-
reaus OF the government are organiz-
ed to do it's business in the interests
OF the people. Every official is but the
servant and agent of the people to act
for them under and within the limits
Of the law. The efficiency of public SER
vice depends much upon the confidence
OF the people in the honesty and in
tegrity of their servants and agents
1t IS bad commentary upon the
state OF public opinion that the moment
| a man accepts public Office he be-
comes scoundrel in the eyes of many
| of our people and his previous life of
honesty and rectitude is no warrant of
| official integrity. His acts are mis-
construed and his motives questioned.
Insinuation and innuendoes are freely
made under the guise of the public well
! fare but in reality to foster some pri-
| vate interest. Popular views are taken
! advantage of to investigate an official,
who. after investigating all phases of
! a subject, may reach decision at vari-
ance with some private interest.
Many do not stop to think how sell
| dom have government officials gone as
tray compared with their opportunities
and temptations for wrong doing. In
the l25 years of our national life few
| of the men in high positions have been
/ actuated by other than the highest and
most patriotic motives. This should
cause our people to hesitate to accept
charges of base conduct against their
public servants without investigation
| and proof.
The Charges.
1.-THE press and magazines of the
! country for several months have been
| filed with charges against the present
| secretary of the interior and his con-
| duct of the Office he holds. These
! charges range from petty insinuations
aid innuendoes TO direct charges OF
nlalfeasance and misconduct in office
which, if true, show that he has mos+
unworthIly discharged his trust. A
| moments thought should cause an hon
est and fa1r-minded man to hesitate to
| accept such charges against a man
whose whole life heretofore has been
one of the highest rectitude and against
| whom no dishonora BILE charge has ever
been made in either private or public
| life.
''Sucn man is the present secretary
of the interior. He is over so years OF
age, an honored graduate of Williams
college and a lawyer of distinction. He
| came to or state in 1889 and has lived
there ever since. He was superior
judge. for four years and mayor of the