The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1924-02-18

suits was completed today by
senate confirmation Of Owen
Roberts Of Philadelphia as
government counsel.
Washington, Feb. 18.-Ed-
win B. DENLY has resigned as
Secretary of the Navy and his
resignation has been accepted
by President Coolidge.
After repeatedly declaring
he never would quit the cab
met under the dire fire of those
who have criticized his part
in the oil leasing program the
Secretary notified President
Coolidge this morning that he
was ready to step out.
His decision followed a tele-
phone consultation between
the President and Mr.. Denby
in which all of the latest as
poets of the situation were
talked over in the light of in
formation passed on to the
White House by Republican
leaders in the Senate.
Recently number of the Secre-
tarys friends also have been consult
ed by Mr.. Coolidge and they are un-
derstood to have advised the Presi-
den that they fully understood the
embarrassment that might result in
retaining Mr.. DENLY in the cabinet
while the oil annulment suits are in
progress.
Party to Leases.
Not only is he party to the oil
leases, having affixed his signature
along with that of Albert B. Fall but
he repeatedly has defended his part
in the proceedings and has declared
publicly since the present contro-
versy arose that he believed the con-
tract legal and would be willing to
pursue the same course again.
1t has been pointed out to the
resident that it might appear incon-
sistent to have member of the ad-
ministration holding these views re-
main in Office while the administra-
tion itself through its counsel was
moving in the courts to annul the
leases on the ground that they were
made without authority of law.
Roosevelt May Quit.
The first step in these legal pro-
ceedings, INDUCTION suits to prevent
further work on the Teapot and CAL
ifcrnia reserves, is expected immedi-
ately after the senate completes con-
firmation Of the oil counsel probably
today.
For the same reason there have
been reports that Theodore Roose-
Welt, Jr.. also would retire as as
sistant secretary under Mr.. DENLY.
Mr.. Roosevelt also had a part in the
framing Of the oil leases.
Daugherty to Quit.
The retirement Of the navy Sec
retary also revived rumors that the
resignation of Attorney, General
Daugherty would follow within few :
days. A resolution relating to him
and somewhat similar to that adopt
ed some days ago asking for the
resignation Of Mr.. DENLY is pend
ing in the Senate and it's sponsors
are pressing for quick action on it.
The resolution in which the Pres
ident was advised to ask Secretary
Dcnby to leave the cabinet was
adopted February IL oy a vote of AZ
to "a in the senate. Immediately
after it was sent to the White House
Mr.. Coolidge issued a statement de-
claring that such questions lay Who'll
ly within the province Of the execu-
tive but adding:
"The President is responsible to
the people for his conduct relative to
the retention or dismissal of public
officials. | assume that responsible
ity and the people may be assured
that as soon as l can be advised so
that / can act with entire justice to
all parties concerned and fully pro-
tect the public interest ! shall act.
Il do not propose to sacrifice any
man for my own welfare
nor do l propose to retain in Office
my unfit man for my own welfare.
shall try to maintain the functions
IT the government unimpaired, to act
OH the evidence and the law as
find it and to deal firmly and sum-
marily with every kind Of wrong
doing"
Secretary Sees Denby.
The decision in favor Of resig-
nation apparently was. reached soon
Continued on page 3