The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-10-19
ENMITY OF THE RING
At the Root of the Persecution of
Editor Moffett, Says Gov. Briggs.


at is an outrage as damnab.e as it is mys-.
terious'' said Gov. F. A. Briggs of North
Dakota at the Nicollet this no. ming viii g
d scussing the bitter and persistent perse-
cution which Editor Moffett OF Bismarck
has been subjected to. ut is such logged,
stubborn, undying persecution that ii l were
Moffett l wou leave the city simply as
matter of self-protection. His enemies, who
ever they are, have been hunting him for i've
years or more, and they will never rest en-
tented until they have e ther killed him Or
driven him out of the community. One OF
them nearly pounded HIM to death several
years ago a short time since he was shot
at five times almost at his own doorst p,
and recently as the who-e Northwest knows,
his office raded by vandals and his whole
outfit thrown into the river
"Moffett ought TO have more consideration
for his fam ~. He has demonstrated his
pluck and nerve, and now he ought to let UP
little in his attacks on the so-caied BIS
marck ring. His misfortuneS have generally
been attributed to the men that compose that
ring whoever they are, but there have been
no arrests and with the exception of an ei-
convict there have been no definite SIS
picons. 1t is generally sa that Moffetts
troubles are due to the saloon men, bur
do not think that is So
Of matters in gene. a. in North Dakota
Gov. s 'gs says that the people are so
busy keep ng on the crest of the pres isy
wave that they have no time for poIt cs. .
The governor is on his way to Chicago to
consult an eminent New York see a-i:t who
8
throat or pulmonary maiady. This has an
noyed HIM so much that he has been forced
to spend about half his tine oat ide OF the
state since he was elected governor.
In reference to the reports that have been
circu ated by the press of North Dakota re-
garding the shortage in the accounts of
State Auditor Hannum, the governor said:
Il ordered an invest gatiCn made by STATE
Examiner Langlie, whose report, which was
prepared after a most thorough examination,
completely eXonorates Auditor Hannum. Mr..
Hannums enemies claimed Irregularities in
the employment and payment of clerks, but
the records failed to show any discrepan les,
or Questionable transact onS 1t is to be S ID
to the credit of State Auditor Hannum, that
he is conducting the affairs OF his office in a
thoroughly businessike manner, and l ret
very much that the MALICIOUS reports were
circulated.
In reference to the contention b5tweel
Senator HanEbrough and Congressman john
son to North iDaktoa card dates for -presi-
dent al appointments, the GOV ernor said:
There is not one-half the troub that the
newspapers claim. In the appointments of
least importance, such as country postofices
there may have been some difference of opin-
ion.- 1t is quite natural that ongressman
Johnson, who is elected by the people, would
favor candidates whom the senator wou d
not, but in the more important positions such
as conculates l believe the gent. emea are
working harmon ously for the best interests
Of the state. The appointment of Mr.. Bray
as consul to Melbourne, was opposed by Mr..
Johnson, but the fact that Mr.. HanSbrough's
candidate was successful did not cause any
ill-feeIng between the gentlemen.