Evening star., 1928-02-14
Oil Mans Defiance of Senate
Arouses National Indignation

Public indignation over the Teapot
Dome Oil scandal flares anew through
the press In discussions Of the refusal
OF Robert w. Stewart, chairman OF the
board OF the Standard Oil Co. OF Indi-
ana. TO answer questions asked by the
Senate investigating committee about
the mysterious deal in which several
millions in profits were handed over to
the Continental Trading Co
Released on habeas corpus writ
says the Kansas City Star OF Mr.. Stew
arts resort % the courts. "he now will
take the fun time that hearings. ap-
peals and rehearings will permit. That
time may extend two years. II Is too
long. but II Is the way Of American
procedure. There should be shorter
ways TO bring recalcitrant witnesses to
book. Such delays may be almost
ruinous 10 otherwise sound cases
against fragrant offenders
Pointing out that everywhere the
Government turned It was confronted
by serious obstacles" in the oil cases,
the indianapolis News states that the
sole question as far as the public Is
concerned Is whether Fall the former
Secretary OF the Interior. was bribed.
and concludes: We suggest that the
silence OF men who must be presumed
10 know. the voluntary exile OF others
and the determined resistance OF all TO
the efforts OF the courts and the Sen
pleasantly on those concerned"
Are We TO understand" asks the
Omaha World Herald. that there Is an
element OF big business which contends
that its right 10 do wrong Is q privilege
that the Government must respect one
that rises superior to truth and justice?
Such q doctrine would be dangerous
doctrine. and most dangerous, In the
end. TO big business itself. The big
business men who have showered Stew
art with messages OF praise are by that
act tugging with all their strength at
the pillars Of their own temple"
I'VE have wondered II nobody In the
oil business In this country was as
turbed by the revelations which nave
been brought to public attention with
the Teapot Dome leasing scandal" re-
marks the Boston Herald. adding: Inc
revelations have brought the whoie
oil industry under suspicion. we nave
wondered Just when the industry wouio
start TO clean house. Yet oil organixa.
tions have elected anew TO their o!o
places the men about whose Tansac-
tons the Supreme Court has Expressed
It's opinion without reservation ana
about whose conduct the general puoiic
has no doubt whatever" Inc Hefalu'
however. commends John ID. Rockelei.
ler jr. for his advice TO Mr.. stewart
In this case.
We hope" observes the New Orleans
.rsit~.,4n .,ttn ,as,,1t of theSa eV3nfH WILL
he n sharp and definite lodgment OF
the inauisi,orial right with Congress
and It's committees The chief legislh-
tive body OF the Nation ought TO pos
sess this right~-subject Ia the clause
protecting the individual against self
Incrimination. Courts already have TINS
right. 1t Is highly desirable
that Congress should enjoy the und's"
puted possession OF II. too
What does the oil industry think
OF the effect on the public OF recent
acts Of some OF It's leading membcfst
the Portland Oregon journal wants 10
know. What of those oil men who are
exhausting every resource 10 pfotec'
those stepped In fraud against the peo-
ple OF the United States? Is the IN"
dustry 10 take no cognisance OF theif
actiOns?"
Declaring that "it Ia an unfortunate
state of affairs" the Salt Lake Tribune
says: 1T bids fair 10 last until the
nublIc conscience IL aroused to such an
.xtent that the Worship Of the golden
oaif viii cease and the maiefactora Oi
great weaith' be compelled 10 obey the
avs Of the land just like other people
ipeed the dayi" The Columbus Dts
patch expresses the view that the
American people viii not believe that
witnesses tesorting 10 every possible
subterfuge TO keep from furnishing In
formation on the oil deals under
scrutiny are moved by devotion tn con
stitu,ionai rights, rather than by \ de
termination to conceal what has been
done. II concealment Ia p0shible"
Nevertheless The Cleveland Plain