The record-union., 1891-08-27

oLAOI
posed for the Horticultural Department,
the people of this State were disposed to
vilify and abuse them. This gratuitous
assault may be condoned, and in charity
attributed to heat and misinformation,
for General Davis must know now that it
was gratuitous, wholly undeserved and
untrue. The people of this State, in
truth, protested against the appointment
of Maxwell first and Forsythe second for
full and ample reasons, which were l1n-
concealed and were laid before the Gen
eral with frankness and the plainness
and vigor characteristic of California
activity. We state what is now conceded
on all sides to be true, that the Maxwell
Forsythe interests secured the defeat of
General Chapman, and that this would be
the result it is logical and legitimate to
assume General Davis knew.
We now have the authority of the
Chronicle, speaking for Mr.. Commits
sioner De Young, for saying that the
man whom California would have in
dorsed, a gentleman well known in this
State, a man of unimpeachable character
and high intelligence, who is recon-
mended by the horticultural societies, the
agricultural boards and the State Immi-
grafton Agencies, Mr.. De Young is de-
TERED from supporting, in his individual
capacity, by reason Of the comments
made by Director-Ge General Davis upon
Mr.. Shorb. The Chronicle says that the
presentation of the name of a Californian
has been the signal for such an outflow of
calumny and obliquy, that Mr.. De
Young may very reasonably think that
he is not called upon to offer himself as
permanent target for SANDER and abuse.
We quite agree with the Chronicle in
this position. Mr.. De Young has not, in
our opinion, deserved all the opposition
which has been manifested towards him.
In that one particular truth and candor
compel us to admit that he has been op-
posed in quarters where he could have
been sustained. But that gentleman and
Director General Davis certainly owe to
the people of this State frank explana-
tion Of the statement that the promise of
the headship of the Horticultural De-
partment was concession to Mr.. De
n 10 Coi 10
And this is said in no spirit of hostility
to Mr.. De Young, since we are treating
the whole subject upon judicial plane,
and free from low level considerations.
He has had and will continue to have
the support of the RECoRD-UNIoN in
whatever he may undertake that is for
the benefit of this community. We con-
cede to him, as an individual and citi-
zen of this State, the right to as
pire to that very exalted position
among citizens of any country-leader-
ship in efforts to benefit the State and
community in which he lives. For this
is the natural right of, and is commend
able in all men.
But if California has no higher place in
the esteem of General Davis than is indi-
Gated by placing National Commits
sioner first in considering her claims,
respectfully, rightfully and manfully
preferred, then Director General Davis
is amenable to the criticism of incapacity,
and no one sooner than himself will see
the justice and logical invincibility of
this judgment. For the case is this, that
the people of the chief horticultural State
of the Union have asked that Mr.. Shorb
be appointed, and the Director General
upon the candidate as deter men from
approaching him upon the subject. 1t
would further seem to be the case that
the Director-General appointed General
Chipman, whom the people of California
presented as a candidate with perfect
confidence, under circumstances justify
ing the criticism that the Director Gen
eral knew what would be the result.
1t would seem that General Davis has
not foregone his desire to fill the place
with either Maxwell or Forsythe. Ina
bility to do so appears to have been fol-
lowed by the unjust accusation that Cali
fornia has lost the appointment though
local dissensions. In this the Director
General does his capacity to Judge of
character serious injury.
MAY TTSE FORCE