The Grenada sentinel. [volume] (Grenada, Miss.) 1868-1955, 1913-08-01
rs Il STIR

The penitentary probe started by Governor Brewer is creating
quite a stir at the capital city and is making some who have pre-
supposed themselves into great power and political afAuence rush
hhher and thither in the hope that something could be discovered on
the Governor that would make him either cease to probe or indicate
a desire to see those already charged with connection with official
misconduct. get off on easy terms. But, fortunately for the general
welfare of the great state of Mississippi, Brewer has been true to his
pledges and has turned a deaf ear to all entreaties and to threats
against his person or hints against his good name' He is aware of
the fact that there are some whose crooked path he has discov-
cred and whose malicious designs he has frustrated that would not
hesitate to do almost any thing that would damn his character and
bring the blush of shame to those who bear his name.
When this fellow has been indicted by a grand jury and con-
victed by a petit jury, a majority of whom, according to lines which
some insist on maintaining in Mississippi. voted with him in
the last state contest, it is said that that is persecution" and when
others who voted still another way are indicted by the same grand
jury it is called cruelty" and debating" by those who nave long
played the political boss and who want the law enforced only upon
the poor and the mar of little influence, and upon those who do not
do their political bidding.
1t is getting time in this country when the big fellows should be
made to suffer for law violation. The fact is, if the man high up is
made to toe the mark, there will be little trouble with the man who
is without money to hire great lawyers ard who is without inhuen-
tial friends. Gov. Brewers attitude has been that Of one adheing
to duty and showing a proper regard for his oath. Section 1928 of
the constitution of the state says that The Governor shall see that
the laws are faithfully executed Were the laws being faithfully
executed" when a subordinate employee of the penitentiary board
was allowed to steal ss6ooooo from the state? Were the laws be-
ing faithfully executed" when those connected with the state peni-
Tertiary were allowed to steal SO much that the receipts from the
penitentiary farms fell off $4,000 for the last fiscal year, and this,
too, in face of the fact that the crop was fine and the price for cotton
exceptionally good. Were the laws being faithfully executed"
when the management of the state farms a s. loose that one OF
the sergeants was permitted to steal and a farmer near by to rob the
state of cotton, fertilizer, etc, both of whom confessed under the
Governors probe2
In the face of the constitutional mandate above quoted, what
other honorable course was open to the Governor when he dscov-
cred what had been and was being done? There are those who
would be glad to get up strife between Senator Vardaman and Gov.
Brewer. If this could be done il would tend to focus attention on
politics while the game of loot and pilfer goes on. We appreciate
the fact that there might be some to profit politically by such a sit.
uation, but we can not believe that Senator Vardaman would lend
himself to this scheme. While we have never been a supporter Of
Senator Vardaman, yet we recognize the many splendid elements in
his character, and it can not be denied that he has always boldly
proclaimed against the CRATER and the transgressor of law. We can
not see how Mr.. Vardaman could expect to profit by picking out
any particular act or acts of Gov. Brewer regarding the penientiarv
investigation as a basis of attack. We do not believe that he de-
sres to do SO. Brewer has mapped out his own course and has fol.
lowed it with a fixed and steady purpose. This has characterized
his whole administration. He has not sought the favor of anv Gar
ticular faction, but has endeavored to be at peace with all, believing
that such a course was best for the good Of the commonwealth
which had honored him with the highest Office within its GIFT. But
if there are those in the state who would befuddle the minds of the
people regarding the court proceedings and the graft the Governor
has exposed, ne will take the issue before the people. Brewer has
never yet ran away from a conflict. MisIssippians have never vet
honored bribery in any form or failed to visit their wrath upon any
their families and their own bank accounts from the place where the
taxes gathered from the hard earnings of the people had been
placed.
There was no politics in the Governors investigation to begin
with; there is none now. The wall which is being sent up from
Jackson by a little gang is falling on deaf ears. The people are saw
ing to Gov. Brewer, go on. We are with you. We want every
thief and CRATER turned up and punished regardless of how he voted
at any time. or of his present business or affiliations" Governor
Brewer is but doing his duty. 1t must be conceded that a man of
age, but the Governor is one of those who does his best in the hot
test conflict. AS a result of the prison probe, five already have prs
on doors opened for them.