THE OIL SCANDALS.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 February 1924, Page 1

THE OIL SCANDALS.

FVIDFXCF OF EX-MINISTER. '• iUSSRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. h WASHINGTON. Feb. 11. .Mr M’Adoo. Secretary of tlie Trea- '* sury in Hu; Wilson Cabinet, testified before the Senate Committee that " not only did he (iliit Dohcny’.s employ " the day alter the oil magnate's evis donee had heen given, but that he now demanded a complete inquiry into TJoheny’s affairs. .Mr .M’Adoo said: “1 acted as lawyer only for Doheny's Mexican enterprises.” Witness added: ■The whole country has hern shocked and appalled by what 1 1 :is Ikm• 11 revealed during this investigation, The fact that, a former Cabinet .Minister has already been gravely involved has raised a strong suspicion in the public mind that others may lie guilty.” The Senate, by an overwhelming vote, demanded the resignation of Mr Edwin Denby. Secretary of the Navy. SENATOR ATTACKS I’ll KST DENT. WASHINGTON, Feb. II The Senate adopted .Senator Robinsun's resolution calling for the resignation of .Mr Denby who, despite contrary intimations, has linnly reiterated that he has no intention of resigning. Senator I.a Folielte during the debate denounced Mr Denby as unfit and untrustworthy to remain in tike Cabinet. He criticised President Coulidge for Ids failure to dismiss the Minister and declared that President Coolidge was partly responsible, became during the Senate’s preliminary oil discussions in 19:12, the President, then Vice-President, presided over the Senate. Senator !.a Collette concluded: "Lei each ollicial hear bis own rpsponsibil itv. Let there he no vicarious atonements.” The preamble of the resolution quotes hum the resolution adopted on January .'ll stating that the oil leases sie.ned b\ Mr Dellby Were made ill violation of the law, and under circumstances indicating corruption. Ten Republicans and two Farmerl.abour members joined the Democrats in siippoi i iug the 11, -olid ioll. The voting was 17 for and tit against. Mi M'Adoo, appearing betoi'c tile Senate Committee to refute I lie charges made against him. said that oil iiuere-ts, since lillfl, had paid his law linn I-Ml,mill dollars, whereol his o’. 1 it -bare totalled .Ml.(Hiil. lie slated be wa-. a. consultant exclusively in Mexican eases and was totally uneonneeled with the naval oil negotiations. Mr M'Adoo added that if lie had I,ceil consulted th-wenii by his client the present scandal would have been avoided. PR LSI DENT'S KKPLV. WASIIIXGTOX, Feb. 11. President Cocilidge, replying to the Semite's demand for the resignation ot Mr Denby. deelaied: "Xo ollicial recognition can be given to the passage of a Senate resolution relative to the'!! opinion concerning members o! Cabinet i.r oile r olHcers. under executive i 00l rol.”

Tin. l President promised action when lls,, lads rf lln’ nil leases ami various 1 1 ait-ai l ion ■ were laid hrtore him. Hr added: "I shall not hesitate to rail Ini' ilm i esignntinn oi any official whose conduct in tin’s matter in any ■a ; 11 Is -utli action niwi! my part. It. disinissal of a CaLmot offi-ci-i i- exclusively an executive function. 1 shall lake such action as ui’ins essential io the lull prelection of public interests as soon a- the special counsel '-an advise ronei-l-iling tlu* locality or the leases.” It is stated that the Aitnrncy-Gen-eral. All- 1 kitigherty. ha- rciuestcd the stouatc to investigate the ndministration of the Department of Justice liefore taking action mi Senator "Wheeler's receiil resolution asking Presideiit Cnolidp;.' to request Mr Dnugh-i-rtv’s re - igmi t ion.