The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-02-14
LANSING COAT
SAYS CABINET
All Equally Guilty, Declares
Secretary Lane Today.
Even Tumulty Had Part in
Emergency Meetings.
WILSON'S ACTION TOO HARSH
Congressman Dislike Wilson's
AutOcratic Attitude.
Are Now Looking for Way to
Start Searching Probe.
WILSON'S ACTION TOO HARSH

Washington, Feb. 14.-Further dis
closures were believed imminent to-
day in the controversy between Presi-
dent Wilson and Robert Lansing.
which resulted in the latter's resigna-
tion as secretary of state
Altho Wilson's announced reason
for accepting Lansing's resignation
was that the secretary had called and
presided over cabinet meetings without
authorization of the president, pro-
longed friction over conduct of foreign
affair led up TO thefinal clash. ac-
cOrdinG to the correspondence be-
tween Wilson and Lansing made pub
lie last night. The full story of this
long continued conflict between the
president and the secretary of state is
expected to come to light during the
next few days.
Mexico Ono Reason.
One OF the first disclosures. 1t was
learned today, probably will be max
ing public the letter of resignation of
Henry T. Fletcher. former ambassador
to Mexico. This letter is understood
10 be a criticism OF Wilson's policy
toward Mexico.
Its contents are being Withheld, moth
ing more than a hint as TO its char
acter being permitted to leak out since
its submission some time ago.
Fletcher is understood to have favored
the attitude toward Mexico which
Lansing took during the negotiations
over Imprisonment of william O. Jeu-
l5ins, consular agent. This attitude
was changed later, supposedly at the
instance of the president and the ex-
change of notes with Mexico ceased.
A numbern n of congressman today
were seeking means of bringing the
wilson Lansing clash before the house
to for 4 1o1d dor-i in
either branch of congress, however
appeared anxious to take the initiative
in such move. 1t was considered
likely discussion might break out if
the president sends to the senate the
nomination of successor to Lansing
while interest is still as kesn as it
appeared today.
Have Been Four Vacancies.
Since the president became ill, there
have been four designations from his
cabinet. They were Secretary of
Commerce Redfield. Secretary of the
Interior Lane, Secretary Glass and
Secretary Lansing.
All the posts have been filled except
the one vacated by Lansing. John B.
Payne, chairman of the shipping
board, yesterday was nominated to
succeed Lane. This leaves Payne's
present job, an important one, also va
cant.
1t was learned at the White House
that there will be no more cabinet
meetings until the president himself
calls one and presides over it. Tum-
ulty said the president was rapidly
gaining strength and that it was prob
able he would call such a cabinet
meeting for the latter part of next
week.
This will be the first time the presi-
dent has appeared at a cabinet ses-
sion since before he went on his speak
ing tour last September.
TumuIty Took Part.
The statement that there will be no
more cabinet designations because of
the unauthorized meetings was taken
in some quarters as an indication that
Lansings calling of such meetings was
not the sole reason for his clash with
the president. 1t is known that Tun-
ulty himself has taken part in some OF
these meetings and that other cabinet
officials had suggested sessions when
they had anything to talk over with
their fellow members.
Congress is without power to in
vestigate the dismissal of Lansing. but
it can investigate, if it wishes, the
condition of Americas foreign policy,
in the opinion of Senator Knox. Penn
sylvania, himself a former secretary
of state.
Congress can inform itself concern
ing the nations foreign policy but can
do nothing directly about the circum-
stances involved in a particular in
stance" said Knox. The conduct of
foreign affairs is. of course. in the
presidents hands and all that con-
gress can do is to get information for
itself as to the situation.
80 far as changes in the presidents
official family are concerned. he has
perfect right to make those changes
as he sees fit"
Wilson Is Criticized.
President Wilson's attitude toward
Lansing was characterized by Repre-
sentative Porter. chairman of the
house foreign affairs committee, as be-
ing almost harsh"
TT is a novel Interpretation OF the
constitution by the president that when
two or more members of the cabinet
meet and discuss er-departmentaI
matters, that they violate the constf-
tuition" Porter declared.
Differences over the peace treaty
and policies with regard to Mexico.