The Detroit times., 1910-10-29
MUNICIPAL LEAGUE LAYS
LASH ON PROCTOR K
CONTINUED From Page One0

gan the fact that ne had never prac-
tised law In Missouri or anywhere else.
and that he had failed TO pass even the
first years wN-k al all the colleges
which he had attendcs.
In a second letter 10 the supreme
court OF Michigan, dated Feb. 9. 1910.
Judge CAN'T. OF Missouri. says; Il can
not now recall all the letters OF recon-
mendation received by me before 1
wrote that letter to you, but remem-
Der that acted largely upon one I re-
ceived from Judge William l. Jarrett.
OF HarrisonVille. Mo. an old and trusted
friend. a gentleman upon whose recon-
mendation / had no hesitancy In writ
ing as | did | have today read the
proofs OF his failures at the Universities
OF Michigan and Missouri. and with the
information now before me. l desire TO
withdraw my recommendation. l feel
that Mr.. Owens has misled Judge Jar
rott and myself, and / regret that
have been instrumental in leading your
court TO admit him TO the bar OF your
state"
During the last six years, Mr. owens
has been candidate for no less than
four distinct offices; once on the Dem
ocratic ticket; again. on the Prohibit
tion, and twice on the Republican
ticket
When candidate for prosecuting
attorney on the Prohibition ticket, two
years ago, he was naturally believed
by the public TO be a supporter OF the
principles OF that party He now tells
US that those were not his true prin-
ciples, and stultifes himself. and tries
to stultify his hearers. by drinking
beer publicly TO prove his assertions.
saying that only the smallness OF his
purse. prevented him from drinking
beer before.
he obtained letters OF recommends
ton from certain prominent citizens OF
Detroit. upon his representation that
they would help him TO get a certain
position In the far west He failed 70
get this position and remained here
He now does not hesitate to use these
same letters 10 advance his candidacy
for mayor. The circuit bench was
asked by Mr.. owens for a similar let
ter, but refused TO comply. The cir
cult judges were then asked individu-
ally for such letter, and every one of
them declined TO give IL
Since Mr.. owens could so completely
trick the supreme court OF Michigan
by concealing facts which. II known,
would have prevented his being adj
mitted to the Michigan bar, IL is per-
haps less TO be wondered at that many
OF our prominent and busy professional
men made the statements found In
their letters.
Mr. Owens has never appeared be-
fore the public urging forward any
provement. He has never sought or
got the public ear. or been known to
the public In any movement, save only
his ttreless pursuit OF office.
In his campaigns. he has never COM
manded the serious public regard. His
speeches are fun OF vulgarity. OF which
he is apparently unconscious Could
such a man I'LL the mayors chair with
dignity?
His present prominence seems TO be
due 10 his unIemitting pursuit OF Of
fce. and TO factional jealousy In the
Republican party
Can a man with this professional and
political record inspire confidence that
he would as mayor OF the city ably
col fFafr 2 ina LFn
the ability that should be employed at
this crisis, and would such a man seek
honestly and disinterestedly the best
interests OF it's citizens?
There are important appointments
which the mayor Will have to make
and important questions with which ne
Will have 10 deal The settling OF
these questions needs a clear mind.
settled opinions incorruptible integ-
rity. and the courage 10 go ahead,
which comes from feeling back Of him
the confidence OF the people
Let Us seriously ask ourselves as
voters IL there is not offered for our
choice a candidate for mayor who In
spires in us more confidence In ms
ability and honesty than does Proctor
Knott Owens.
What qualifications has William b.
Thompson for this high public ofhceP
While we cannot say that even the
Democratic candidate has that large
business capacity which we would be
glad 10 see I'm the mayors office At
time. i
has had his mind adjusted TO, and been
engaged In large affairs.
Mr. Thompson has been unfortunate
In not having a better academic edu-
cation He has. Notwithstanding, been
a close student OF. and has had large
experience in municipal affairs
Az a young man, he was elected 10
the common council In Pingree's time.
and was an active. intelligent and hon
orable member. not a mere figure head
alderman. He served the city we'll In
this capacity for six years.
Later he was for six years city
treasurer, where he did away with old
methods, and inaugurated up-to-date
ones.
ing which time many OF the franchises
Of the Detroit United Railway were
expiring In dealing with the Detroit
United Railway his hands were largely
tied by circumstances over which he
had no control. Nevertheless. he has
gained experience valuable 10 the city
In his legal encounters with that com
pany
He handled the gas and the electric
lighting situations well. and appointed
strong men TO membership on various
city commissions. i J. VI Hally,
Frank r. Doremus. James II. Pound,
Or f. A Chapoton, James T Linn, and
Geo Sheehy occur 20 our minds at
once. and there were others equally
strong.
William B Thompson has thus been
tried In repeated offices as we'll as In
private life In marked contrast 20
his opponent. Proctor X owens, so
far no facts have been found. no sus-
picfons have even been whispered
about his honesty or his methods,
either In public or private life
There Is still another candidate. on
the Prohibition ticket. George W.
Pierce who Is In the butter and egg
business at No 33i Woodward ave.
We appeal 20 the citizens OF Detroit
10 think carefully on. these things and
at the coming election to lay aside
parttsanship and regularity" think
ing and acting each for the best Inter-
ests Of the city
Respectfully submitted.
! T.. HUDSON,
ISAAC n PAYNE,
JAS " MCDONALD.
WILDER BROTHERTON.
JASPER g. GATES.
+ G. OSBORN,
f. = CLARKSON,
GEORGE JOHNSTON.
j. NJ HALL.
Executive Committee. Detroit NUM-
ANTHONY PRATT, Sec'y.
to- that no Far L