Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-03-08
Interview With Secretary VIII
son by Representative Clark.
STATEMENT TO COMMITTEE
Congressman Relates Conversation
Regarding Everglades Circular.
FOR SUPPRESSION
Governor Of Florida Files Letter Of
Protest Regarding Trend Of
Investigation.

How Representative Frank Clark OF
Of the Department OF Agriculture that the
famous Everglades circular had been
suppressed by the Secretary and a letter
from Gov. Albert w. Gilchrist OF Florida
protesting that discredit Is being brought
upon his state by the tone of the invests
CATION formed features OF the inquiry BY
the Moss investigating committee at the
Capitol today.
Sharp sparks were emitted when Rep
resentative Clark began to tell of his visit
to Secretary Wilson. as Solicitor McCabe
struck up a lively cross-examination.
Relevancy Of Letter in Doubt.
Gov. Giichrist presented his letter in
person.
The governor feels that the scope
of the inquiry by the Moss Investigate
ing committee is now being limited. al
though much to the discredit of Florida
and much in defamation of its Ever
glade lands has been put I'm the record.
He came here to present the other side,
IL possible. but Is chatting under tho
limitations of testimony.
The committee took his letter un-
der consideration and the relevancy
of it to the case will be decided upon by
the committee.
Wants the Work Inspected.
The governors letter reads in part as
follows:
although the committee is nominally
on the expenditures in the Department or
Agriculture, yet all its REPORTS are head
ed The Everglades of Florida The
drainage OF the Everglades. now being
conducted by the state of Florida, is evil
IDENTIFY on trial. Testimony has been adj
mitted casting discredit upon the same"
Of the committee to visit Florida
and see for themselves what drain
age is being done and. what may ne
accomplished by the plan being put into
execution by the state. He cites many
authorities and gives several instances
to prove that the soil of the Everglades
is fertile and rich, and that the Ever
glades can be reclaimed.
Pays Respects to Clark.
There appears to be but one member
Of Congress who from his actions could
possibly object to the report" says Gov.
Gilchrist. referring to the report of J.
0. Wright, formerly government en-
gineer on the Everglades. I'm 1906 Mr..
against the then proposed constitutional
amendment relating to drainage. and he
spoke against the drainage project. From
what have heard 1 have every reason to
believe that he is At present against the
drainage. In my opinion his action has
damaged the state millions Of dollars. 1
have stated that the railroads of the
west are greatly benefited by this un-
warranted attack upon the everglades OF
Florida. 1t would evidently be a benefit
to them for the migration from their
territory to cease. I have never thought
that Representative Clark was In any
way controlled or owned by these rail-
roads. His actions. however. play into
their hands"
The witness at the hearing was Repre-
sentative Clark. He put into the record
Agriculture and others to refute news
paper criticism OF his attitude.
clark's Visit to the Secretary.
Representative Clark described his visit
to Secretary of Agriculture Wilson. He
said he was accompanied by some of
his constituents.
I'VE talked about several things. and
finally / said to him: Mr.. Secretary, we
came to talk Everglades to you, said
Mr.. Clark. THE mention of the word
Everglades kind of riled the old man.
He went right up I'm the air.
HE told me that he had suppressed the
circular about the Everglades. and said.
L think I did right, don't your said.
You did right. Mr.. Secretary, II the cir
cular was untrue, but you did not do right
IL 1t was true
I'VE talked for some little time and
when the Secretary told me he had sup
pressed the Everglades report because he
had been requested to do by men
selling Everglades lands / was aston
ished.''
McCabe as Cross-Examiner.
Mr.. Clark was subjected to rigorous
cross-examination by Solicitor McCabe
There Is much feeling between the two
because Of Mr.. Clark's attempt to legis-
late Mr.. McCabe out of Office.
Mr. McCabes examination was for some
direct quotations from the Secretary.
II remember one thing he said. de-
clared Mr. Clark. "He told me that he
was not running his Office to protect fools
all over the country who didn't know
any better than to buy something they
never saw"
The committee adjourned for luncheon
and Mr.. Clark will resume the witness
stand this afternoon.