The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1912-12-27
Open LETTER To
MEMBERS Of Legislature


The announcement of the candida.
cy of Ex-Governor F. R. Gooding, fol
United States Senator, for the unex-
pired term of the late Senator Hey.
burn. presents an opportunity fol
those who know and appreciate the
sterling worth of Mr.. Gooding, tc
give public expression of their esteem
for the man and confidence in fitness
for public place. My own intimate
connection with Mr. Gooding during
his four years as governor, / feel en-.
titles me to speak with authority in
regard to the man as citizen and Of
fetal.
Frank R. Gooding is self-made
man in the best sense. He came to
Idaho in 1881, boy of 81. without
friends, influence or means. He has
made his home in this state for nearly
81 years. and has steadily grown in
position and influence. 1t can be
truthfully said that each year has
found him enjoying in a greater de-
gree the esteem and confidence OF the
people with whom he came in con-
tact, and better fitted for his task
whether the task was to conduct his
own affairs, or the service of his
state and its people. He has from the
beginning been growing man, and
his friends know that to the last he
will strive for greater efficiency.
Mr.. Cooding settled first in Ketch-
um, then one of the principal mining
camps of the west He made his
home there for more than ten years
active in mining and allied industries.
He built roads, freighted supplies,
furnished timbers for mining and cord
wood and charcoal for smelling. As
the mining industry dwindled in i'm.
portance, he turned his attention to
stockraising, farming and commercial
and banking pursuits, in all of which
he is still active.
His first public service was as
member of the State Senate during
the fifth session, when he was elected
president pro tenn. of that body and
floor leader of his party. 1t was dur
ing that session that Mr.. Gooding
championed the anti-gambling law,
and was largely instrumental in its
passage. Gambling had long been the
most impovershing and debauching
evil of the state, and all efforts to
curb its practice had proved futile.
Mr.. Cooding led the fight against
gambling. At the same session he
assisted in the passage of the salary
all county officers on sal
airy and turning the fees earned by
such officers into their respective
treasures. The effect of the law,
which is still in force, has been to
correct a number of abuses and re-
duce the expense of government to |
the people.
His work during the session clearly
established his power of leadership,
and he was soon elected chairman of |
the Republican State Central Commit |
tee. At the election, so thoroughly
had he succeeded in organizing the
party that the state, which had. been |
Democratic for six years, returned |
majority of neary 5000 |
Mr.. Gooding continued his services at |
The committee until his nomination for |
governor in 1904, when he was elected
BY nearly 1900. He was reelected
IN 1906 by large majority.
His services as governor, believe |
"a belief in which I am joined by
hose familiar with the intimate affairs |
If state), was the most efficient ever |
,njoyed by any western state. Dur
NO his campaign for governor, in his
public addresses he spoke Of MANY
.eforms that he felt should be nut into
fleet, in the administration Of state
fairs. and it is generally admitted that
/ was the clearness and force with
which he explained his platform of |
and declared his intentions |
elected governor that was instru-
mental in giving him so great a vote.
During these speeches he outlined
and reformatory legisla-
lon, and during the Eighth session
4 the legislature without exception
is declared policies were enacted
ITO laws.
70 attemot "a mention N. h.n.6-
ii Iec;sIat;on enacted for which he
tood snonsor Il neediess few ofI
a, nsnv iava enacted are &c such
lr-reachinr importance that thew
annot Re entirely nas.ed nver II
bored for the nas.ace ~ the law r.
Ir;ct;no from haiint III rer.or. al
nmoral lives thu. nrevrnt;nr the
,.%;~:co%s<.,, =. >l..t:~... &c ~ !. 1900 |