The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1914-10-08
UNTRUE AND UNWORTHY
PROGRESSIVE CAUSE
So Leading Progressive Editor
Characterizes Attack on
Geo. w. Stovel.

The following two letters are prac-
tically self-explanatory. Hon H. C.
Baldridge, as chairman of the Repub-
lican county central committee, wrote
to F. G. Burroughs, the editor and
publisher of the Caldwell News, the
only Progressive newspaper published
in Canyon county, asking him if in his
judgment there were grounds for the
insinuations made against County Re
corder George w. Stovel The insin-
uations in question were made by Will
Monk, county treasurer, and during
the primary campaign candidate for
the Progressive nomination for coun-
/ ty recorder. The Progressive voters
rejected Mr.. Monk, but he still poses
as leading Progressive of the
county.
George w. Stovel has made specific
demand on Mr. Monk that he reduce
his charges to writing in order that
they may be fully met, and if so met
responsibility may be placed on Mr..
Monk. The laws of this state afford
/ inadequate protection against SLAM
der and character assassination.
Charges must be made in writing or
there can be no redress. Mr.. Stovel
asks that he be permitted an oppor-
tunity to answer responsible charges
made in manner he can reach. Monk
must so make those charges or be
forever branded as an irresponsible
mud singer and liar.
The letters which passed between
Mr.. Baldridge and Mr.. Burroughs
follow:
Parma, Idaho, October 3, 1914.
Mr.. F. c. Burroughs, Editor Cald-
well News, Caldwell, Idaho.
My Dear Sir: Mr.. William Monk
has recently, in public utterances,
taken occasion to make insinuations
against Mr.. Stovel, our present coun-
ty recorder and candidate for re-elec-
tion upon the Republican ticket for
the same office. By his insinuations
and inuendos, Mr.. Monk apparently
is trying to give basis for the cleo
tors of Canyon county to draw infer
ences that Mr.. Stovel has been dis
honest in the conduct of his Office.
To people knowing Mr.. Stovel, such
charges are ridiculous and are un-
worthy of credit, but to many who do
not know him it is due that they
should be informed of the true facts
in the matter. Personally knowing
Mr.. Stove's high standing and repu-
tation in Canyon county, and in the
state of Idaho, whose honesty and
integrity are beyond reproach, can
not think that substantial electors of
the Progressive party will counten-
ance or approve such mud singing
by any of its members against man
with the well known high principles
of Mr.. Stovel. | am therefore writ
ing you, as a representative member
of the Progressive party in this coun-
ty and state and prominent expon-
ent' of its principles, asking as to
whether or not you or your party are
acquainted with, endorse and coun-
tenance the said charges against Mr.
Stovel. If such charges are endorsed
| shall then, as county chairman of
the Republican county central COM
mittee Of Canyon county, in accord
ance with my duty not only to the
Republican, but other electors Of this
county, make it my duty to fully in
vestigate in detail the charges and
insinuations so made by Mr.. Monk
and give the full, complete and true
facts to the public as they exist.
If these charges made by Mr. Monk
are not endorsed by yourself and as
sociates in the Progressive party, but
are merely the vaporings and mud
singing of a man whom your party
has refused to nominate as its can
didate, then in such event it would be
useless for me to go TO the annoyance
and trouble of making long, tedious
Investigation of baseless insinuations.
Therefore l will be obliged to you if
YOU will inform me as to whether, in
your own opinion, there is any issue
to be made or fought between the
Republican party Of this county and
the Progressive party of this county,
as to the moral worthiness and hon
esty of George W. Stovel. If there
is not. it will be usless to devote our
attention further to this matter. But,
if there is, we stand not only prepared
to investigate any charges that may
be made, but to defend all false al {
LEGATIONS and insinuations against any
and all worthy candidates. And not
only do we stand prepared to do this, {
but we demand and shall enforce the
demand against anybody making
charges of ! dishonesty against Mr..
Stovel that he be prepared to substan-
tiate the same by substantial proof.
The conduct of the Republican party
has been, and will be, conscientious !
and honorable and all opposing can /.