Wood River times. [volume] (Hailey, Idaho) 1882-1915, 1885-12-02
COMMISSIONER SPARKS.

COAMISSIONER SPARKS.
He Replies to the ssTimes's'' Strictu res
by lntimating that 1t Sympathizes
with Scouudrels and Frauds.
Salt Lake Tribune. Dec IL
We print the following correspond.
ence, reference to which is made in
our editorial columns:
Editor of Salt Lake Weekly Tribune
SIR: l enclose herewith correspond
dnce between Hon. w. A. J. Sparks,
Commissioner of the General Land
Office, and myself, relative to an arti.
Gle published in your issue OF the LIST
ultimo, taken from the HALEY TINES,
purporting to criticise an order issued
bv Mr.. Sparks in April last, copy Of
which is also herewith enclosed.
Though not personally acquainted
with Mr.. Sparks, as my letter to him
indicates, l am thoroughly acquainted
with his public career, and feel bound
to commend his prompt and able de.
tense OF the people, and OF their rights
at ali times aud under all circum.
stances. am sure that the attack
made upon his official action in this
matter is a.. uniu one, and must
have grieved others as we'll as myself,
who know the honest purpose OF the
man, and how stern and just the
course always pursued by him in the
discharge of his public duties. Mr..
Sparks is an aggressive man, and
deals summarily with those whom he
finds defraud,ng the government, or
injuring honest people, no matter who
they may be, or where he may discov-
or them. All honest people may res
assured that their affairs are perfectly
safe in his hands. A fair and Impair
tial exposition Of the act in question
is due to Mr.. Sparks, and which !
think the publication of the order and
his letter would afford.
J. p. S1MoNToN.
WASHINGTON, D. G., Nov. 20, 'S5.
WASHINGTON, d. c., Nov. 8.
| = .
| ernl Land Once
SIR: | have not the honor OF your
personal acquaintance, but as one who
has ever admired the course parsued
by you in the discharge OF your public
duties, l send the enclosed clipping
from the Salt Lake Weekly Tribune
of the issue of October LIST, fearing 1t
might not otherwise reach your notice,
and thinking that you might desire to
reply thereto. The Tribune has, SO
| have been informed, u very large
circulation through the west. Ofthe
paper from which the article is taken
/ Know nothing. 1t is published, pos
sibly, at HALEY, Idaho.
! have been close observer of the
manner in which public officials dis
charge their duties, being for many
years connected with the government
service, and will presume to suggest
that great care be exercised in choos-
ing special agents and inspectors, tc
get men who will fully realize the i'm
! portancc Of the trust reposed in them
and who will understand that the peo
pie have rights, aud that they are no
expected to always constrae agains
them, and for the government. DO
cause they are employed by the latter
Men should, think, be judged &C
!: corling to their Intentions, as nearl
I AZ possible. and there are cases, n
doubt, where the plea of ignoranc
> might we'll he considered.
l am, with great respect,
Your obedient servant,
JOHN P. SIMONTON.
: DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR,
i GENERAL LAND OFFICE.
WAsmINGroN, d. c., Oct. 8, 1885,
John simontor. ESQ.,
SlE:-Yours Of the St! inst. dull
received. l enclose a copy of the O
J der you refer to. This order is simp
addr.ssedSto my Chiefs of Division
Q and means that l will NOT cERrlF
, to, or request the President to sig
a Land Patents for entries of certa'
n class comi' e from these districts, vi
e iii ! csn examine the entries and 81
that the fraudulent entries are eimr'
70 ated, SO that only the bona 6de Ell
!. tries are patented. 1t means the RI
d lection OF honest settlers aud tks. d.
!. lection and punishment of scounlre
'e AID frauds. 1t will be oppose d =
erywhere by the latter class, and TIN
~ NAV deceive some If tho former, b'
Il | will do nv duty. My informati'
re and belief is, that threefourths Of II
:. class of entries. in the districts me
!. tioned.are most likely frauds or r. u