The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1905-05-18
PUBLICAN ORGAN
SINGS THE PRAISES OF
GOV. FERGUSON
WHY HE IS OPPOSED
Railroads and School Book
Trust Against Tom.


Enid, OKLA, May 1S-The Weekly
Events, issued today, has an inspired
article on the gubernatorial fight. It
says:
Several weeks ago newspaper agita-
tion commenced relative to an attempt
that would be made to have Governor
Ferguson displaced at the expiration
Of his present term. At the time the
Events, not knowing the "inside" OF
any facts connected, refrained from
taking any part until we were sure Of
the ground upon which we stood Last
weekf however, our Investigations
came to a head and we accordingly an
nounced that this paper unqualifedly
endorsed the appointment OF Governor
Ferguson.
The facts Of the case seem to be:
Just prior to the announcement that
a fight would be made on Ferguson for
reappointment, a report had been pub
lished to the effect that a fight would
be made upon Secretary Grimes for re-
appointment, and then followed, by
way of retaliation an article to the ef-
feet that fight would be made on Fer
guson. While the facts are hard to
uncover yet from the best information
obtainable it appears that the fight on
Ferguson was sprung on the part Of
the gentlemen who are endeavoring to
protect Mr.. Grimes. II is also stated
as fact that both Flynn and Grimes,
together with J. J. Houston, are desir-
GUS that Ferguson's reappointment be
defeated, for the reason that they are
unable to control the actions of the
governor.
1t is a well known fact that the gov
ernor is not 'contronable' in a politi-
cal sense. In other words; he has en-
deavored to be neutral in his attitude
relative to matters within the party.
And as a consequence, he has not given
the friends of Delegate Mcclure any
advantage. nor has he given the Flynn
faction any advantage, although his
sentiments have ho doubt correctly in
cllned toward the present Republican
territorial organization. And this at
titude on the part Of Ferguson has,
therefore, been obnoxious to Flynn and
Grimes, who desire to control the
whole hog or none, rule or ruin, etc.
They naturally want a man appoint
ed governor whom they can control,
and as Ferguson has not allowed them
to control him in the past they don't
think he Will allow them to control
him in the future; therefore they are
against his reappointment
j j. Houston, former school land
secretary, hates Ferguson because Fer
guson removed him from his position
as school land secretary for alleged
crookedness. Houston yet remains,
however a close friend and adviser Of
both Flynn and Grimes.
Several Of the railroads are offended
very much offended and wounded
because it was known that Ferguson fa-
vored the passage Of the fellow ser
wants law. last legislature, and especi-
ally because Ferguson signed the rail
road demurage bin. And, of course, as
MT Flynn is the general attorney for
a well known railroad, this would nat
urally constitute another reason for
his opposition Of Ferguson.
lt can easily be seen that an these
forces joining hands. might make a
considerable fight against the reap
poinmeut of Ferguson But. undoubt-
edly the department at Washington is
cognizant of the facts and when Presi-
dent Roosevelt learns of the real facts
iE The matter he win heartily approve
of Ferguson's course, and no manner
oi fight viii avail the opposition any
ching In fact We don't think the fight
win amount TO anything,
However. with the usual adroitness,
The opposition 10 Ferguson has picked
mp a man who is reputed to be a "per-
sonal friend" of the president and they
expect TO make good with him How
ever the president win no doubt con
slider that he mas already discharged
any courtesy he may owe to the self
posing personal friend"