The Mena weekly star. (Mena, Ark.) 1904-1977, 1912-02-08

pauies Of The state because they
wanted to buy it at a lower price. !
am not surprised that they wish 10
accomplish my downfall.
IN the construction OF the slate
capitol Mr.. Robinson says | have
torn out better work than | have
put back. Caldwell 4 Drake make
The same charge. For the people
Of the state to endorse Mr.. Robin
son in this proposition would
amount to a confession Of judgment
against the state for about Si50.000,
as Caldwell & Drake have been
claiming something like that
amount for damages, and they will
80 before the next legislature with
a claim for this sum of money.
"1'he legislature Of 1909 en-
ployed corps Of engineers
and architect from the war
Department Of the United States
to examine the Caldwell a
Drake construction Of the capitol.
These engineers and architects re-
ported to the legislature that the
Caldwell a Drake construction Of
The capitol in most part was rotten,
lunsound aud dangerous to human
life. The legislature ordered the
rotten construction torn out and
made an appropriation for the ex-
pense of the same, and this is what
Mr.. Robinson complains about. II
Mr.. Robinson should be elected gov
ernor, Caldwell a. Drake will have
better chance of getting their
claim through the legislature. In
this instance Mr.. Robinson is adyo-
eating just what Caldwell & Drake
want.
THAT the influence and interests
of all the principal railroads Of Ar
kansas are behind Mr.. Robinson's
candidacy for governor. have the
proof positive. Mr.. Walter g Hend-
ricks was appointed representative
of the Arkansas railroads to look af-
ter their interests in the last legis-
Iature. He stayed with the legis-
laiure during its entire term. He
was employed by these railroads for
that purpose. have letter in my
possession over their own signature
stating that they did employ Mr..
Hendricks for this purpose. Mr..
Hendricks, is now the campaign
manager for Mr.. Joe Il. Robinson,
candidate for governor. have
seen a letter from him showing that
he is acting in that capacity. I
have the evidence that he is now
transacting MIR. Robnson's business
as his campaign manager. | have
incurred the enmity of the rail-
roads because have insisted that
they give 10 the people of Arkansas
fair passenger and freight rates,
and that they bear their just share
Of the burden Of taxation. Isn't it
rather peculiar that in the selection
of Mr.. Hendricks both Mr.. Robinson
and the railroads should find an
agent acceptable to both? What
can the people of Arkansas expect
of Mr.. Robinson when he has for
his campaign manager the author
lied Legislative agent of the rail-
roads?
I'm addition to the employment
of Mr.. Hendricks, the railroads paid
George Trevathan, secretary of the
last senate, 5000 per month to CO.
operate with Mr.. Hendricks and
give him such information con-
corning pending legislation as the
railroads desired. Mr.. Trevathan
was at the same time drawing about
$3.50 per month from the state for
his services as secretary Of the SEN
ate. He was working in complete
harmony with the senate machine,
Of the existence of which | have
heretofore advised you. Now If the
people of Arkansas can reconcile
this situation of affairs in eonnec-
ton with Mr.. Robnson's candidacy
for governor, then | am not a COM
petent judge of what they should
have"