The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1903-12-25
The County Attorneyship.


1t is early in the day to discuss 1904
politics and nominations; yet consider
able talk is being INDUCED in both as
to state and county political possibili-
ties and probabilities. The Free Press
has seldom assumed the role of dicta-
tor or even advisor as to county noml-
nations, usually contending itself with
supporting the full ticket when nomi-
mated And it is not this papers pur-
pose to pursue different course now
or in the future But there is one man
so deserving of recognition from the Re-
publicans of Blue Earth county, that we
cannot refrain from favorable comment
upon his probable candidacy. We refer
to Hon. w. A. Funk, prominently men,
toned for the office of county attorney.
For this office, Mr.. Funk was candi
date nearly four years ago, with good
prospects of success, but at the solicit
tation of his friends, later became can
didate for congress. In this candidacy,
The Free Press opposed him, believing
it unwise to make change. The sequel
is well known. Mr.. Funk was defeated in
Blue Earth county, and withdrew from
the race before the primaries of any
other county were held. His defeat in
that instance did not prevent him from
taking off his coat and giving the en-
tire ticket Including, of course, Mr..
McCleary), the same loyal support he
has ever done. More than once, Mr.
Funk has stood aside and supported his
friends for positions he might have Sc
cured himself; and now would be a
very suitable opportunity for MS friends
to rally to his support, in return for past
fayors. If we are rightly informed, that
he is a candidate for the office of county
attorney, it seems to us, it should be
given to him without serious contest
There is not an officeholder in the county
or state, but what is indebted to Mr.
Funk for faithful service and support.
In every campaign for the past six
teen years, his voice has been heard
from the Republican stump of Mime
sofa. And this from no selfish motive.
Three times he was nominated and elect
ed county attorney of Jackson county.
During each one of those campaigns, he
left his own county, going wherever the
state committee sent him, without fee
or salary, many times paying MS own
expenses in campaigning throughout the
state. Mr.. Funk has also rendered his
party efficient services in several po-
litical capacities, without pay, or emolu-
ment Among these, as member Of the
congressional committee; president of
Republican League clubs of Jackson
county; member of executive committee
of state central committee; chairman of
the executive committee of the Mcl\in-
lev club of Mankato, in 1896; president
of Mankato City club in 1900. In all
of which he was useful member and
tireless worker.
As county attorney of Jackson county,
Mr.. Funk made an enviable record, there
being but one acquittal in the district
court of that county during his three
terms of office. The judge of the dis
trict Hon. p E. Brown of Luverne)
gives Mr.. Funk the credit of breaking the
record in the old thirteenth judicial dis
trict, during his term of office.
Aside from Mr.. Funk's unquestioned
legal ability and integrity, he has ever
been valuable member of the commune
ty. A liberal supporter of the church
and educational institutions, being col
lege trustee, and holding various church
offices, the superintendent of one Of
the leading Sunday schools iii Mankato,
his influence is ever on the side of the
right He is also a member Of several
societies in the city, the members OF
which need no words of The Free Press
to testify to the influence he exerts upon
those around him. Kind to his family,
true and faithful to his friends, loyal to
his party, what better man could be
found to fill the important office of
county attorney of this great county.
The Free Press is friendly to every
person that has been mentioned as re-
mote possibilities or otherwise, for this
position. This paper can support any
of them, if nominated, with clear con-
science. But it seems to us, under all
the circumstances, that the Republicans
of this county would do graceful thing
and wise and just thing, to present
this nomination to Mr.. Funk with prac-
teal unanimity.