Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-04-17

reau, what amount of the lump SAL
aries in the weather bureau, was ex-
pended for promotions of weather bu-
reau employees, during last January
and February, and the comparative
figures for the preceding four years
The resolution asked for information
rs TO what journeys were performed
by Charles T. Burns. under official or
ders and under what instruc-
tions. between July /, 1912 and
Feb. IS, last. and also called for data
regarding circulars and other matter
printed at government expense and
| used by the chief of the weather bu-
reau in his campaign for secretary Of
agriculture during the last fiscal year"
The House committee on expendi-
lures in the agricultural department
had planned, last year. an exhaustive
investigation into the weather bureau,
but was prevented from making it on
account of the Wiley inquiry, the
Florida Everglades ease and other
matters. Rep. Moss of Ind, and
Democratic members of the committee
did not take special charges filed
against Prof. Moore by James Barry,
a former employee of the weather bu-
reau. which related to misuse of the
contingent fund. The committee, Mr..
Moss said, today, never found enough
in these charges to press them for fur
Their inquiry. 1t is proposed, however.
to conduct thorough investigation of
the bureau as soon as the committee is
organized, which probably will not be
until the regular session next winter.
icc,t a.
night, declaring that the same influences
that attempted to disgrace and remove
DIR. Harvey w. Wiley were responsible
for his removal and branding as "infa-
mously false any intimation that he had
coerced employees of the weather bureau
in supporting him for the secretaryship
or that public money had been expended
in his candidacy. His statement follows:
II am In receipt of a letter from the
President of the United States saying
that an investigation of my conduct of
the business of the weather bureau dis
closes such irregularities on my part that
the interests of the public service de-
mand my immediate removal.
''In reply l will say that it is the same
old influences that attempted to disgrace
out letting him see the charges against
him or confront his accusers that is now
driving me from the public service.
LAS an aspirant for the secretaryship
of agriculture l announced that l would,
if appointed, revoke the benzoate of soda
decision. abolish the Remsen board. or
any other extra judicial body in the de-
partment that l thought had been de-
signed for the purpose of minimizing the
effectiveness of the pure food and meat
inspection laws rather than in aiding in
their efficient enforcement, and that /
would restrain the activities of the So
licitors' Office to reasonable prerogatiFes
and reorganize the department
81 was not selected and of course have
no complaint on that ground. But Sec
rotary Houston almost Immediately upon
entering Office demanded that | forward
to the President my resignation, without
ever having set foot into the Office of the
weather bureau. without honoring my re-
quest to see such charges as might have
been filed against me, or permit me to
face my accusers, or to be present in
person or by proxy and examine the wit
nesses whom he summoned against me-
Literally, third degree methods were APP
Piled to my friends in the weather bu-
reau under such penalties that they did
not dare to speak to me and then q re-
port made to the President that had for
Its object the driving me in disgrace
from service where I had had an hon
orable career for over a third of n GEN.
/ fury.
MOI hat.a
iiereiai' agricultural, marine, educa ton
al and labor organizations that have
known me for nearly 20 years as the
chter Oh the weather bureau and who
largely endorsed me for cabinet place.
Will be satisfied that I have done any,
thlng dishonorable until the light of nub-
hclty is let in and Secretary Houston,s
hussian-siberian methods give way to
American fair play.
brand as UNANIMOUSLY false the init
Hiauoh that any man in the weather bu-
ieau mas been coerced into supporting
mt ior the secretaryship, any man pro-
Iiioteo Tor serving me or dollar of nub-
iic money expended in my candidacy T
worked for the place and spent NV ou,p
money and so did many of nv friends
is this a crime under the new disnansa
ton of things?
l shaii gladly welcome any inyestiya
''on TO which the press is admitted and
winch limit the inquiry to the weather
oufeau. IL has always had a clean hill,
VI heaith from every investigating com
i'iit'ee that has looked into its affairs
winch Is something which cannot be said
u several bureaus in the department 70
WHICH secy Houston's methods have moi
been applied"
WOOL SCHEDULE is
| Adopted NV nEMncnrn