Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1900-07-02
POLITICS In THE UNIVERSITY
Regent Affords Trifllng Thefts Look Pretty
big Under the Glass.

O'x Un0er the ulaSS.
The Star doesn't believe that Steuuen-
berg has any intention of directing
searching investigation of our university
troubles. On the other hand there is
every reason to believe there will be no
inquiry by the governor, or by any one
having authority under him. The gov
ernor was advised of the purport of the
charges made by President Blanton
again the two local members of the board
OF regents. These charges were of a
very grave and serious character, and
they were supported by evidence that
was more than sufficient to establish their
truthfulness in court of justice. They
implicated one regent in an attempt to
extort $3.50 from a man with whom the
board contracted to finish the building.
They showed that another regent had
bought bill of furniture for the univer-
sity, paying therefor $I.37955, which
local dealer offered to duplicate for $3.50.
They showed that, while the law makes
President Blanton, as director of the ex-
pertinent station, the custodian of the
Hatch fund, and provides that no bills
shall be paid out of this fund unless APP
proved by him, the local regents have
not only paid bills which have not been
approved by the director, but they paid
bills that never had been submitted to
him; and worse still, they paid bills that
he had distinctly disapproved. The gov
ernor was informed of all these things,
and many more of minor nature, yet
ne asked for no investigation. On the
other hand he proceeded to set in motion
the machinery of his high Office to pre-
vent an investigation, and did prevent an
investigation. Not satisfied with this he
proceeded to make vicarious sacrifice of
one who had the courage to expose the
acts of these regents.
This action of Governor Steunenberg's
constitutes the blacklist crime that is
charged againet his administration. 1t
is most fragrant act, and it will be re-
membered be the friends of honest gov
eminent in Idaho for many years to
come. The moral effect of such a course
is simply blithing. When the states ex-
ecutive pitches his idea of official honor
upon such low plane, we need not be
surprised when his appointees fail to ar
ray themselves on higher level. Even
Regent Afford doubtless with the COVER
nor's example to stimulate and encourage
him, in a statement in defense of the
board, says that this charge of the ''im-
proper and injudicious use of the univer-
sity funds was of trifling nature and de-
gree" If these regents stole or attempt
ed to steal, directly or indirectly, the
funds of the university, in large or small
amounts, the act is crime under our
statutes and is not to be trif1ed with.
Every good citizen should want to see the
perpetrators punished, and especially
should the high officials having in charge
the enforcement of the law and the con-
yiction of criminals, punish the guilty
and not invoke the power of their places
to protect and shield them. A thorough
investigation would be welcomed by the
people of this community. but they have
no hope Of having the matter probed UNI
less the next legislature should decide to
take the case in hand. North Idaho Star.