The Ogden standard. [volume] (Ogden City, Utah) 1902-1910, 1910-01-05
bALL|NGfR
AND P|NCIIOI I
Beginning of Congres.
sional Investigation
to be Authorized

Washington, Jan. 5.-Investigation
nf the BallinSerP Pinchot controversy
IS ordered by joint resolution today
introduced in the Senate by Mr.. Jones.
and In the house by Mr, Humphrey,
both of Washington. AS heretofore
announced, the provision is for the
broadeSt kind OF public inquiry, the
resolution being of the character r.
luiring the signature OF the President
which gives to II all the force of gen
eral law.
A committee of twelve is TO bc ap-
pointed TO conduct the investigation,
six OF whom shall be designated by
Vice President Sherman and six by
Speaker Cannon Cnquestionabll Sen
ator Nelson. chairman OF the senate
committee on public lands. will head
the list of senators. and this, doubt
less. will result in his selection as
chairman OF the joint committee. The
scoue OF the investigation is outlined
as follows;
THE committee Is hereby empower
ed and directed 10 make thorough
and complete investigation OF the ad-
minlstration Of the interior depart
ment It's several bureaus, officers and
employees. and Of the bureau of fores-
try in the agricultural department. Its
officers and employees. touching OF re-
lating 10 the reclamation, conSeTya-
tlon management and disposal of the
public lands of the United States. or
any lands held In trust by the Unit
ed States for any purpose. including
al the natural resources Of such
lands. and said committee Is authorl2-
ed and empowered 10 make any furth-
CT investigation touching said depart
meut. its bureaus, officers or employees
and Of said bureau OF forestry, its Of
flcers or employees as II may deem de-
slrable."
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 res.
olutlon II Is provided further that
any person refusing to obey the pro-
cess Of the committee or to answer
any question propounded shall be
deemed guilty OF contempt, and jurls-
dlction is conferred upon the court Of
appeals OF the District OF Columbia
TO try and determine any such charges
OF contempt
Employment OF assistance. legal or
otherwise" Is specifically authorized
THIS provision Is for the purpose OF
enabling the committee TO procure the
services OF able attorneys TO take
charge Of the probing. SO far as the
directing OF questions Is concerned
II is the intention OF President TAFT
to have the committee name some
competent attorney To conduct the
case. and II Is possible that both OF
the principals To the controversy may
be represented By counsel
1t was agreed by all persons who
have given close attention to the Bal
HnEer-PinchOt squabble that the in
vestigation should be open TO the pub
lie and this is ordered by tho resolu
uon. One OF the big rooms in the now
senate Office building will bc used foi
this purpose
Speculation is rife as to the per
sOncn OF tho committee 10 he name
10 make the Investigation. Man,
names have been considered. but n
decision has been reached The indi
cations are that the following will b.
selected
Scnators-Nclson. Minnesota; Root
new York; Flint. California; Suthel
Isnd. Utah, Republicans. Payntel
hen;ucky and either Clarke, Arkar
sa9. or Hughes. Colorado. Demo
Members of the House-Dalzel
SsaAsSlyania, Mccall, Massachr