New Britain herald., 1924-01-29
Secretary Of Navy De- mands Record Vote In Senate Says Roose- welt Is In No Way At Fault.
President Considers Whole Matter of Oil Leases a Matter for Executive Branch of Govt. to Act Upon.

Washington, Jan. 29,--Secretary Denby announced after todays cab. inet meeting, at which the oil lease investigation was considered. that he had mo intention whatever of resign ing at the present time"
 Convinced He Did Right.
 T am so convinced I did the right thing that would do 1t again tomor- row regardless of the consequences, ' the secretary said. "I feel that car ried out the will of Congress and my activities served the best interests of the people. Accordingly l have nothing to regret and no reason to re- sign,
 AbsOlyes Roosevelt.
 Assistant Secretary Roosevelt, whose name also has been prominent in the investigation, was declared by Mir. Denby to be entirely and absolutely in the clear"
 Colonel Roosevelt has nothing to be criticised for in the transactions. approved them with full knowledge and I accept complete responsibility. Mir. Roosevelt is in no wise responsible for the action taken"
 With reference to the Robinson res- olution pending in the Senate and calling for his resignation, Mir. Denby said he would like ito sec the senator who in the Senate would vote for a resolution besmirching the character of any man without having accorded that man an opportunity to be heard"
 Wants 8 Record Vote.
 T want record vote in the Senate on the Robinson resolution" be cnp- tinued, "ao that may determ..s what senators are willing to besmirch and defame the name of an American citizen who is guilty of no crime and who has never been charged, tried or convicted in any court
 Reading Secretary Denby's state ment to the Senate later. Senator Robinson of Arkansas, the Democratic leader, declared the secretary was en- titled to " a vote on the resolution"
 "Let me say" he added, that every effort which I can make to ser cure a record vote will be directed to obtaining it just as soon as it is pos sible.
 This is an issue that will not down. The record shows that after Congress reposed the responsibility for these reserves in the secretary of the navy he acquiesced in, consented to, and approved the transfer of these reserves to the control of depart ment where he knew the policy of Congress would be deliberately and wilfully disregarded."
 Coolidge Is silent.
 Washington, Jan. 2e.-President Coolidge asked a direct question by callers to his office today, relative to the Robinson resolution requesting the resignation of Secretary Denby, replied that it was a matter he did not care to discuss.
 The president considers the whole | oil leasing investigation as having re- solved itself into two major problems for the executive branch of the gov to determine whetherl there was criminal liability. and. sec ] ond. to ascertain whether the leases ! are legal and to the best interests of ! the government. All other matters | are of lesser importance in his opin- lon.
 These two problems are to be worked out by the special counsel to be employed by the president. and | there is no indication that the execu- i've at this time is contemplating any additional action. He discussed the matter today at a cabinet session last ng nearly two hours.
 Selection of counsel to prosecute he oil lease cases, it was indicated .oday at the White House, is being leld up to await action by the Sen Ite on the Walsh resolution. In event ,f adoption of this resolution. the president desires that the men select d be confirmed by the Senate.