The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1910-07-06
President Taft and Secretary
Ballinger Discuss Reorganiz-
ing Reclamation Service.
WILL PROBABLY DECIDE
TO GET RID OF CHIEF
Ballinger Says He Is in Fight
to Stay, and Will Not
Resign.

BEVERLY, Mass, July 5.-The reor-
ganization Of the reclamation service
was discussed today ut three hour con-
ference between President Taft and Soc
retary Ballinger. Although no official
information could be obtained. 1t was re-
ported that the future plans for recla-
nation work do not include the retention
of Frederick II. Newell os the director
Of that service.
Mr., Balllngcr would not discuss this
phase in any way. 1t is known. how
ever, that the secretary has long regard
for the reclamation service, Mr.. Newell
has openly opposed Mr., Ballinger, and
Mr.. Ballinger. in turn, has publicly stat
cd that he did not regard MIR. Newell as
the man for the place occupied by him.
Just when and how Mr.. Newell is go
Ing could not be learned.
Is Coming West.
Secretary Ralllnger left for Washing
ton tonight. He VIII remain there r few
days and then start on long trip
through the west, during which he VIII
visit a number OF Indian reserves and
probably look over some of the recla-
nation projects now under way. His
trip, including a brief rest at his home
in Seattle. viii occupy from six weeks
to two months,
the train here this morning ho was met
by the usual crop of resignation rumors-
Il am not a gutter, he said 'and
never have been. | did not bring res
ignation with me and will not leave one."
After he had lunched and conferred
with the president Mr.. Ballinger was
told OF later rumor that he would re-
sign after the special congressional in
ncyi Loot tp,, had 10
port, The only suggestion of resigna-
tion that came In reply was In the sec
retarys smile.
IT am In this fight. and 1 am going
to see 1t through" nc said.
The recent Withdrawals OF water pow
cr sites, phosphate and petroleum lands
by the president. covering more than
s7.OooOoo acres In various states and the
two territories, were discussed with the
president by Secretary Ballingcr
Will Continue Policy.
Dealing with these lands" said tho
secretary. 1--WE will continue the conser-
walton policy in every essential detail
AT the same time the president pro-
poses that an opportunity for develop
ment shall be given. The first work be-
fore us is the proper classification OF
the lands. This will have to be done
by tho geological survey and the under
cation is completed, VIC will be confront
cd by the task OF getting special legis-
lation through congress for the dispo-
sition OF the lands on fair basis. This
legislation Will require a lot OF thought
and study. The problem is intricate.
Secretary Ballinger said tonight that he
had prepared the instructions for the
board OF engineers appointed by the
president to pass on the irrigation prof.
ects that are TO be completed under the
$50, 100000 Issue OF certificates OF lndcbt-
edness.
II will not be necessary to wait in
10 assemble there, Assistant Secretary
Pierce will go over the work with the
engineers.
Mr. Ballinger made 1t plain that while
the army engineers will have the say as
to what projects shall be completed. the
actual work OF construction VIII be done
by the field force OF the reclamation serv-
Ice under the supervision OF The director.
General William J.. Marshall the engineer
officer appointed last week as consulting
engineer to the reclamation service. VIII
OF course. be an important factor IN the
work,
The Imperial Valley.
AS to the expenditure OF the 81. 600, 600
fund placed ut the disposal of the presi-
dent to protect the Imperial valley in
southern Califo1nia from the Coiorad9
immediate danger seemed to have passed
and engineers would be sent to report ON
the situation before any work was or
dered An effort will be made to devise
permanent protection of the banks OF the
Colorado and the Laguna DAM
In addition to Secretary Ballinger the
president had as callers this afternoon
Paymaster General Whipple OF the army,
Assistant Secretary OF the Navy Bcekman
Winthrop and Representative John
Dwight OF New York. the Republican
'whip" Of the house,
Mr. Winthrop had number OF details
OF the navy department to take UP with
the president. Representative and Mrs.
Dwight are on long motor tour and
the representative merely paid O social
call
President Tnts real vacation is TO be-
Gin tomorrow No more business engage
ments are TO be made for him for ten
days.