Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1920-08-14
GOVERNOR LARRAzoLos INTERVIEW


That it was necessary for the governor of the
state, seeking denomination, to offer formal def
TO the little group of arrogant dictators of the
partys policy and candidates, sitting in in the
De Vargas hotel at Santa Fee should give the think
ing portion of the party plenty of food for thought,
BY forcing the governor who was admittedly a
stumbling block to their pretensions TO accept a
nomination for congress, upon the supreme court,
to embassy asroad, they hoped to kill for two
years more, contest over the primary law, the
taxation of mines ana the renovation of the school
land department. With the removal of the governor
from the contest, the program for which he stands
would be also removed. 1t was all intended to be
"a simple twist OF the wrist in which the hand is
quicker than the eye" The reforms in the interest
OF the people would be effectively sidetracked and
the continued domination of these gentlemen
surcd.
But it did not work. Governor Larrazolo saw
them first" They might well adjourn and go
home
These men have perfect right to be opposed.
TO all Of the reforms enumerated But they have not
the right to win from the people by trckery. Let
them agree upon candidate who is opposed these
reforms and put him in the for the nomination
at once. Then will spend month in discussing
the pros and of these proposals. The results
win be, to degree, the action of the party
Dare they accept such challenge or will they
tnue to connve to defeat reforms?
No man in public life in New Mexico has as yet
dared to hazard his political future upon fight in
opposition to essential reforms. Yet how else can
the people be advised and have chance to express
themselves?
Governor Larrazolo says in his statement that it
is due the people to know what is going in potiA
cal circles and to know the opinions of asprants for
office upon questions of interest the people Such
declaration is q great step forward in New Mexico
1t will tend to stop underground political manpula
ton and bring discussions Of and measures nto
the lime-light of the public eye.
He declares that whatever the method used inl
the past the time has come when the appeal of can
ddates for the support of the people shall be "prin
cpally upon well defined issues touching the public
interest"
The governor then challenges the great mningi
interests of the state to combat on the question of
proper taxation. Covert methods of defeating re-
form will longer work. They must bring the
issue into the sunlight Such fight will bring the
people into their own. Has It occurred to you, gen.
tie reader, that not single answer has been made
anywhere to charges of inequality of taxation in
New Mexico? When raised the question the
mines sought to smother it by political manipulation
and 10 camouflage what they doing under cover
of variegated canopy of personal rdicue and in
nuedo to purposes. The declaration of the
governor will assist in smoking them out.
Governor r4arrazoio asks denomination not for
personal honors, but to bring TO contamination rem
ediai legislation.
Mr.. Larrazolo refuses to be sidetrackcd into some
other office where he will be harmless, 1t is the
sovernorship nothing.
The governor closes his public statement fol- /
lows
III an open convention. free and independ-
in It's actions, determines that / am not
desired TO carry the banner at this time,
one will more gladly acquiesce in its judgment
than l; but if such should be its action, be-
cause Of the fact that I much /
concerned in principles than in personal sue
cess | sincerely trust that the one nominated
10 this high office will be who win
estly endeavor to carry out the reforms
vital in my opinion, to the general welfare
of the people. Should such be the result of
the conventions action no one will support
that action more Loyalty than 7.
Il would, however, exceedingly regret TO
be defeated as the result of the antagonism of
some of my opponents, actuated they are |
by purely personal motives, and would more
deeply regret some person nominated !
Who would not sincerely endeavor to bring |
about these reforms for which, have no
doubt, the great of the people stand" |
Surely this is fair enough If the convention is
not free and independent in its action" the party
will not have spoken. No one would be bound.
Now the governor should joyously carry the fight
TO the enemy. II should go into their stronsholds
and attack them If he does he will win.
Should he fail of the nomination but succeed in
platform of reform with earnest and eonscienti
candidate standing upon it, he will come of
defeat without personal humiliation and far stronger
with the people than he has ever been before. No
man lin New Mexico has ever had such chance TO
really serve the people as Governor LarrazolA now
has @ t.p4 /