Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1921-03-24
THE DEVILS LAKE CONVENTION.

The convention Of Independent voters to. be held at
Devils Lake next week will determine whether or not a
recall election shall be held, and If so, when and under
what circumstances. While the recall Of officials Is an
matter, in that petitions signed by the requisite
number Of individuals, no matter how such signatures
are secured, will be effective, no such movement can be
made operative except through organized effort. It is
for the purpose of ascertainins as nearly as possible the
sentiment of the Independent citizenship Of the entire
state, and Of putting into effect such plans as that citizen
ship may approve, that the Devils Lake convention is to
be held. The delegates. to, that convention have been
selected at caucuses and local conventions, where full
opportunity was given to all to express themselves.
There is no difference of opinion among the Inde-
pendent voters as to the desirability for a change in the
methods Of handling the business of the state, and it is
realized everywhere that there will be no change SO long
as the present officials remain in power. Nevertheless.
there are differences of opinion as to the wisdom OF UNI
dertaking to recall these officials at this time.
It is everywhere recognized that another special cleo
ton is in itself undesirable. But there are very many
voters who are fully convinced that, cenceding fully the
undesirability of special elections when they can be-
avoided, the present situation is one which demands
prompt and effective action. They feel certain that if an
election is once called the friends of wise and constructive
administration will so assert themselves that ~unfaithful
public servants will be retired and others will be placed
in charge. and that the beneficial affects Of this, in the
re-establishment of the states credit and the prevention
Of the further waste of its substance, will be far more
than sufficient to outweigh any undesirable, features In
volved in a special election. + FL
There are others who, while impressed with the de-
STABILITY of the earliest possible change in the control Of
F@SSI
sentiment in favor of the recall Is yet suf6ciently strong
to overcome the merits which must be met, and who
doubt the successful issue Of the recall, even if it should
be attempted. -Nt ~
Still further, there is an element, quite numerous,
whose members feel that a recall at this time would be
unwise, even if it were certain to be accomplished. These
citizens feel that the proper strategy is to permit the pres
ent officials to serve out their full, terms, being certain
that by tho time that a regular election is due they will
have given such a conclusive and conspicuous demonstra-
ton Of their unfitneas that even the most prejudiced can
not fail to recoEnize the facts -.4 rs .zE- 80
Most of the voters who are opposed to the present
regime fall into one Of these three groups. Each of
the three opinions represented is entitled to considera-
ton. 1t is for the purpose OF anording opportunity for
such consideration in a single representative body that
gate ought to go to that gathering with an open mind,
seeking to ascertain what the actual facts are rather than
seeking to insure the adoption OF his own views by skill
full engineering. 4.
The recall must not be ordered unless there is salts
factory evidence that that course will be approved with
substantial unaninfty by the Independent voters of the
state. If such evidence is not Forthcoming. those who
do believe in the wisdom. Of the recall must be content
to abandon further effort in that direction, and to devote
themselves during the time which must elapse before a
regular election to the formulation and crystalization Of
sound sentiment throughout the state. On the other
hand, if the existence of widespread sentiment in favor Of
must be equally ready to waive their personal views and
join with others whose ultimate objective. is the same as
their own in carrying the movement forward to- success.