The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1924-02-07

1dTS Ids, IcdCIcu q StdSC WuCiC IL IL
difficult to compare and digest the
claims and counterclaims of various
partisans. The sensational develop
ments of the week have apparently
revived prejudices founded on party
systems. The testimony adduced be-.
fore Senate committee and the sub.
sequent cancellation action in the
Teapot Dome oil lease case has cent
cred the attention of the nation on
Washington affairs. The spectacle is
not inspiring but it has aroused, and
will undoubtedly hold the public in
terest for many months.
The unanimous vote in the Senate
on the Walsh resolution annulling the
naval reserve oil leases, indicated the
bipartisan character of the proceed
ings. However, it is evident that the
strong play for partisan advantage
which has developed lately, will con.
tinue. Both parties are desirious that
there should be a vigorous prosecu-
ton of those criminally liable. With
the passage of the lease cancellation
measures in Congress, action is now
directed against the Secretary of the
Navy DENLY, and Attorney General
Daugherty. Democratic leaders are
demanding their designations on the
ground of incompetency, but there is
no talk of Impeachment.
The testimony of Edward l.. Do
heny, the California oil producer,
has proven damaging to all political
parties. 1t is said in many quarters
that his statement concerning the en-
ployment of William Gibbs McAdoo
as special counsel to influence rela-
tons with Mexico, will seriously af-
feet the latter's candidacy for Demo-
cratic nomination. Mr.. McAdoo's
friends have been quick to point out
the weakness of this contention. One
high Government official has stated
that the scandal as to oil leases will
leave it's mark on all political parties
for at least so years. He holds that
confidence in public officials has been
lessened to this extent. 1t is difficult
to measure the influence of this af-
fair. There is an old proverb which
says Scandal will not rub out like
dirt when it is dry"
The House appropriated 100000
for the employment by the President
of special counsel to conduct prose
cutions in connection with the oil
case and the legal inquiry is under
way.
d
Some progress has been made in
the consideration of the tax bill now
before the House. The majority
members of the House Ways and
Means Commute voted to apprave
the Mellon plan relating to income
and surtax rates. The committee
has agreed upon reduction of rs
per cent on earned incomes up to
$4,000, and all incomes under $5,-
900 are classified as earned, for the
purpose of this reduction. Repre-
sentative Garner, Democrat of Texas,
has introduced resolution which
would make the Democratic plan
of income tax reduction apply for tax
returns for 1923.
Under an agreement, the tax bill
must be reported by Feb. II. Mr..
Garner has stated that the Demo
Gratis will vote solidly for their tax
proposal. The Republican insur-
gents are giving majority leaders
some concern as to their position on
tax revision. These insurgents have
made known their opposition to the
Mellon proposals and their II votes
will weight heavily in the final deter
mination of rates.
Recommendations Of the special
conference of farmers, fnanciers,
and transportation officials in ses-
sion here this week will undoubtedly
shape farmer relief legislation now
pending in committees. The Senate
Agricultural Committee has approved
a relief appropriation of 100000
900 for New Mexico farmers. The
Agricultural Committee has also ia
forably reported the Norbeck-Burt-
ness bill, providing financial aid for
farmers in areas affected by crop fail
ure, after adding $25,000,000 on
motion made by Senator Harrison, of
Mississippi, to be used by farmers
generally instead of wheat growers,
as originally proposed.
The Senate Post Office Committee
reported favorably on bill author
izing the Postmaster General to in
augurate an experimental system of
parcel post service in carrying farm
products from the grower to the
consumer on the route. No expense
to the Government is involved in this
test, as the services performed by the
carriers is to be paid out of the
charges at rates below the present
parcel post rates for the same ser
vice.
The Senate Committe on Irriga-
ton and Reclamation recommended
the passage of bill which would
permit the Secretary of the Interior
to suspend or defer payments of
reclamation charges up to Jan. l.,
1925, and to furnish water for irri-
cation in the meantime. In an effort
to bring about agricultural relief,
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