A Filial Affair

General Wood has exercised his proconsulship over the Philippines, if not to the satisfaction of the natives at least to the satisfaction of the War Department. Nevertheless, a Republican insurgent, Representative Frear of Wisconsin, proposed an inquiry into the General's administration (TIME, Dec. 31). The result was to bring not General Wood, but his two sons into the limelight.

First Lieutenant Osborne C. Wood, aide to his father, made it known that he had profited to the extent of $700,000 or $800,000 by speculations in Wall Street (TIME, Jan. 7). Last week Senator Caraway, Democrat, of Arkansas, made public letters accusing Leonard Wood, Jr., former Army Captain, the older son, of having "victimized" ex-service men and others by selling them oil and bank stocks which proved to be almost valueless.

At once Senator Caraway suggested that the proposed Frear investigation be broadened to include the activities of both the younger Woods. And everyone had his say.

Senator Caraway on the elder son : "I believe that this story, since it has become more or less a matter of public interest and might reflect upon the American Administration there, should be inquired into carefully. ... It appears very evident to me from letters received daily that Captain Wood used his name and that of his family to dispose of oil stock to private holders, and while such an inquiry has no direct bearing on the conduct of affairs in the Philippines it is eminently proper that Congress should make an investigation."

Representative Frear, on the younger son: "A probe should be made into some of the reputed Aladdin lamp transactions that finally called for action by the Secretary of War and the President of the United States."

Representative King of Illinois : "Osborne Wood could not have amassed such a fortune as he did unless he was given hints as to what securities in which to invest by some friendly interests. ... I cannot make any such amount of money from investment."

Leonard Wood, Jr.: "It is too bad that I haven't a few more brothers so that all of the Congressmen could be kept busy."

Secretary of War Weeks intimated that he might be able to answer most of the questions of investigators in regard to General Wood's administration, but that as regarded Leonard Wood, Jr., the Secretary was not concerned with the "mothers-in-law, the cousins, or the distant relations of persons in the military service of the country."

General Wood: "I hope they'll hew to the line and let the chips fall where they may."