New Britain herald., 1924-02-18
Signed Oil Leases

 Not only is he party to the of leases having affixed his signature along with that of Albert E. Fall, but he repeatedly has defended his part Tn the proceedings and has declared publicly since the present controversy arose that he believed the contracts legal and would be willing to pursue the same course again. 1 It has been pointed out to inc president that ii might appear incon- sistent 10 have q member or the ad- ministration holding these views re- maln in office while the administra- ton Itself. through its counsel, was moving Tn the courts to annul the leases on the ground that they were made without authority of law.
 The first stgp in these leeal pro- tfa9aings induction suits to prevent Further work on the Teapot and Cali fornia reserves, is expected immedi- ately after the senate completes con- tirmatton Of the oil counsel. probably today,
 Roosevelt Also Had Part.
 For the same reason there have been reports that Theodore Roosevelt also would retire as Assistant secre. tafy under Mir, Denby. Mir. Roose- welt also had Q part in the framing of oil leases.
 Rumors About Dauriie1ty
 The retirement of the navy secre- tary also revived rumors that the resignation of Attorney General Daughcrty would follow within a few \ and somewhat similar to that adopted some days ago asking for the resigna- tion Of Alr. Denby is pending in the senate and it's sponsors are pressing for quick action on it.
 The resolution in which the presi- dent Was advised to ask Secretary Dsnby to leave the cabinet was adopt- ed February II with the republican rrgaiiization leaders opposing it but with len republicans voting in its support The vote was 47 to a.
 Immediately 1t was sent to the White House. Mir. Coolidge issued a statement declaring that such ques- tiens lay wholly within the province Of the executive. but adding
 Presidents statcmunt
 'The president is responsible to ffis people for his conduct relative 10 the tttentiun or dismissal of public oflicias. assume that responsibil- fly and the people may be assured that as soon as l can be advised SO that I may act with entire justice to all parties concerned and fully pro- tect the public interests, I shall act.
 ''i do not propose to sacrifice any innocent man for my own welfare. Nor do I propose to retain in office any unfit man for my own welfare. shall try to maintain the functions Of the government uuimpaired. to act upon the evidence and the law as l find it, and to deal thoroughly and sHmmariiy win every kind of wrong- eoiug"
 Hold Many Conferences
 .'iHrs theB many conferences have bess held by thr president with other o1icias of his administration. senate leaders. and personal friends or Mir. Eeubt Twg uf those most frequent Iy ai line White House have been Secretary Weeks and Charles B. War r'H af Michigan. both old personal and political friends of the natt see- 5etIgs.
 ThF decision iu favor af a fgsiEaa- .tOr apparently Has rearhcA sosn after Mir Gn0iidEt went to lis nf4ifs his morning balt a formal suuotgncs.- HeHt was Ieferrea. F. r. CIark. one If Mr, ccolidge's srerTtufiss. visited sir- Dcnbys office 10 consult as 10 what form the announcement should lake. Nr. uentll sunH dfi#rSafi lat he navy department bv a private en- france. eludtnc newspaper men and .,ft word that for tHe present ba sould have hing tU say.
 An Original sppofnfsss
 The seeretaryfs retirement makes Inc first break in The official family llr Coolidge fcsb oeer intact from the Harding administration Mir. ftenbF Was one 0f the original mem 5srs of Mr HardiHe's cabinet having taken ofice on March I. 1921. 1f
 iItIf4 Enlisted Man
 This selection brought 10 that de- aFtrlsn, for tI5e frsf time ia many
 tcgntiBasd sH ruse Fifteenl