Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1920-09-01
MIR. III. O. BURSUM.

We frankly express ourselves as concerned re-
garding the attitude of Mr. II. o. Bursum toward
the four tentative planks have proposed for the
republican platform. This concern is based upon
the welfare of the party and not upon the fortunes
Of the Journal.
An ccasiona auson by us to Mr.. Bursum may
have resulted in an impression of hostility by to
him. Such is not the We wish at this time
to express neither commentator criticism OF
Mr. Bursums record, for that is not the subject oil
the present discussion.
Mr., Bursum is believe the wisest man in the
republican party in New Mexico. His remarkable
poise gives him great powers of discrimination in
both state and national matters. We believe his
present purposes and ideas concerning New Mexico
run along lines of progress .f II
Mr. Bursum is practical politician but is, we
believe, minus bad heart. Like all practical poll
ticians he has compromised with expediency and
worked with the tools at hand. Had he been more
idealisc he would probably have failed completely
to retain the power of accomplishing any good.
He has probably been criticized more for stand
ing by his friends when he knew and said that
they wrong, than for any other reason Not
corrupt himself, yet he has doubtless been aware of
corruption and believed that sometimes it was mex
pedent to seek to correct it.
Surrounded he necessarily by many men
OF low moral perceptions, he found himself the vic
tim often of organization of his own construc-
ton. Yet he had at hand insufficient suitable ma
terial out of which to build it altogether he might
Il In spite of all criticism, much of which may be
Justified the fact remains that the moral atmosphere
of New Mexico has slowly cleared under his political
guidance There many. of course, who do not
believe this to be true yet comparison of old
ditions with the new leads unbiased mind to that
! conclusion. ..
Mr.. Bursums long residence in New Mexico ana
his wide acquaintance and vast influence among the
Spanish speaking peoples, makes him tremendous
power for good or evil in the years just ahead. His
wisdom can. if he will it in service to the peo-
4pe. make him the most valuable in the state for
state beterment.
Should he fail to catch the vision of the new day
which is dawning and decide to his lot with the
reactionary forces he can be the greatest menace
in the state because of his ability and power. This
is the basis for our concern.
talk with him several weeks ago led us to feel
that in general, his face toward the future We
hope for the sake of New Mexico that we are right
No man ever sat in position containing such
possibilities for service to his state If he will decide
to hew to the line letting the chips fall where they
may he take permanent and high place as a
public benefactor.
II he decides to go with any special interests in
any course against the people it will be day for
New Mexico. The name he might have made will
not be carried in the of the history the state
Just now he can tip the scales either way as prog
sress, justice and equity hang in the balance.
is there any wonder that we are anxious over Mr.
Bursums decision? He is at the fork of the road
If he hesitates, the party hesitates. His RESPONSE
bility is very great.
Since we wrote the above editorial, Mr. Bursum
gave out an interview for publication in an evening
paper. in which he declared in favor of BIZ
partisan commission for the land office
This is good. We believe it points the direction
Mr.. Bursum's mind is taking We have decided
however, to let editorial stand.