The evening times., 1897-03-03
THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Strong Reasonnfor Che Appointment Of Ny
r6h H. McCord.

4
Phoenix, Arizona, March 3.-The fol
lowing strong ENDORSEMENT OF Col. Myron
IL. McCord, candidate for governor of
| Arizona, appaafs this morning In the
Arizona RepuiA fan. the leading Repub-
Iican paper OF the Territory, whose cd
itor. c. c. Randolph, twas formerly Wash
ington correspondents OF the New York
| Times:
.McCord for Governor.-Ever since Nc
kinley was elected there has been quiet
though determined fight TO prevent the
appointment OF Myron ii McCord as govern
or OF Arizona. Itwas assumed, and we think
very properly, that having led the fight
for the Mckinley delegation to st. Louis,
and afterward for the sound money declara-
tion in accordance with the st. Louis
platform, he would be the logical candi-
date for governor, in the estimation of the
President. Like all energetic, aggressive
men, Mr.. McCord has strong friends, and, OF
course, strong enemies.
HE had been connected with the admin
.stration of Gov. Hughes as the Republican
member OF the territorial board OF control
during time when large expenditures
for public improvements were made and
when an important contract for working
the prisoners of the Territory upon an
irrigation scheme was entered into. II was
not difficult matter to make charges
with semblance of truth OF misappro-
priation OF public funds, and also of mall
feasance in making contract for prison
labor
"MeCord's enemies were not found
alone in the Democratic party. Some of
his bitterest opponents are of the same
political faith as himself. 1t was hoped
by his enemies that the Supreme Court
would not sustain the prison contract, and
thus by implication snirch or severely re-
fleet upon him But the court handed
down "A decision affirming the decision Of
the court below, upholding the contract.
Charges against McCord were presented
to a grand jury, and were completely ani
entirely ignored. As last resort legis-
lative Investigation was Instituted.
"A committee, consisting OF five Demo-
Gratis and two Republicans, was appointed,
with authority to send for persons and
papers, administer oaths, employ an expert
and stenographer to Investigate the Ioings
or the territorial board of control, while
III. McCord was a member thereof Not
u
the personal or political friend of McCord,
though they were al fair, and so far as
we know, impartial men.
Perhaps this is putting it rather strong,
for it is claimed that the entire committee
was biased against Mr.. McCord. Be that
as il may, the committee has been in
session now over three weeks, has gone
to the bottom OF every transaction, and in
vestigated thoroughly every charge 1t
has had the benefit VI the able services OF
the attorney general of the Territory
To examine witnesses and conduct the
prosecution or persecution, as some call
it. IL las had the benefit or the services OF
Mr.. Frank Meader, one of the shrewdest
and most capable experts in the Terri
tory. The committee has about con
cluded its work ana will soon make its
report.
THAT report viii completely exoncrate
Mr.. McCord from all malfeasance or mis-
feasance, but 1t may censUre some Of the
methods by which the board of control
transacted the business aud kept the books.
But il it. does this, it should be remen-
bered that not, only majority of the
board were Democrats, but the clerk and
bookkeeper were Democrats and sdectedby
a Democratic majority. Mr. McCord's
friends never for a moment had a doubt
of his entire innocelce or of his ability Ia
disprOve every charge, but, of course, "A
partisan and unfair committee could have
made damaging report that would have
caused him some trouble
Now, that he has cume out entirely
unscathed, weloOk TO see him commissioned
as governor OF this Territory. not later
than Apnl 3, which viii he just four
years from the date OF the commission
given to Gov L. c. Hughes. full set OF
Democratic free silver Territorial off
Gers, appointed by Gov. Franklin, To hold
for two years. were confirmed by the
council today. Unless a Republican gov
ernor is appointed before March 1s. the
day when the legislature VIII adjourn, |
these Officers will hold for two years"