Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1920-06-24
other way the government would take

other way the government would take
me! But they insisted 1 continue on
the job as attorney general. And I
lieves in Townley, or any socialist
who cares to, to compare the record
of any man named LANCER with the
record of any man named Town
ley!'"
The copy of a letter from Y. D.
Keppel. former assistant secretary OF
war, to Mr.. LANCER verifying his
statements and to which he referred,
is as follows:
Dear Mr.. LANCER:
With reference to your inquiry Of
this morning. I recall receiving the
letter dated August 3. 1913, Of which
you showed me a carbon copy where
in the closing paragraph read as fol-
lows:
Very likely you know Of some
place where I could do something for
the Government at this time. l am
very DESTROYS of going into some part
Of the forces Of our Government where
/ can do the most good. and II you
can spare the time I would be exceed
ingly grateful If o would indicate
where that is. Naturally. I prefer to
see active service, to go to France or
Italy where I car be in the trenches
and it is immaterial to me whether I
go as a private direct, or first go to an
officers training camp. Should there
be an occasion for wishing to send
some fellows to South America. China,
Africa. OF any other part Of the world,
I would be glad to go wherever sent.
on a p%rivate's pay, private's rank or
any other way. When I was in WASH
ington I figured that the war would
end in three months: the tone of t%e
newspapers was hopeful. but 1 feel
that l. would not be doing my duty
towards my country if I did not offer
my services; and I do not write asking
for any favor or any exertien Of in
f1uence on my behalf, or anything. of
hat kind. I simply wish you to indi-
cate where you, knowing me, believe I
could do the most good"
I have no documentary record Of
your personal visit earlier in theryear.
but I remember the visit, and should
judge that it took place about the date
o mentioned. viz. March LIST, 1918.
I recall also that during our visit, I
told o that it vas probably best for
you to continue your work as Attor-
ncy General in North Dakota: that If
the Government felt there was greater
need for you in military service, 1t
would not hesitate to can you.
IN ToCclpIb Ol your i6LScF OIL August
3rd, l replied on August 18th express
ing my interest in your offer but ax-
planning that at that time 'all enlist
ments and commissions are held up
until after Congress has enacted tho
pending legislation with regard to the
draft age" q
I myself left for a snort trip to
France in October. 1918, and before
my return the Armistice >had been
signed.
Yours very truly,
F. P. KEPPEL =
Formerly Third Assistant
Secretary Of War.
Hon. William LANCER,
Attorney General,
North Dakota
Although LANCER has made 70
speeches since he began his active
campaign against socialism and the
autocracy of Townley, Lemke and
Wood, he is standing up splendidly
under the strain. Facing the monster
audience last night. he talked in 4
convincing n and ELECTED round
after round of applause.
when a state officer Is out speak
ing I believe he should have the proof
I have it right here" said Mr.. Lang
er.
Then he explained the Minnie J..
Nelson controversy:
II want any Of you farmers or
working men members Of the league
to show me where, in the original
farmers program. there was anything
calling for the running over to the
schools of this state to a group Of So
cialists; to an e~x-preacher who has
twice been unfrocked by his own
church; where there is anything cal
ling for the radical overturning OF all
precedent in the management Of the
schools. If I am elected governor I
will see that diss Nelson's powers are
returned to her and the schools are
returned to the place where they have
been for the past thirty years."
Taking up the Observation-Disclosures
can bank deal, the Valley City bank
graft, and the state bank OF North Da-
kota, he reviewed the various events
and trials, read from testimony, and
offered again to quit running for gov
ernor II his statements were not true.
Il want to tell you business men Of
Grand Forks 30 that there will be no
mistake about it, that I stand where I
stood three years and one year ago.
I believe the farmers are entitled to
their state mill and elevator trials,
80