Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1921-12-28
NOT OF OUR CHOOSING.

The Journal wishes to direct public attention to
the fact that it is without responsibility for the fi,
ton between it and the First National Bank. We
appreciate to the fullest extent the injury which is
done the city by serious quarrel between these two
institutions.
However we did not invite the First National to
bring suits and nunctions and other legal proceed
ings against last summer We did not invite them
to try to put out of business. They did this on
their own initiative mad much against our will. Our
fight defensive. We fought to survive.
We did not ask the officers OF the bank to sue
for libel. They did 1t part of plan to put
us out OF business. We without the power to
dismiss these suits. They have forced us to go
We did not ask for the contempt OF court pro-
ceedings. They wlful effort on the part of
the bank to brighten into silence and bring about
suspension of the constitution right of freedom
of speech In New Mexico
All that we have previously done has been to
fight defensive battle against the decision Of these
gentlemen to crush and drive the Journal into
the hands Of men whom they could handle. Tho
public supported in fight to live.
The Journal had nothing to do with the relations
between the Hobrook State Bank and the First
National This mess is solely of their own making
We did not mention in our columns the failure OF
the former bank at the time of its closing business
because we did not wish to embarrass other banks.
We did not ask ]. M. Reynolds to accompany
the defunct bank visit to r. E. Putney to
solicit his Holbrook account for the bank which
subsequently closed We had nothing to do with
Mr.. Putney putting his money in that bank and
nothing to do with his loss OF many thousands of
dollars by It's closing.
We had nothing to do with the bad loans Of the
Holbrook bank or with the manpulations between
it and the First National Others made all of this
record. Upon that record we silent.
When the First National ATTEMPTED crush
we were forced to allude the Holbrook fiasco in
self defense. We did not wish to do We prompt
ly picked up libel suit for our temerity.
In the intervening months have gone as far
as our self-respect and the public interest would
permit, to bring about peace. All overtures were
construed as weakness and were rebuffed. Mr.
Reynolds and Mr.. McMillen were unyieldng in their
decision to crush II they could
We had nothing whatever to do with the indict-
ment of Mr.. Reynolds and Mr.. Rogers except to
insist that grand Jury should investigate the Hol-
brook matter.
In the action of the grand jury played no
part.
The Journal knew of the Indictment of these
men for several days but made no comment. They
themselves gave the matter publicity, seeking to
protect themselves by blaming The libel Satur-
day night gratituous. We had no intention or
going farther than to handle the matter as simple
news item whenever it became public property
Their handling Of the matter was ludicrous
We do not seek trouble with these men now
We are willing to do whatever the public Interest
and our own defense will permit. We cannot con-
sent to being crushed nor consent to the in
jury of r. E. Putney, receiver of the closed bank
because OF his activity in trying TO save the money
of the depositors.
Riding rough hod all opposition by these
men must stop. The public interest does not permit
of the power of the institution being used ruhessly
to crush every who fails to do their bidding.
When the simple lesson of service and coopera-
ton s learned and the First National ceases to use
its power unfairly the Journal Is ready to cooperate
with this great institution AS long as they attempt
to coerce or destroy the Journal. 1t will be COM
PEELED to offer all resistance possible. Are we
wrong?