OIL SCANDAL.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 February 1924, Page 2

OIL SCANDAL.

k CSTItALIAN AND N. 7.. CAUI.R AHSOCIJ ViON. W.VSHIN'GTt >X. February 23. There are new disclosures in the oil scandals, which have revealed that there have been departmental endeavours to shield the oil interests and the accused officials, by delaying, or even refusing assistance to investigators. (senator Walsh has complained that neither the Federal Secret Service nor the War, Treasury, or Navy Departments have thus far lifted a finger to aid tho Senate Committee of Inquiry. Hr added: “I have Ihm-ii both detective and prosecutor, but the time has eoiuo when 4 must have help." Senator Walsh pointed out that it would be futile to expect any assistance from the Depart iiieni ul heads that have either resigned or that are under Senatorial tiro.

.Meanwhile Attorney-General Dongle city’s defiant refusal to surrender Ids portfolio of .justice, while it is stiongly opposed by Senators Lodge, Pepper

and Borah, lias nevertheless gained the si pport of Mr Adams (Chairman of the Republican Party's National Committee), who bus issued a statement demanding that the Leaders of the Reublieans eease defensive warfare against tlie Democrats.

This attitude lias served to strengthen the sensational reports that Attor-ney-General Dougliery had threatened to tell many startling stories if I’resident Coolidge complied with the Senatorial desires, and sacrificed him for the- sake of the Republican Party. The present perplexity of President Coolidge is regarded as the first indication o*' a serious rift within the hitherto solid males of the Republicans. MONK IXVOLVKD. NEW YORK, February 20. The “Times” Washington correspondent asserts the K.S.A. Senate Chamber “continues to echo sensational charges ] rofessivelv destroying the reputations of the public men. if any, touched by the oil scandal.” He continues: “The tries for Mr Roosevelt's resignation Iron, the Naval Under-Secretaryship 1 nve become louder, while Senator Wheeler, in demanding that AttorneyGeneral Dougherty shall be ousted made grave charges of corruption against him regarding the enforcement rf prohibition. Throughout tho day unusual scenes ami a vicious partisan eon diet eoniinued. Meantime the Senate’s Committee on the oil leases is preparing to examine the books of stockbrokers for tbe purpose of determining whether the rumours that public men have profited by the speculations resulting from the oii leases can b« verified. The President's special attorneys,'Messrs Poinereul and Roberts have begun an, examination of records for the purpose of presenting charges Joi prosecutions in the Courts.

President- Coolidge was advised by Senator Lodge, the Republican .Senate Leader, that a sentiment is growing in the Republican Senate organisation favouring the retirement of the AttorneyGeneral M r Dougherty, after Mr Dougherty had publicly defied liis critics in a .formal statement.

Senator bodge frankly informed President Coolidge that the position taken bv Die Republicans was the result of several conferences, and be urged that the Cabinet bo cleared at least, of those who have become storm centres in the oils caudal. Mr Dougherty has informed the President that, he is determined not to quit office under file. 'file White House officials refused to discuss reports that Mr Dougherty’s resignation will be requested.