The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1921-08-13
BURDICK CHANGE
BRINGS COMMENT.
ON ASPIRATIONS
One-time Opponent of N0npar-
tisan League Now Speaks
With Gov. Frazier
MENTIONED FOR SENATE
Action of Senator McCumber's S
Friends Interesting State
Politicians

Friends Interesting State
Politicians
One of the political developments
that will be of interest to those wht
have followed the political career Of
Usher L. Burdick of Williston is the
alignment of the former insurgen
candidate for governor with the agra
rian policies of the state administra
tion.
A week ago today and last Sunday
at rallies in Steele, Griggs and Foster
counties, Mr.. Burdick appeared at the
same meetings with Governor Frazier
and Miss Brickner.
This from the Mclean County lnde'
pendent, the Mclean county league
paper. indicates that Mr.. Burdick has
thrown himself into the thick OF the
fight against the recall and to some
extent has brought the influence OF
the Farm Bureau and the Gralr
Growers association into the political
controversy:
"Usher L. Burdick followed with
lengthy address, every sentence
of which had a real punch in it.
Mr.. Burdick numerically flayed
the interests which are now at
work trying to destroy the Farm
Bureau and the Grain Growers or
ganizations. His long story of
the trials of the Farm Bureau and
the Grain Growers reads much
like page from the book Of Non
partisan League history. Mr..
Burdick went into details regard
ing the selling plan of the Grain
Growers"
Burdick has been aligned with the
insurgent element for many years. He
fought what was called the old ma
chine for years. He has been seri-
ously mentioned at times as having
aspirations to sit in the United States
senate and as a possible contender tor
Senator McCumber's seat is regarded
by some as worth watching.
He first came into prominence when
he was made speaker of the House.
He was a candidate for governor On
two occasions, practically retiring the
last time in the midst of the fight
when he faced the Nonpartisan League
firing line in Stutsman county. 1t
was in jamestown that he was re-
ported to have said that "the woods
are full of them," and gave an inter-
view that confused the insurgents. His
friends snapped him back into the
fight against Frazier again in an
eleventh hour rally. John Frame had
been called to the Mexican border,
Geo. J. Smith was the other opponent
and the insurgent camp looked as
gloomy as wet Sunday. Despite the
primary statement, Burdick pulled out
with 23,362 votes as against 39,246
for Frazier. Efforts were made to
get Col. Frame to retire from the race
when he was called into the service
which prevented him from making an
active campaign. Frame only got g.
'780 votes.
The recall election which now seems
assured will, it is said, present some
interesting alignments and the United
States senatorship doubtless will play
q most potent part. Senator P. J.
McCumber's attitude toward the recall
is being watched closely by both
camps. 1t is urged that if his organ
ization decided to show its hand that
its position would have been mani
tested in discouraging signers to the
recall petitions. As fas as can be as
certained, the McCumber machine in
this state has been quiescent but
whether it can maintain safe and
conservative neutrality without seri-
Gus damage to the organization is a
matter of considerable comment.
Federal patronage from now on will
reveal the strength or weakness OF
the McCumber organization. The atti-
tude of the National Republican lead
ers to the North Dakota situation is
not clearly defined. While the national
platform is opposed to the general
agrarian policies of the Nonpartisan
League. the agricultural block headed
by such men as Norris and Capper is
a big factor when it comes to votes.
National Committeeman Olson early
in the recall agitation endorsed Nestos
at Minot. There are no signs evident
anywhere that Olson is putting his
shoulder to the wheel. He is comfort
ably settled in soft federal job now
and may not be looking for trouble.
The political alignments present a
perplexing problem for everyone.
There may be a complete agreement
everywhere but as yet there are few
indications Of one.
When the recall petitions are filed
the names might afford some line on
the fearlessness with which some Of
the old independent warhorses are
willing to show in their espousal Of
the recall election.
Up to date the only militant organ.
ization is the l. V. A. made up of DEM
ocrats and Republicans, many Of
whom were once bellwethers in the
Nonpartisan league ranks.
The political ball will roll soon anC
one Of the most interesting phases
will be the alignments that will come
during the recall.
pTAV INSTRIluTnR IEAVES