The Mena weekly star., 1909-12-09
0. Help Us to Get Right!


 ment for sheriff, 1 mean MT. John Bratcher, he sets forth that old money loan graft as follows: II wish now to state to you by way of announcing myself as I candidate for this office, that If elected 1 shall at all times use my best efforts to honestly enforce the law, and h all respects do that which I believe to be bes for the people. Among tn, things which 1 will promise you if elected is that 1 will deposit the pubic moneys coming into my hands by taxation or other wise with the bank or banks that will pay the highest rate of in- crest for this money, which, when collected will be turned ir IS a part of the public funds. Il has been the custom heretofore tC ct some bank have the use ol his nomey and loan 1t to you al high rate of interest, or use Il md pay nothing fur 1t.
 He says this is no newly dis. covered plan or system of book keeping. No, it is an old gag, and when I was asked to sign tn, platform he signed, I refused, and my reasons for not signing the same are good ones.
 FIrst-The law forbids. Second-This is an issue that the sheriff has nothing to dc with. l believe in a depository law, but 1 am not running fol he legislature and will not un. dertake to discuss the question, Tor will tell you in one place that 1 will enforce the law ana then turn right around and tel you 1 will violate It in the worsl way. With best regards to al concerned l wish to give somt few sections of law as given ir the statutes of Arkansas, touch ing along the line of county off l cers loaning public moneys, and @hen you read them over yor will not blame any man frou 'taying off of this platform thal believes in the fullfillment of tht law. Please read the following sections:
 Section 1901. It shall be un awful for any person or persons @homsoever to borrow or receive my public funds from any such
 ficer, deputy, clerk or em. ployee, knowing the same to bt public funds, and for the purpos, of converting or applying tho same to his or their own use oi benefit, or the use or benefit oI any other person or persons, or of any corporation.
 Section 1892. Any such omcer, deputy, clerk, employee or clerk who shall violate any of the pro. visions of sections 1890 or l90l and all persons aiding, abetting tdvislng, assisting, or encourag- ng such violation shall be deemed guilty of felony, and upon con. siclion thereof, shall be punished oy imprisonment ia the jail and penitentiary house of the state for period of not less than five ears nor more than twenty-on years.
 He says there is no collar around his neck. Well, we don'I know. But there is one thing sure, he platform he is out on, with the penitentiary staring him in the face, he will never stand hitched without one.
 Section 1890 does say tha county treasurers, city treasurers and collectors may deposit in banks for safe keeping.
 Now for further information along this line will refer you tc Sections l842. 2Ol5, 20l6, 2O25 and 1905 of K.irby's Digest and Tn these sections and the ones have quoted you will find nothing misleading. Ask your justice al the peace, he has the law, and see who is right.
 Hoping this will set things right in the minds of all con. cerned, l leave the subject with you, and in conclusion will thank the people for past favors and il elected as your sheriff will give ny best efforts to the duties ol the office on the grounds, and uo on this only 1 solicit your vote,
 Respectfully, l Jim Thornton.