New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-07-03
OKLAHOMA COMPLICATIONS.
CHARGES MADE AGAINST THE ADMINS
TRATION OF GOVERNOR BARNES.
IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.


Washington July ?-The people of Oklahoma
are I'D in arms against Cassius NJ. Barnes. the
Governor of that Territory. Charges have been
fled against his administration Of his office. They
are based on an investigation made by the Terri
torial LEGISLATURE last spring. The report Of the
Investigating committee accused the Governor or
loaning the Territorial funds to various private
persons and institutions on which interest had
been paid but which had not been turned over to
the Territory Similar findings were made in rela-
ton to the collection OF school funds In the Terri
tory by the Attorney General. and the letting OF
contracts for Territorial printing. The Governor
vigorously denied the charges and still insists that
he Is innocent but recently Frank Thompson the
Territorial Treasurer. an appointee of the Gov
ernor was indicted for receiving interest from the
Territorial funds and appropriating II to his own
use An attempt made before the Territorial
Grand Jury 10 indct Governor Barnes on similar
charge but the Presiding Judge held that this
was not a question over which Territorial Grand
Jury had any Jurisdiction. and that such charge
was a matter for the consideration or United
States Grand Jury The latter was not and has
not since been IN session. so that no criminal pro-
ceedngs have been Instituted against the EoV-
The ouestion as TO the right Of the Governor TO
snnrove q contract with his Attorney General who
IS employed by the Territory to look after It's legaI
affairs for the collection Of back rents on schooi
lands is now being tested in the Territorial courts
school
than in most of the States in the Union and the
amount OF money derived annually from this source
is consequently large. The salary of the Attorney
General is fixed by law at $500 year. but under
the contract in question he will receive annually
s. 900 TO $4,000 The recent Legislature denounced
this contract In the strongest terms and refused q
confirm the nomination OF Mr.. Cunningham. the
Attorney General Similar action was taken in the
case of Frank Thompson the Territorial Treas
urer who is now under indictment. Governor
Barnes Immediately reappointcd both or these OF
ncials as soon the Legislature adjourned and
this action on his part aroused the Republicans to
such an extent that a determined effort is being
made 10 secure his removal
delegation OF prominent Oklahoma Republicans
recently visited the President and preferred sub.
stantaily the same charges and findings that were
embodied IN the report OF the legislative committee
The complaint Is signed by l. 0verholzeT, the
Stiles a retired Army officer; Selwyn Douglas. a
LAWYER OF Oklahoma City and a candidate for
United States Judge and Sidney Clarke a member
Of the Territorial Legislature and Republican Rep
Iesentative In Congress from hahsas IOi d NUMBER
In addition TO the legislative findings there were
q number OF other charges rejecting seriously on
the Governors administration OF the Guthrie land
office IN the Harrison Administration
After listening patiently 10 the presentation OF
the case the President referred me committee 70
awaiting his consideration: When governor barnes
was made aware OF the filing OF the last charges he
aass,s,snce OF several prominent Senators Senator
Hanna before he sailed for Europe II Is under
stood refused TO take any part IN tne con'rOveLsy
saving that he had INTERVIEWED already NUMBER
- - Inns I'm his behalf and did not care to do &C
Major F. E. Mckinley. cousin OF the preside ds
nas and Is regarded as the probable sue
cessor Of Governor Barheo'