Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-02-29

DIR. Harvey w. Wiley, chief chemist OF
the Department of agriculture, denied to-
day that he had any intention of resign
ing from office. He characterized as pre-
posterous' and pure fiction the rumors
10 the effect that he was considering such
action. and that he probably would come
out with statement attacking Secretary
Wilson and the administration.
DIR. Wiley declared that the rumors that
he was about to resign undoubtedly came
from enemies who recently had at
tackled him In other ways.
AS to the report that after resigning he
would be candidate for Vice President
on the democratic ticket. the doctor
laughed and said: II could not run on
that ticket ] am whole democrat: that
is. the others are only hemi-democrats.
] believe IN the equal rights Of man. the
right Of women a. well a. of mem TO
vote. Wherefore, ana a whole demo-
crsA"
Says There e Pipe Line.
DR.. Wiley said he knew OF the pipe
line through which recent suggestions
Of his resignation and the pablication of
the confidential proceedinEssof OF the pure
food board had emanated.
That lobby is being maintained. in
Washington by certain food manufactur-
ers of the country in an effort to dis
credit DR.. Wiley Is the belief Of his
friends in Congress. Several Of them ex-
pressed amazement today when they
learned from an authentic source of the
activity Of this lobby. Of the ample funds
at its disposal and Of the deter
mined efforts 1t had made to stir
UP trouble against the government
chemist to stir up some scandal
with which he might possibly be con-
nected. to attempt to show favoritism by
him toward some particular interest ap-
pearing before the bureau of chemistry
in fact. to do anything that might pos
sibly result I'm his removal from the gov
ernment service and in a cessation Of his
watchfulness over the administration of
the pure food law.
Work Of Dopers.
These attempts OF the pure food dopers
sentative Richardson of Alabama this
afternoon. remind me OF the efforts of
3 crowd of school children TO attack their
teacher. When a schooIboy begins to
complain bitterly you can generally de-
eide that the teacher has been doing his
duty When these food adulterators be-
gin to howl every one is just about con-
viBced that Wiley is doing the right
thing. He will be protected i'm the per.
formance of his duty
In connection with the report generally
current around the House side OF the CAP
itoi today that DIR. Wiley, having reached
the limit Of his patience in his persecu-
tion by the pure food Interests opposed to
his strict Interpretation of the pure food
law in his capacity as chief of the bu-
reau OF chemistry. would demand a
sweeping inquiry at the hands of Congress
Mr.. Richardson. who is one OF the lead
ing advocates and defenders OF pure food
legislation. made the emphatic declaration
that If II was necessary for Congress to
give Dr.. Wiley protection Congress
certainly would do it. Mr. Richardson
and many other members of the House
are much exercised at the apparently
great boldness of the lobby in working
here in Washington, right in the shadow
of the Capitol.
Situation Becomes Acute.
The publication this morning of a story
TO the effect that Dr. Wiley contem.
plated resigning from his position in order
TO become the democratic nominee fol
Vice President and that before he went
lie would eScoriate the Secretary of Agri.
ture. made the situation acute today
None of DIR. Wiiey's friends in Congress.
imagined for moment that there was
one word of truth in this story. and 4
did not need the government chemist.
emphatic and sweeping denial of tn,
canard to brand the report as false II
every particular.
DR.. Wiley's friends believe that thi.
story was sent out by the food interest.
in opposition 10 the expert.
Very little besides this latest demon
s;rat.on that conditions in the Depart
meni OF Agriculture have become fntol
erable. necessitatin3 immediate action 1
the efficiency Of the department is not Z
be injured beyond repair was talke
about In the committee and cloak room
at the House end Of the Capitol today.
There seemed to be consensus o
opinion among members almost regard
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