The Coeur d'Alene press. (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) 1892-1907, 1896-09-12
CRANE EXPLAINS.

Mr.. A. A. Cranes letter in defense OF
his action in going into the Mckinley
convention at Boise and participating
in its proceedings, appears in this issue
of the Pass, and should be read by
every voter in the county.
He says that there were no instruc-
tions given, but he does not mention the
fact that it was fully agreed by the silver
Republicans in the county convention
that none Lut Dubois men should be
rent to the state convention, and only
known supporters OF Dubois and silver
were to be nominated for legislative cam
digates. Mr.. Crane arrogated to him-
self the management OF Dubois interests
in this county, and at his own request
the delegates were not instructed in
open convention for these reasons, which
lie stated at the time: 1t was thought
that fight would be made between the
silver Republicans and the Mckinley
men for control OF the state convention;
there would lie contests from several
counties and in order that the ii dele
gates from kootenai should BE- admitted
without contest, it was policy not to an,
tagonize the Mckinley men and cause q
contest by openly instructing delegates:
their votes would be need d to assist in
seating silver delegates from contested
counties. These were his arguments
against open instructions lie also urged
that the county convention adopt the
unit rule, and ii any OF the delegates
proved untrue to the trust imposed in
them, u majority would cast the vote OF
the county for Dubois and silver. By
his Published admissions he disregarled
the unit rule, OF which he was the au-
thor, and principal sapportcr.
Did he show his loyalty to principle
and the people he was chosen to repre-
sent, by his pertidious actions? His
statements are clearly in conflict with
the facts, and his action must he ex
planned in some other manner
In his letter he admits that he knew
the sentiment OF the county convention
lie admitted before he lett for Boise that
Hepburn had informed him that com
plications might arise, and it is said bv
Mckinley men in this county that he
left here with the intention OF Joining
the gold bug forces. They were better
posted than his co-workers. This being
1rue-and his subsequent actions prove
it-Would it not have been the part OF
an honorable, upright, fair dealing gen
tleman, TO refuse to 60 TO Boise, and turn
his proxies over TO friend OF Dubois
and silver, in conformity with the adj
United wish OF the convention?
Senator Dubois knew before Crane
reached Boise that he was unfAithfnl:
therefore, he was justified in giving him
TO understand that he was acquainted
with his position. ''Dazed, outraged and
trembling with a sense Of indignities
heaped upon me, sought counsel OF NV
my friends '-the Mckinley gold bugs
At home he could work with the silver
forces and secure 4 senatorial nomina.
tion; at Boise he WAS compelled to desert
the silver men because he wished to pro
tect the state "agains: the attacks OF ir
sponsib.e and lawless elements" II
seems 10 Us, Mr.. Crane, that YOU we're
long time in finding out that the silver
lnen Of Idaho were irresponsible and law.
less. Why did you not discover thi. lie
lore they nominated you? Do Won call
such men IS Senator Tulois, Mar, Pa.
irie, Capt. J. VI. Wells. Monroe Dtqo..t
Bartlett Sinclair, Hon. w. L. Borah
Hon. Edgar Wilson and number of
Others, among them the best and lnost
honorable men Of the state, lawless and
irresponsible? The silver Republican
convention was composed Of sgch me-,
and your excnse is no excuse at all.
Had You remained true to your people
and the man who gave you your present
lucrative position as land commissioner
and remained out Of the Mckinley con.
'ention, there would have been no "snn
dering Of the ties Of personal friendship
which you pretend to regret 80 much.
1ou say the state has honored Won re-
IsatedIy, and you will not betray /, to
Its nndoing.' Is it the state, or the PEG
pie whom you betrayed, from which the
honors came? II the people, you have
repaid them by base treachery and in.
gratitude; ifthe state, you are no longer
entitled to its honors
You close your defense by appealing
TO the people for vindication Of YOUR
course. II you remain candidate until
The votes are counted you will know Just
what the great and impartial jury Of
voters think OF n man who betrays them
in the performance ola nnhlic it,