Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1913-04-17
Summary Action is Taken inI
Case of Prof, Willis [, Moore
Following Charges Of Grave
IrregUlarity,
INVESTIGATION OF
CONDUCT AUTHORIZED
Department of Justice viii In
Quire Into Methods Used by
Official in Campaign for
Cabinet Position,

diy Morning Journal Special Leased wirel
WASHINGTON, April i6.--prOfessor
Willis l.. Moore chief OF the weather
bureau since 1895. and an appointee
of the Cleveland administration. was
summarily removed from office today
by President Wilson. His resignation
recently had been accepted, TO take
effect July 81, but after an investiga-
tion of his alleged efforts 10 become
secretary of agriculture in the present
cabinet, grave charges Of irregularity
were preferred and the president
withdrew his acceptance Of the resig-
nation, dismissing Professor Moore.
Later he referred the subject TO the
department of justice for inquiry. Sec
retary Houston of the agricultural
department conferred with the presi-
dent before the removal of Mr.. Moore
was announced. The secretary then
issued the following statement:
Immediately after the resignation
of Professor Moore. Of the weather
bureau, was submitted to the presi-
dent and accepted by him. charges
We're filed with the secretary Of agri-
culture by responsible men within the
service. These charges were of so
grave nature that the secretary of
agriculture called upon the depart
ment of justice for an investigation.
THE investigation still is under
way, but the facts so far secured and
laid before the president yesterday
were sufficient to warrant him in de-
Gliding to withdraw his acceptance Of
Professor Moores resignation and re-
move him summarlly. which has been
done today. The president also has
directed the secretary Of agriculture
to suspend Mr.. Charles T. Burns, an
employe Of the weather bureau. pend
ing Il further Investigation Of his case.
and take such disciplinary measures
as he may deem necessary with such
other employees of the weather bureau
as may have been unduly active in
using the public service for private
ends
The letter to Secretary Houston di-
recting Mr.. Moore's removal was not
made public. but it was stated at the
White House to charge such irregu-
larities and misuse Of powers as to
require the immediate dismissal oil
the weather bureau chief in the in
terest of the public service.
Unofficially it was said at the White
House that the campaign to make Mr..
Moore secretary of agriculture had
been extensive; that members of con-
gress in various parts of the country
had been canvassed and that a letter
writing campaign had been conducted
among weather bureau employees.
Professor Moore has been target
for attack in congress. A few days
ago resolution was introduced calling
on the secretary or agriculture to ad-
wise congress regarding the appropria-
lions for official travelling expenses for
the weather bureau, what amount Of
the lump sum Of salaries In the
weather bureau was expended for pro-
motions Of weather bureau employees
last January and February and the
figures for the preceding |
four years.
The resolution asked for informa- |
Iion as to what journeys were taken |
by Charles l.. Burns under official |
orders, and under what Instructions |
between July /, 1912. and February
rs last, and also called for data re-
sarding circulars and other matter
printed at government expense and
used by the chief of the weather bu-
eau in his campaign for secretary Of
during the last fiscal
year"
The house committee on expendi-
ures in the agricultural department
lad planned last year an exhaustive
Investigation into the weather bureau.
lut was prevented from making IL ON
iccount of the Wiley inquiry, the Flor
da everglades case and other special
matters. Representative Moss, Of In
llama, and democratic members of the
did take up special charges
He'd against Professor Moore by
lanes Berry, a former employe Of the
Weather bureau, which related to mis-
Use of the contingent fund. The COM
nittee, Mr. Moss said today, never
ound enough in these charges to
,ress them for further inquiry. 1t is
proposed. however, to conduct a thor
,ugh investigation of the bureau as
oon as the committee is organized
which probably will not be until the
egular session next winter.
Professor Moore issued a statement
onight declaring that the same influ-
noes that attempted to disgrace and
emove DR. Harvey w. Wiley were
for his removal, and
,randing as UNANIMOUSLY false any
animation that he had coerced en-
iloyes of the weather bureau in sup
ortng him for the secretaryship of
griculture or that public money had
cen expended in his candidacy His
tatement follows:
Il am in receipt Of letter from
he president OF the United States say
lg that my conduct Of the business Of