Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-04-26

was given the enlargement OF tbs league for another
term in the legislature. Al; the earliest opportuntys he
declines that endorsement. and gives the reasons for his
action. -.
The letter is the simple, logical statement Of an ear
nest and conscientious man. 1t IL moderate in tone, and
contains not a syllable Of attack on any individual or,
organization. Its effectiveness is all the greater because
of it's moderation. 1t is an impressive array Of facts
which Mr.. Cumming presents. f
st, He came to this country. as he says. to better his
condition, He received from the government 100 acres
of land. He has lived on. that land and worked It. He
has prospered moderately. He has enjoyed the protec-
Ftion Of the laws of the country and has enjoyed the ad-
vantages which it provides. He has found that the
courts Of the country are ready to redress grievances. and
that when he has exercised his political privileges his
Ballot has been counted as cast. He has enjoyed civil
and political privileges in common with the richest and
poorest. And he finds in the government Of the nation.
under which these things have been experienced an In
stitution which merits his respect and support.
MFR. Cumming raises no question as to the loyalty of
the farmers who are members of the Nonpartisan
league. He. himself. became a member Of that orsaniaa-
ton. in good faith, and In the exercise of his undoubted
rights. But he finds that because Of the acts and express
sions of its leaders there has developed around the man
agement of the organization an atmosphere Of disoyalty,
and he desires to remain free from the stigma which, un-
der the circumstances. must attach to those who
are known to be the recipients of favors, political or oth-
erwise. from that management Therefore he declines
the endorsement which has been rendered him.
AS the letter is read some interesting facts stnnd out
prominently. Mr.. Cumming says that while he has been
IA member Of the league for two years. he has had no
voice in its management. How does this experience diff
fer from that Of any other member. What member Of
the league-not an office holder:-is there who has ever
at any time had a voice in its management, in the seiec-
ton of its officers, in the shaping of its policy, in the
spending OF it's funds? When attention has been. called
to the one-n1an control Of all the affairs Of the league
some Members have declared themselves perfectly salts
fled with that management: Very we'll. But il they were
not satisfied, what would they do about it? II they. pre-
ferrcd some. other man to Mr.. Townley for president.
how would they proceed to get him? If they were not
satisfied with the manner in which the money Is ,Reins
spent. how would they remedy 1t? The answer is that
they are helpless. IL %,1S
In connection with the pledge that was asked Of Mr..
Cumming. it apparent thai. the same methods arr. be
ing attempte. in Minnesota which were employees in
North Dakota. and that, the intent is to tie up the fesie-
lature, body and soul. in subservience to the will Of the
handful of bosses who have dictated and are now dictnt-
ing the affairs Of the league.