Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1921-09-19
THE TRIBUNE

@ LIE EKESPONDS.
The editor of the Bismarck Tribune has re-
sponded to the invitation of the Herald to explain
why the stand which the Tribune has taken recently
with reference to the recall and related issues was
not taken earlier. The reply is in substance that this
position was taken long ago and that there has been
no sudden change in the Tribune's attitude. In sup
port OF this citations are made from several Tribune
editorials written several months ago, and the read
|er is given to understand that these articles~demon-
|strate that the Tribune's position then was Just what
it is now.
The Herald has read not only the article pub
i'shed, but the pamphlet accompanying it cohtain-
ing other selections from Tribune. editorials, and it
fails to find in them anything corresponding to its
attacks which are now being made not only
on the so-called farmers program advertised and ad-
|vocated by the Nonpartisan leaders, but to other
items not necessarily or properly parts OIL. that pro-
OF the editorials. included in this pamphlet might
with equal consistency have taken a position sub
|stantially like that Of the Herald, the Fargo Forum,
or any OF the Independent papers to whose attitude
it now objects so strenuously. However, the Tri-
bune is at liberty to maintain as it does that it's
former articles were prepared in the same spirit and
with the same purpose as the articles which it pub
fishes today.
There has never been any difference of opinion
among the protested opponents of Townley and
Iownleyism 50 far as their puhlic expressions are
concerned with reference to what is usually known
as the League program, and the Herald has insisted
at various times and insists now that the establish
ment OF a mill and elevator, a terminal elevator es-
peclally, is not a part of the Townley program.
Townley adopted the elevator idea which had been
originated long before his time and on the basis of
chat he built what he chose to call the farmers pro-
gram, with all its excrescenccs and eccentricities.
The question whether or not the building of a state
terminal elevator is wise business policy for the
state OF North Dakota has long ago passed beyond
the realm of debate. There is no occasion to debate
it. There will be differences on this point until the
thing is tried out and it is quite likely that there will
continue to be differences but the fact.is that the
state has for some time been definitely committed to
the creation of such an institution. Public men Of
all kinds, political parties, and factions Of political
parties have alike committed, themselves to this
thing. The Herald has never believed that the en-
terprise was a good one for the state to engage in,
but It has not denied the right Of the people Of the
consideration they really desire to do so. There is no
moral question involved. The question is one of
business, and when Z decision has been reached that
this particular activity shall be inaugurated, and
there has been a practically unanimous endorse
ment Of the PLAN, it is futile to continue, discussion
of it. The state is going to have a terminal elevator.
This. administration has begun the building Of one,
and has made a botch OF it. Some other administra-
ton must and will complete the work. If the adj
r1inistration which succeeds, the present one should
try and fail, or should break faith and not try at all.
It would in due time be retired and still another adj
ministration would be brought on to take up the
work. The farmers of North Dakota are going to
have their Nterrninal elevator. The Bismarck Tri-
hnne cannot prevent it and it would be impossible
to organize any movement which would forestall it,
The obvious course and the course Of wisdom is to
accept this fact and to proceed in good faith to- pro-
vide the people with the demonstration which they
INSIST on having and be it understood, that demon
l~stration mast be made in good faith and must be
adequately made. There is no such thing as PLAYING
with It successfully. 1t is for this reason that the
Herald has insisted ever since it regarded the cle-
[vator proposition as closed that the effort 81 the
state government be directed toward the erection
and operation IN . wise and businesslike manner of
4 terminal elevator plant Of sufficient size and prop
lerly equipped 70 perform the work expected Of ii. ii
lis to that plan that the entire Independent oreaniza-
Ition q pledged just IS much " Il Is pledged to tie
ldischzrge OF incompetent state employees and the
liquidation of the state business enterprises which
iareS not ~ ~ related I'd the elevator activity. and
INhoss Inauguration + uncalied for and unwise.