El Nuevo mexicano., 1918-09-12
BELIEVED 70
Be EhV|EN OFFERING
FOR LAND OFFICE
CHIEF ASSISTANT TO PRESENT
COMMISSIONER FORMALLY AN
NouNcEs CANDIDACY TO sue
cEED bob"

Charles B. Barker. chief assistant
in the state land office to Land
Commissioner Robert P. Ervien, has
announced his candidacy for the
Republican nomination for commits
E~sioner of public lands, subject to the
decision Of the forthcoming state
convention. His is the third entry
in the race. the others being the
state fish and game warden, Theo-
dore Rouault, Jr., and Captain Muller,
also of the land office. Political
wiseacres who heard Of the new can.
didacy Monday expressed the opinion
that Bankers entry would mean a
new lineup in the race. Rouault has
hitherto been regarded as the candi-
date of the present land office ad-
m%inistration but 1t Is believed that
Barker's announcement means that
Ervien and his associates in the Of
flee and in the party are behind Bar
ker.
In the course Of a formal letter
which is to go to the press Of the
state generally, comment is made on
MI. Bankers record as follows:
ut is becoming b ana more ap.
parent that Republican leaders are
casting about for a man for the Of
flee Of commissioner Of public lands
who will be acceptable to all ele-
ments and who will not need to be
defended. They see the need of a
man thoroughly acquainted with the
intricate problems Of the public lands
system. Moreover the activities of
several large oil companies in the
state suggest the need Of a man who
can secure the maximum amount Of
development of oil bearing public
"Charles B. Barker, Of Santa Fe,
meets all these requirements. He
has had a long and varied expert
in public land affairs. Many
wears devoted to public land matters
for the federal government in New
Mexico have given him a broad view
and tolerant attitude.
"The records will testify to his
success in securing from United
States government the full amount
that congress intended to give the
state in its grants since he has been
connected with the tate land office.
The securing of lieu and indemnity
lands for lost school sections was
one Of his achievements and in a few
months he brought to the state an
enormous acreage that a hitherto
unknown to exist.
"Mr. Barker has given special at
to the adjudication OF the
mineral school IandAqrobIem of tho
and has savef all such lands
Is the state was jfstly entitled TO,
md he has saved the state many
acres of land which it would other
wise have lost through adverse rul-
.ngs of inefficient clerks in the fed
sral land department at Washing
on. MrNTTENg
HE has also had charge Of the
.imber sale contracts, oil and gas
eases. mineral leases and right-of-
way and has handled them efficiently
md to the satisfaction Of every one
concerned. He will bring to the Of
ice such a tremendous fund Of en-
,rgy and experience along the very
ines needed for the practical and
profitable administration of the pub
ic lands that the state and her insti-
utions cannot fail 10 greatly bene-
1t therefrom.
"It is no secret that his ideas Of
administration of the public lands
re at no great variance with those
4 the present incumbent whose pol
cies in general will be logically car
led out If he is Selected by the
oters."