The copper era and Morenci leader., 1918-09-20
FRANKLIN 0R HUNT
 MAY ACCOMMODATES


  Phoenix, Ariz., Sept. 2O.-Adminis- tration democrats are playing a game of heads we win, tails you lose,' judging from a close scrutiny of their views in regards to the governorship possibilities attendant upon the eligi- bility of Fred Colter to serve as gov ernor in the event of his election.
 Passing for the moment the techni- cality of Golfers eligibility, it is the contention of the fins" that anti-ad- to force the hand of the democratic party. In this respect regular bomb shell was exploded in the midst of the holocryptic situation this morning when Alfred Franklin, chief justice of the supreme court. was named as a governorship possibility, not forgetting to mention Gov. Hunt in the same class.
 LowenthaI Opens Bag.
 It was Louis Lowenthal, secretary to Gov. George w. P. Hunt, who open ed the political bag sufficiently wide to cast this light upon the situation. He stated, in matter-of-fact way, that the ''antis" were attempting to i force either Franklin or Hunt into the race Members of the republican party have no desire of opposing either Franklin or Hunt" Lowenthal announced, and in this manner he made clear the point that it was the anti-faction of the democratic party that is attempting to force the issue in respect to Golfers eligibility. 1 And thus the political situation took decideddly new turn. Those who have attempted to follow the various phases and legal points that have arisen within the past week have work ed the situation out from practically every angle, with the result always the same. But in no instance has the name of Alfred Franklin been men toned heretofore. He is seemingly the dark horse" of the administra- tion, who has been carefully shielded and held in the background until such time as the leaders deemed it wise to show their hand.''
 1 Would Hunt Hold Over?
 However, it is regarded as a certain ty that Fred Golfer will Ego to bat' in the general election in November. This seems to follow out the cleverly planned scheme of i've, can't lose. |" The 'ins' have no desire to bring the issue to focus prior to the election, | for, be it known, the decision might be adverse to Colter. It is the "antis" the organization claims, who are an- xious to learn the true status of the candidate that the state council might choose suitable, representative if Golfer is ineligible to serve
 Naturally, there is to be contest after the general election in the event that Golfer polls the largest number of votes, say the administration fol- lowers. The point at issue will be whether or not votes cast for Golfer were legal ballots. With such a ques tion at issue the election cannot be decided until such time as a court decision is handed down. Therefore, Governor Hunt will continue the chief executive of the state until such time as the matter is fought through the courts, is their fond hope.
 | ShIIin9 7alfS.
 But still another sidelight was thrown on the situation by Lowenthal this morning. it being in support of the contention that Colter is qualified to serve as governor. He pointed out that Gov. Hunt has refused to accept the salary increase as provided in the law in question on the grounds that said law is in contravention of the Ari zona constitution and is, therefore, un constitutional. It was admitted, how. ever, that the law has not yet been adjudicated unconstitutional.
 Considerable stress is also laid up- on the words "to'' and flor" by the administration following. The law in question, it points out, is to the ef- feet that member of the legislature cannot be elected to an office, the emoluments of which have been in. creased during his term.
 In support of this argument they offer that Golfer will be elected for" governor at the November election but that he will not be elected "to' the office. until such time as the term of Gov. George W F. Hunt expires at midnight Dec 31. Inasmuch as Golfers term as senator expires at midnight Dec. 31, he will thereupon be eligible "to" the office of governor.