The Washington times., 1925-02-20
Mud-Slinging AS An Industry
in Washington
Bv BILL PRICE.

The immense growth Of the mudslngng industry in this
city would make fascinating story particularly written
oyd a one the hands Of writer more devoted to facts
than fiction the story would naturally appeal to fewer people
simply because human nature dearly loves TO oeneVe the
worst that it hears and thrilled by praise well
merited compliment
inquiry the Internal Revenue Bureau has
been dragging It proposed to have
Senate appropriate further money that the devng may
continue indefinitely the Investigation goes on somebody
discover something that will justify the expenditure OF
public funds any discoveries Of startling nature have
been made far the truth still remains under cover
ment that Commissioner DAVID H. BLAIR presidss over
It handles income taxes prohibition enforcement collection
Of taxes on wkey tobacco other things There may
be opportunity crooedness there there be
croodness the Of trusted employees There oppor
tun to big tax payers and unfarness to Others
The history the bureau however is honorable
dence and good win Of President COOLIDGE and his i'm
mediate chief, Secretary MELLON No points the finger
OF suspicion ct him personally The accusations and mys
many thousands
The effect Of prolonged investigation is most injurious
Che efficient funconng Of the bureau under good
organizer and director as Mr. Blair. Where suspicious
rife and gossip endless without the slightest clearing
public exposition employees disconnected and
right Of Congress investigate everybody and
thing doesn't to be disputed seldom enters into
investigation Of its sacred inside affairs
Congressional courtesy wonderful thing in that respect
but It doesn't extend beyond the Railways Of the Capitol
just how many thousands Of dollars has the Govern
msnt carry Congressional investigations which
COmplshed nothing beyond the naming Of few goats
TO get the persons institutions accused the custom is to pick
goat to justify the expenditure The goat usually not
In position to do anything but bleat
The Internal Revenue Bureau entitled early verdict
by the Senate committee. it Is guilty Of bad criminal
practices that lose millions Of dollars in the Govern
men the country ought to know it. these alleged practices
merely the acts Of employees who human and apt
in their Judgment that ought to be known No
likely to reach the conclusion amortization
depreciation in large industry as to refunds.
Briefly the Senate whole should by this time know
the facts that have been developed and whether there
aver facts yet to be brought out If it thinks there is much
left to learn should appropriate the money but insist
speeding that the inquiry may be brought to conclusion
for the good Of the Government service On the other hand
the facts simply indicate series Of human Of jud
men viewed by somebody else criminal crookeness
graft the inquiry should end and the bureau be given
clean bill Of health.
No bureau Government department should be kept
constant state Of agitation and It is entitled freedom
from singing that the anmus back Of invegga
ton.
The Senate doesn't want to encourage mudnging but
Congressional committee always put in the position Of
being forced listen that sort Of thing be accused Of
"hushng up facts" and withdrawing" To posi-
bic political other blunder inquiries go until
everybody who nows something that viii create sensation
has opportunity to spill lot Of personal and
innuendo.