American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1915-01-07
ATTORNEY GENERAL PETERSON.

The public is not going to believe that Joe Peterson,
encouragement of Idaho, is guilty of wrong doing, upon
so flmsy a reason as that he was indebted to former State
Treasurer Allen for a personal loan. Aliens guilt became
evident the moment his books and records were investi-
gated. The evidence was positive and indisputable. He
had been guilty of irregularities for some time. and if is
only natural that he would be most careful to a knowledge
of them from his official associates. BY every possible
means he must retain their confidence and friendship, and
in furtherance of this purpose Allen may have placed the
Attorney General in a position that will require eXplana-
tion, but nothing more. Men do not become criminals ov-
ernight. 1t requires a mental schooling or dwarfing of
naturally good impulses to make a criminal. Joe Peterson
never had such a schooling. His joviality is that of a
healthy, robust schoolboy.
A few years ago he was a poor lad, struggling to OBJ
tam an education to equip him for the battles of life. He
mad no influential friends to boost, no political or family
connections that were an asset toward his advancement
only his industry and recognized ability commended him.
This was his condition little more than ten years ago. His
ability secured him an appointment as assistant attorney
general during Mr.. Guheen's term. In all he held that p-
sltion SIX years and so impressed the public that he was
elected to the office he now holds. He has been success
1ui and IN those few years has forced recognition as one of
the learned legal minds of the state. The circumstances
which tempt have not surrounded him. His success hoe
Deen or his own efforts and has naturally made hin self
reliant ana commemorative marked attributes of every
Wortny man. why should he permit his character to be
oesmirched for a few paltry dollars.
30 Tar as he is concerned the public will not accept
Hierences lhey demand indisputable evidence. and de-
mand that If he is not involved, he be given a clearance
that VIII protect him from further assault.
The public will not blame Mr.. Peterson for intense
feellng displayed by him in the following statement, al
though they may feel that he has gone to extremes. But,
lnasmuch as he has been accused, by inference, he has a
right to be heard:
"An inference is sought to be made in the report of
.xel Ramstedt, made public through the message of Gov
ernor Alexander delivered yesterday to the legislature,
l participated in the looting of the state treasury to
extent OF $500. While this is not the language of the
report its inference is entirely plain. Probably the only
reason why its authors did not make the bold statement
because they were too cowardly to do so, and were
to meet the legal consequence of their acts.
"Everv man and woman in the state who knows me. will
I think, believe the statement to be a lie, without eXplana-
or denial on my part, but as there are a good many !
do not know me, I take this opportunity OF so brand
ing the statement in Mr.. Ramstedts report.
Not only is the report a damnable heh-brewed lie,
but the authors thereof are liars. The report being
made public as a part of the Governors message gave
It currency in the only way that it could have been
made public without subjecting the authors thereof
to an action in court.
sUpon the defalcation of State Treasurer Allen
during the last campaign, I Immediately co-operated J