The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1910-02-03
.BURKE'S STRANGE
GAME OF POLITICS
POLITICAL WRITER OF MiNNEA-
POLLS TRIBUNE SIZES UP LAT
EST POLITICAL MovzIN NORTH
DAkoTA--PuRcELL WILL SUIT
CONSERVATIVES.

Writing of the resignation Of u. S..
Sen. Fountain L. Thompson of North
Dakota, and the appointment of State
Senator Purcell as his successor,
George P. Author, political editor of
The Minneapolis Tribune sizes UP the
situation in the follow ing interesting
manner:
A United States Senator for two
months, and now Fountain l.. Thomp-
son of Cando, supposedly broken in
health, and finding no happiness in the
| honor, has resigned the toEa TO a
stronger man. The story OF the SEN
atorship of Fountain l.. Thompson
adds a new and picturesque chapter to
the history Of North Dakota politics.
For the senator for two months keen
est sympathy is expressed, although
there seems to be some doubt as to
the exact nature of his illness, and
it is suggested it may receive a poll
teal diagnosis. 1t has been also sug-
gested that the obligation of friend
ship to Governor Burke, possibly en-
barrassed by the appointment prompt
ed the abandonment of the toga which
had not been worn long enough to OBJ
ness. But in any case, the modest and
hitherto unknown man, a personal
friend Of the man who appointed him.
has given up what most men strive
with the best years life gives them
to attain. He will leave Washington
with all it's alluring charm, for a re-
sort in the south, while the new sena-
tor sits in his place.
| 4cl he T.,
his resignation secretly and the equal
ly secret appointment of w E. Pur-
cell had about 1t a Character almost
bizarre in its appearance of mystery, it
is hardly stranger than the original ap-
pointment of Mr. Thompson and the
strange game of politics that preceded
it in the Flickertail state. Friends of
Governor Burke have been credited
with a desire to make him a national
figure, the first step being to make
him governor for the third term. Still
others credit him with a desire to go
on the supreme bench, claiming that
his appointments to that body have
been made with this purpose in view,
but the governorship seems to be the
more correct theory.
When the death of the late Senator
M. N. Johnson occurred, it threw the
state in a turmoil. Democrats and re-
publicans were embarrassed by the
situation that resulted. The stalwarts
thought themselv. secure in the VIC
tory of Senator Johnson, only to find
that a senator of the insurgent faction
was likely to be thrust upon them. w
e. Purcell, the Wahpeton man who has
just been appointed, was looked upon
! as the democrat most likely to secure
the plum. He had been the winner
in the democratic primary, but objec-
! Lion was made to him on the ground
that he was too conservative to please
the rank and file of thu party. In the
meantime, friends of Thomas F. Mar
shall, the insurgent republican leader
became very busy. They assembled al
Fargo, and brought all the pressure
they could upon Governor Burke al
> Bismarck to name Marshall. In a way
this looked like good politics from
Burke's point of view as the demo-
cratic governor must necessarily rely
upon republican votes for election. The
appointment would also have had a
tendency to widen the breach between
the stalwarts and insurgents. This
campaign on part of MarshalPs forces
received a setback through the can
didacy of Attorney General Andy Mil
Ter. who also wanted the place.
Governor Burke considered Ions
] and carefully. Too long and too care.
fully, his friends believe. Democrat
loudly insisted that one of the faith.
full be named. Insurgent republican,
: said it was up to the governor Il
recognize what they had done for him
] and while the governor considered, tn
candidates and their enthusiasm in
creased. Finally to the surprise of al
] he named Fountain l.. Thompson o
Cando, up to that time comparativel,
unknown.
It The appointment has not been popu
lar. Insurgent republicans were dis
appointed and the democrats felt tina
in the naming of Thompson, only per
sona1 friendship dictated The ap
pointment of Mr.. Purcell will pleas
the more conservative wing of tn
party, but just what strength it Wi
bring the governor from the insur
gent wing of the republicans or fror
the more radical democrats is pro
blematical. There have been rumor
| that Thomas f. Marshall, in his can
didacy for the senate, is pleased wit
the appointment of Purcell, but it doe
not appear that there is foundation TO
| this rumor.