The herald., 1895-02-19
A Demand for the Removal of
Governor Hughes
BURDENS OF HEAVY TAXES
That Combination Against Statehood and
Its Result
The Phoenix Review Makes Formal Request
That the Governor of the Territory
Be Deposed

Phoenix, Feb. 17.-Concerning the re-
cent expose of what the Review claims to
have been the combination against state
hood entered into by Governor Hughes
and Oakes Murphy, that journal has the
following to say:
The historical recital, in this issue.of
the Review, of the facts connected with
the dismissal of the suits brought by At
torney-General Heney, must prove a hu-
initiating record to every good citizen and
taxpayer of Arizona. In an honest and
commendable effort by the law officer of
the territory to guard the public treasury
against the ravages of illegal and fraudu-
lent drafts, the official hand of Governor
Hughes is interposed. The arm which
should have been raised to shield the
overburdened taxpayers of Arizona has
struck severe blow against them. Every
honest man will ask why Governor Hughes
employed the attorney of record
Tor Treasurer Cole, In this injunc-
tion suit, to represent the territory;
thereby making him attorney of record
on both sides of the case, and then di-
rected him to have the suit dismissed?
The people who have grown round-shoul-
dered carrying the burdens of excessive
taxation want to know. If Thomas
Hughes, the brother of the Governor, who
came into office with a clouded title which
the Supreme Court of the territory few
days since practically said was pur-
loined title, through legislative theft,
has taken warrant for money which did
not belong to him, why should Governor
Hughes interpose and stay the hand of
judicial investigation by competent
court? II Oakes Murphy, as it is claimed,
the day before his retirement from Office
a. as 500 Governor took a warrant for
Sl100 in violation of law, why should Gov
ernor Hughes interfere to stop the inqui-
ry whether it was unlawfully issued? To
talk plain. there is something crooked in
these proceedings. If Thomas Hughes
and Oakes Murphy acted honestly in the
premises and, as they claim, had right
to those warrants, every sense of decency
and honor should have dictated full,
fair and impartial investigation of
the matter. But that, it seems,
is just what they did not want.
Strange combinations are needed at times
here appear equal to the occasion. Joseph
kibbey, chairman of the Territorial Re-
publican Central Committee, Oakes
Murphy, ex-Republican Governor
Thomas Hughes, ex-Republican Terri
torial Auditor, Editor Morford ex-Repub-
lican Secretary of the Territory and Gov
ernor Louis G. Hughes and Treasurer Cole,
alleged Democrats, make up this political
crazy quilt. What sane man can any
longer be doubling Thomas? There is
an odor of official bad faith and indecency
i'll this transaction which makes it look
very questionable. The sudden payments of
the Hughes and Morford warrants within
day or so of the dismissal of this suit is
not calculated to strengthen public conf
dence. The show OF indecent haste made
only adds to the grave suspicious. No one
questions Judge Bakers judicial action,
tor he had no other alternative than to
dismiss the case, when Mr. Chalmers, who
represented the territory by authority of
the Governor, rushed breathlessly into
court and demanded to have this suit dis
missed. But the people can and do ques-
ton the action of Governor Hughes. They
never did have much confidence in him
anyway They have less now. His ap-
polntment as Governor was at first consid-
cred huge joke. 1t has proven to be
political crime against the Democratic
party of the territory. There were some
well-meaning but foolish men who
aided in his appointment, who be-
lieved they could exert healthful influence
enough over him to keep him honest, but
how sadly they erred! 1t is impossible to
make silk purse out of sow's ear "
and it was just as impossible to keep this
crooked man straight. His records and
antecedents should have been sufficient
to warrant them against trying such a
miracle. 1t is now high time this polit-
ical farce should come to close. The
Democratic party of Arizona have already
stood much. They want an honest, capa-
bic Democrat for Governor They are en-
titled to this much from the present Ma
tional Administration. In the interest of
good, clean and honest government they
demand the removal of Louis G.. Hughes
as Governor of Arizona.