The Washington herald., 1911-03-09

the necessity Of defending himself In the
Congressional investigation of last win
ter greatly depleted his personal funds
His law firm at Seattle evidently stands
ready to carry his damage suits into
court and press them.
VIII Be Tried In Washington.
Secretary BaIlinger signifed that the
Pinchot suit would necessarily be filed
at the home of the defendant. which
means that it will be given to the courts
Of Washington to review the old Ballin-
ger-Pinchot controversy from start to
finish, and to determine whether the
feelings of Mr.. Ballinger are to be as
suaged with a monetary consideration
drawn from the late Chief Forester.
This will bring to Washington the throng
in the recent hearing.
The prosecution no doubt will have
the former Secretary of the Interior per-
sonally at its head. This feature it is
admitted will lend even more zest 10 the
affair than was apparent during the
Congressional investigation. which in
itself is acknowledged to have been no
peaceful occurrence. The size of the
suit also will make the case famous in
asmuch as it is directed at an individual
who is considered well able to meet
whatever payment might be required of
him by judgment.
Mr. Pinchot, on the other hand. will
not be backward in defending whatever
libel charges Mr.. Ballinger cares to
bring against him. He is n resourceful
fighter and he has around him many
brilliant individuals of legal and other
experience. who win seize every ad-
vantage towards thwarting the aims OF
the late Secretary to obtain his pound
of flesh. 1t is understood that Mr..
| Ballingers complaint will be drawn
broad enough to include what the latter
believes to be a deliberate and unwar-
| ranted plot to ruin him. not only as an
official of the government, but as a
private individual
1t is known that Secretary Ballinger
was more or less disappointed with the
Congressional investigation, in that much
| information which he had hoped to bring
| before the committee to show that Mr..
, Pinchot's actions in attempting to drive
! him from the Presidents Cabinet were
! beyond the pale of law observance. was
headed off by various means. 1t is not
unlikely that the court proceedings will
/ bring into view many features Of Mr..
Pinchot's administration as Chief For
ester, which were not demonstrated to
the joint committee of Congress. The
suit against the New York paper which
so bitterly attacked Mr.. Ballinger will
add another interesting chapter to the
now famous episode.
Quiet Mt the Department..
Affairs were running smoothly at the
Interior Department yesterday. Asser-
tions that there would be a general de-
parture Of heads of divisions and bu-
reaus Immediately under Secretary Bal
linger were not borne out by visible in
dications or obtainabIe reports. Inas-
much as such officials as the Commission
er of the General Land Office and high
assistants there are appointed and COM
missioned directly by the President. il is
considered unlikely that Mr.. Fishers ad-
vent to the Interior portfolio will have
any effect on them. Assistant Secretary
of the Interior Pierce, it is known has
been contemplating retirement from the
department for some time. 1t is thought
likely that his resignation may be hand
cd in