The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1924-03-06
WASHINGTON LETTER

Washington, March 5.-With the
political turmoil over Teapot Dome
and Cabinet officers embroiling the
legislative and executive divisions of
the Federal Government, the tax
payer has at least one ,consoling
thought-that the independence of
the judiciary under the American
constitutional system insures the adj
ministration of justice. The higher
courts, rarely approached or over
awed by influences" are dependent
upon the law as it is written. Public
confidence in the legal tribunals is
seldom if ever, lessened by reason of
grave decisions. Thus the judicial
determination of the facts in the ma
val oil reserves leases is admittedly
the most essential need of the hour.
1t is these agencies which must view
the evidence in its true respective di-
mansions.
1t is clearly indicated that investi-
cation of Attorney General Daugh-
erty's relations with the oil leases
will bring fresh surprises. The spec
tacle of a Cabinet official on the
Senate grill is not edifying but OBJ
viously necessary in fairness to Mr..
Daugherty, whose resignation is de-
manded by some Senators. Probes of
this kind are merely incidental in the
political career of European Premiers
and Cabinet officers. The Attorney
General has announced his intention
to clear his name publicly before sur
rendering his office.
The developments in the investiga-
ton of oil leases shows that the read
ing public gives little thought to the
final determination of the cases in the
courts. Non-partisan observers say
that sensational statements which are
issued generally for political effect,
unfortunately overshadow the real
constructive measures for the prose-
cution of those responsible for the
Teapot Dome scandal.
Careful analysis of the current in
quiry will reveael that it is the in
tent of some Senators to prove that
an oligarchy of job holders use the
power granted by the people against
the latter's interest.
r.
There will be a distinct scarcity of
candidates for public office if the
present methods of Senate investiga-
tors become popular in legislative cir
cles. Every rumor, regardless of it's
source, is given indiscriminate pub
icity by some Senators. 1t is I'M
fortunate for the public interest that
too much credence is placed in the
mere mention of the names of men in
high offices. 1t is common practice
in Washington for garrulous men to
discuss matters of which they have
little knowledge. 1t is always best
in discussing controversies of this
character to take accusations and
insinuations with ''grain of salt !"
Propaganda of all sorts has it's origin
in Washington, especially at this time,
and the thoughaful citizen must dis
criminate between facts and fables.
The spirit of Cancellation does not
hover around the legislative halls at
this time. Neither branch of the
government, legislative or executive,
can effectively coerce the other. The
Presidential veto was intended by
the trainers of the Constitution to pre-
vent tyranny by Congress. The Con-
stitution gave the President concur
rent authority in law-making. Lead,
ers of both parties admit that it would
be impossible to marshal sufficient
votes to override the veto on the tax
measure. The surtax issue will
again be revived in the Senate and
the responsibility for the happy end
ing of the tax controversy rests with
the Senate and House conferees. The