The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1902-02-08
IT'S UP TO VAN SAINT
GOVERNOR WILL HEAR MEGAAR-
DEN CASE THIS MORN
ING ~
SHERIFF WILL FIGHT HARD
Political influence Active in His be-
half, but the Governor Will
Do His Duty Regardless
of Effect

Philip 7. Megaarden, the suspended
sheriff of Hennepin county. in whose case
the jury yesterday disagreed, will have
hearing before Gov.Van SAINT this morn
ing at 10 o'clock, at which time his ex-
cellency will formally take up the report
OF the special commission appointed by
the governor to take evidence both for
and against Megaarden. The commission
made it's report some weeks ago, but
made no recommendations simply sub
hitting two immense boons, typewriter
volumes Of the testimony taken. Me
gardens attorney will appear before the
governor and urge that Megaarden be
reinstated in his office as sheriff and tire
state will be represented by County At
torney c. L. Smith, of Hennepin county,
AMI w. j. Donahower, OF the attorney
generals office.
The governor sighed as he looked at the
MASSIVE documents before him yesterday
The task before him is a trying one, and
he would gladly forego it. The report OF
the public examiner who Investigated the
sheriff s office, recommends Megaarden'S
removal
Megaarden will make a na~1 fight to
prevent his removal by the governor. He
will at least demand that the governor
wait until his case has been passed upon
by a jury. The failure Of the jury to
rointment to the state, and Megaardens
hopes have been raised correspondingly.
At the time Gov Van SAINT suspended
Megaarden he took that action as pre-
liminary to a final removal, and undoubt-
eddy expected to remove lhe sheriff If the
evidence of the commission harmonized
with the report of the public examiner.
influence Brought to Bear. 1
The governor has been borne down upon
very strongly to give Megaarden the best
of it, If possible. Megaarden has been
able to muster an amazing Republican
backing Of no little influence in Henne-
pin county politics. and Gov. Van SAINT
has been allowed to understand, Indirect
ly, that the removal of Megaarden would
be a GLOW to the Republican party i'll
Hennepin county.
On the other hand some Of the gov
Z errors best friends have assured him
that no harm will De done by Me-
gardens removal and that ne cannot af-
ford not to remove him. 1t is pointed
out that Gov, Lind removed Register OF
Deeds Metcalf, of Hennepin county, al
though there was no evidence at all that
Metcaf was guilty of any wrong inten-
ton. Gov. Lind declared that Mr.. Met
calf was clear of the charge of dishon-,
esty, but that in d county where SO much
business was transacted and so much
money involved, careIeSSneSS IN q pJDDllc
Office was criminal. 1t is being urged on
the governor that he cannot afford the
inevitable comparison that would be
made if Megaarden was not deaI4 with
as summarily as Metcalf was
There is likelihood that the governor
may take middle course at the present
time which will postpone the action on
the decision. He may direct that mas
much as the jury disagreed it will be
no more than fair to hold the matter open
until jury has passed upon Megaarden's
case. There is said to be no likelihood of
an immediate retriaI of the case, and
such a postponement might Tide the mat
the matter over until after election. Gov
Van SAINT, asked as to his action, would
only say: 81 shall do my full duty as
1 see it after full and fair hearing OF
the case, regardless Of consequences