The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1894-12-29

small Juror among state papers. The
upstart of the business was that Han
nafOrd wanted to be appointed notary
and the governor for reasons satisfac-
tory to himself did not desire to ap-
point him. The objection entertained
by his excellency was of a political
color. in brief, that Hannaford had OPP
posed the denomination of Governor
Mcconnell. In his reply to Hannaford's
application, the governor took pains to
specify his objections aud it is this
which has aroused the indignation OF
the press. 1t will be thought by many
that the wrath is out of all proportion
to the offense, but be that as it may,
Governor Mcconnell is being literally
denounced. and vociferously character
lied as a rampant political boss, high
handed tyrant, Russian Car and num-
erous other atrocities indicative of a
disposition on his part to strangle polit-
ical freedom. Although The TRIBUNE
has been freely designated as Governor
McConnelPs mouthpiece, and we do not
feel obliged at this moment to make a
specific denial, yet, we can not endorse
the letter to Hannaford. Strange as
this may appear, it is nevertheless
living fact. The governor did not
consult us in the premises, a thing
which on numerous occasions he negs
lects to do and which, indeed, he might
attend to more frequently with profit
to himself and credit to the state. The
question involved is not the right of
Governor Mcconnell to reject Mr..
Hannaford's application for the dis
tinguished position of notary on the
grounds stated, but the wisdom of such
action and the expediency of so much
candor in respect to such matters.
THE TRIBUNE has always opposed the
general practice Of officers to cherish
revengeful designs against those who
INDUCED in the privilege of opposition,
prior to election and within party lines,
but our opposition has not been fruit
full of beneficent results. We notice
that when person opposes political
aspirant, in convention or elsewhere,
he does it at his peril and with moral
assurance that if his opposition prove
unsuccessful and said aspirant is
elected, opponent will look in vain for
favors from that quarter. The worst
that can be charged against the govern
or's conduct in this connection is that
he is following out universal but
questionable practice with slight ex-
tension of the principle His DISPOSE
ton of the business also discloses a
painful lack of artfulness. Instead of
bluntly stating his reasons for rejecting
Mr.. Hannaford's application, he should
have composed very formal and po-
lite note expressive Of his intention to
give the subject most earnest and con-
siderate attention, and then consigned
the application together with it's recon-
mendations to the gubernatorial waste
basket. That would have elected fur
Their communications from Mr.. Hanna
ford, which might well receive the same
consideration. The gen
tleman would eventually discern the
governors intention but be wholly at q
loss for substantial proof such as might
appeal to the public. This would in
evitably pique him beyond peaceable
endurance and the result would be
sharp rejoinder with some irreverent
and perhaps conteptuous insinuations,
when the governor would he amply
justified in refusing the application
point blank and incidentally mention
ing other but not fatal objections.
TIE TRIBUNE does not pretend to say
that the opposition displayed against
Governor Mcconnell by Mr.. Hannaford
was of such a character as to deserve
judicial cognizance. We are positively
opposed to the principle, but can not
ignore the fact that such is the COM
mon practice, and, therefore, see no &C.
casion for exceptional Indignation in
the present case. 1t is certainly no
more aggravating than hundreds of
similar events which are of almost
daily occurrence. We all know as
matter of fact and experience that
political patronage goes to political
friends and is religiously denied to
political enemies. We know further
that it is the innate selfshness of hu-
mainly that encourages and perpet.
yates the practice. We all know what
the party political code means, then
wherefore do we assume q holy wrath