Omaha daily bee., 1902-06-14

What the Republican Papers of NsbuskaS Said About His Questionable Bond Deals Last Winter.

fund moneys. However, the stories In de-
tail do not appear TO track when COM
pared with records and other substantial
evidence. The Sun hopes that the whole
matter will be sifted to the bottom and
Justice melted out without fear or favor.
II Mr.. stuefer is guilty, as appears, Of
allowing the people to be feeced to line
the pockets Of private parties. he should
be summarily dealt with. II he is inno-
cent, let 1t appear from a complete show
ing OF the facts In order that the people
may know that their interests are Eecure.
Explanation Does Not Explain.
North Platte Tribune: The 'explsnation'
offered by State Treasurer stuefer does not
explain several points in the Burt county
bond case and there are a good many people
who look upon the transaction as a sus-
picious one. We believe that a thorough
investigation should be made; in fact, We
should think Mr.. Stuefer would demand
such. II everything is straight the result
OF the Investigation would only tend to
strengthen Mr.. stuefer in the estimation
OF the people.
Disappoints Republicans.
Tekamah Journal: In Tuesdays papers
State Treasurer Stuefer makes a denial OF
any completely In ~defrauding Burt county
or the state school fund. From the evil
dence adduced Mr.. Stuefer was either so
ignorant Of business methods that he was
used as a tool by INSCRIPTIONS bond brok-
ers, or he shared in the spoils; in either
event he is not the kind of a man the re-
pubiicans thought they were electing as
state treasurer.
Enough of BARLEY Style.
Superior Journal: The Bee has the cour-
age Of its convictions and will not shield a
man simply because he is a republican. The
man has TO be more than that. He has to
be an honest republican to receive Bee
protection. The state has had enough Of
the BARLEY style Of politician and The Bee
seems to have a determination TO root them
out wherever they appear.
Not a Private Snap.
Stanton Picket: Why are so many men
dishonest? Why do they as soon as elected
to a public office begin to plan and scheme
to increase their own worldly possessions
at public expense? Why can they not &C
cept public ONCE as a public trust and be
honest? When a state or county pays a
man for his time they are entitled to that
time. More than that, they are entitled to
the best talent he possesses. Not a part OF
the beneft of his experience and judgment.
but all of IT. The man who is not willing to
thus devote his time. talent and energy is
not a At person to hold public ONCE. He is
not one in whom the public can safely re-
pose their trust. The man who looks upon
public office as a private snap should
never be elected to an office. Treasurer
Stuefer was elected by voters OF Nebraska
who were tired Of bogus reform. His sa-
gacity as a business man was never called
in question. His reputation was that OF an
honest man. II, as now appears to be true,
he has abused the trust reposed In him he
should at once resign and give the public
yet another man to handle the funds OF Ne
braska. II he is innocent, then he should
do something more than enter a general
denial. He should show that Mr.. Neigh
never had In his possession bonds belong
ing to the state Of Nebraska. as is charged.
AS matters now stand 1t looks bad for Mr..
Stuefer.
Party Cannot BE Hampered.
Tecumseh Chieftain: 1t is to be hoped
that no odium will attach to Mr.. stuefer,
but II his proceedings have been irregular
he should resign his ONCE at once. The re-
publican party cannot afford TO be ham
pered with the questionable transactions
Of those whom It has honored with once,
Merits Condemnation.
Grand Island Independent: 1t is plain
that either Burt county or the permanent
school fund is loser by Just so much as the
third and superfuous party in the transac-
ton is the gamer. II might be dif1cult to
show that Mr.. Stuefer himself has made
any profit. But the disclosures point
strongly to the fact that IT, state has lost
nearly $4,000 on the deal or that the Burt
county officials have paid $4,000 more than
necessary. Mr.. Stuefer's explanation doesn't
fully explain. In the meantime let US hear
again from the Burt county officials.
A Timely Exposure.
Harrington Herald: The Omaha Bee is
engaged in exposing an alleged bond deal,
charging State Treasurer Stuefer with ques-
tionable conduct with regard to the pur-
chase Of bonds issued by several counties as
investments for the permanent school fund.
1t must be admitted that The Bee seems to
have made a strong case against Mr..
Steufer. The Herald, however. In a matter
OF such grave Importance. feels impelled to
withhold judgment until the evidence, pro
and con. is ali In. OF course Mr.. Stuefer
denies having done anything wrong in the
transactions. The Herald believes with The
Bee that when republican ofhcials go wrong
the exposure should come from the repub-
lican press rather than from the opposition.
in order for the party to retain the con-
hdence Of the people.
Party Cannot Shield Him.
Wayne Republican: The republican party
of this state Is firmly determined to rid
itself of boodlers in public once and we
are pleased to see that It is the republican
press which has been taking the lead IN
calling Stuefer to time. When the party al
the last state convention adopted the pub
licity resolution with regard to state. county
and municipal treasurers It was not shoot
ing into the air or making q play fol
political effect. There was an actual de.
termination to demand conscientious service
from public officers and notice was thereby
serverd upon all that political afhliatior
would not serve as a protecting mantle fol
, questionable methods. In trying TO enricl
himself at the expense Of the state Mr.
Steufer has shown himsefw entirely un
= worthy OF the adherence Of his p~artisani
: and they will have no hesitation In manifest
ing the fact
why a MiddIeman at All
S St. Paul Republican,: What the peopl
OF the state want to know above every
thing else is why It should have beel
necessary to carry on negotiations through
7 a third person at all. Unless Mr.. Stuefe
= is ahla IN aEniaIp ell ~ fhaaa tbgnoa R,,it,