Dodgeville chronicle. [volume] (Dodgeville, Wis.) 1862-current, 1875-10-01
Letter from Mr.. Cadwa1lader.
Editor Aigaoaubee Nedcss

Letter from Mr.. Cadwa1lader.
Editor Nilaoaukee Ne1oss
As there have been many statements
made recently by Republican papers, evil
IDENTITY for campaign purposes, respecting
an alleged refusal to permit an examina-
ton of the books in the office Of the Sec>
rotary Of State. in which statements |
have been frequently referred to, desire
to briefly state the facts through your
columns.
In the first place, no information was at
any time refused to any person applying
Tor 1t. On one occasion a person who ap-
Piled Tor information relating to the bust.
ness OF the Treasury Agent, was referred
to the Assistant State Treasurer, as he
had charge of collecting licenses in the
absence of DR.. Ebert. This was done en-
tirely as a matter of convenience, there
haYIng been no supposition at that time
that the applicant had any other motive in
view than that of ascertaining the facts.
There was, however, no refusal to give the
information from the books in the Secre
tary of States office, but the other course
was suggested as matter Of convenience.
On another occasion during Mr.. Doyle's
absence from the Office, a person called
and requested to see one of the books.
Surprising that he had reference to one of
those ordinarily kept on the desk during
business hours, and which were within
sight of the clerks, assent was given. At
terwards it was discovered, that without
permission to do so, he had gene into the
vault Of the office, and taken all account
book therefrom. This l regarded as i'm
proper, and de ming it my duty, in the
absence of the Secretary of State, to be
carefully vigiant in the protection and
preservation of the books and papers
| themselves, as well as in preserving their
accuracy, objected to this being done. 1t
was, however, insisted upon as right.
This denied. Any one who consults the
statute will see that no such right exists.
The Secretary Of State is the custo
dian of the principal books and papers Of
the State, and is responsible for their safe
ty, being required to give heavy bonds for
the full discharge of his duty. including
the safe keeping of the records Hence,
the law does not contemplate that they
shall be open to all persons, nor has it ever
been the practice to allow them to be ex-
anined, except in the presence Of the Sec
rotary of State, or some of his employees.
On this subject the statute provides that
the Secretary of State "shall have custody
of all the books, records, deeds, laws,
parchments, maps, papers, and other arti-
cles and effects belonging to the State de-
posted or kept in his office, and shall
from time to time make such provision for
the arrangement and preservation thereof
as shall be necessary, and the same to-
gether with all accounts and transactions
of his office shall be open at all times to
the inspection and examination of the
Governor, or any committee of either or
both houses Of the Legislature. 1t also
provides that "all deeds, conveyances,
leases, bonds, mortgages, and other secu-
rites for money belonging to the people
of the State, shall, unless otherwise di
rected, be deposited and preserved in the
office of the Secretary of State, and open
to public inspection"
1t will be noticed that the last named
classes Of papers are the only ones which
the law provides shall be open to the in
spection of the public.
1t was not, however, any information
afforded by any book, record or paper in
the office that was denied, but only the
alleged legal right to take books from the
vault of the office, without permission, and
examine them at pleasure without its be
ing done in the presence eff the Secretary
or some employe of the Office. 1t may be
added that refusing to permit this to DO
done was not only in exact accordance
with law but also with the practice Of the
Office in similar cases. In no instance,
under any administration, have persons
not in the employ of the Secretary Of
State been permitted to go to the vault
and take books for examination or any
other purpose. Were this permitted
there would be but little safety for the
books or papers of the State.
There has been no refusal of information
to any one, the books in the Secretary's
office being always accessible for that pur-
pose, but every cit zen of the State is in
terested in having proper degree of care
used in securing the safety of the books
and recor DIS of the Office.
| only add that l have no desire for
newspaper controversy, and have no time
for it. Believing that the allegations of
Republi can papers are entirely for cam
paign purposes, and that they will be so
regarded by the public, the matter will
rest so far as am concerned; but haYe
thought proper to make this explanation
of my action in the Office during the abb
sence of Secretary Doyle.
Yours respectfully,
G.. CADwALLADER,
Assistant Secretary of State.
Madison, Sept. II, 1876.