Evening star., 1924-01-26
The Presidents Responsibility.

While il is natural to feel bitterly
distressed at the disclosures of moral
delinquency in the matter of the leas-
ing of the naval oil reserves. concern
ing which testimony has been given
that leaves no question OF Il complete
failure to realize official responsible
ties and limitations on the part OF the
custodian Cf great public trust. there
is reason to be glad that the truth
concerning this deplorable transaction
is now coming forth. Teapot Dome"
has been sizzling scandal for months.
Suspicion has been bred in the public
mind. Concealments and evasions have
kept the lid down after fashion. but
have not availed to prevent the steady
growth of feeling that there was some
thing decidedly wrong in the affair.
Now. a long time after authorization
by the Senate, committee Is examin-
ing into the matter and balked at first
by refuSilS to appear in person and by
misleading versions. il is getting at
the facts. Those facts are shocking
TO the nation.
1t is stated that the President is
closely watching the proceedings. and
IS prepared to act whenever there is d
sufficient development Of facts TO war
rant. Thus far there is no proof OF
criminality. of actually corrupt deal
ings. Technically there has been no
perjury. for statements made to the
committee previously and later re-
futed were given. not under oath but
ex parte in the form OF communica-
lions.
It would be idle TO institute criminal
procedure without the proof necessary
to convince a jury. The administra-
ton would be unwarranted in going
TO such point in the absence of such
convicting evidence. Conspiracy and
bribery are difficult to establish.
If there has been deception for the
purpose Of personal profit. either in
the transfer OF the naval oil reserves
from one department to another, or in
the granting Of leases. if those leases
were made without regard for the pub
lie welfare, If they were knowingly
granted to the detriment OF the gov
ernments interests, whether there
was a corrupt private consideration or
not, then all who participated and who
are now in office should be removed in
disgrace.
Removal from office, however. can
only be based upon positive assur-
ance Of impropriety Of conduct. About
two years ago a number of en-
ployes Of the Treasury Department
were discharged in circumstances that
indicated charges of corrupt conduct
Now, in some cases too late to save
them living from the shame OF their
dismissal, they are exonerated. 1t is
known that there was no foundation
for the accusations against them. ac-
cusations that were never formulated.
This sad experience is warning against
untounded punitive administration ac-
ton. While punishment by dismissal
may properly be administered without
the same degree Of positive technical
proof that is required in the case Of
criminal action in court. it must be
founded upon tttcts that are beyond
challenge.
President Coolidge faces a grave re-
sponsibility. AS Chief Executive he is
accountable for the good conduct of
the administration. He cannot he held
liable for past actions, but unques-
tionably in the public mind he is now
responsible for any continuation Of the
conditions that developed from i'm
proper behavior in the past. His known
character does not warrant the belief
that he will temporize lie has cour-
age. He stands for purity in public
and private life. The fact that he is a
candidate for nomination and election
to succeed himself as President will
not, il may be believed, affect his
course if he is convinced that the taint
of moral delinquency extends now to
any member of his official family. Nor
will that fact cause him TO take ac-
tion for political reasons not fully
justified in law or on principles of
Righteousness.