Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1922-05-13
'1F AT FIRST YOU DON'T SUCCEED"

Some time ago the Journal addressed an open
letter to Judge Holloman, then holding term OF
his district court at Gallup, in which asked him
questions to the jurisdiconal basis for the
governor to declare martial law in Mckinley county
and the need of such procedure We inquired
whether the situation there was beyond his control
as District Judge
To these inquiries Judge Holloman made no
reply He informed US verbally that he intended to
make reply.
Judge Holoman is personal and political friend
of Governor Mechem and believe it is fair to
sumo that had it been possible, without violence to
his legal reputation to do so, he would have come to
the rescue Of the governor and would have stated
that he believed that conditions existed in McKin-
ley county which conferred jurisdiction upon the
governor TO declare martial law. We believe it
to be Just inference from his silence, that Judge
Hooman did not so believe.
Had the judge believed the situation at Gallup
to be beyond his control, he would undoubtedly
have so stated His silence may fairly be construed
as disapproval Of the governors action as prema-
ture.
II our differences incorrect still offer
Judge Holloman the use Of our columns to state his
position.
We had no luck with open letter to Judge
Holloman but we are far from discouraged. Ru-
prevalent regarding practice alleged 10
exist in the land office If these true
a gross crime has been committed against our pub
lie institutions and the taxpayers of the state. TO
test the matter we are addressing open letter
to Nelson Field. Land Commissioner We hope for
better success than we had with Judge Holloman.
Here is the letter:
Nelson Field, Esq.
Commissioner Public Lands
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Dear sir:-The journal wishes to call your at
tention to rumors which in circulation in New
Mexico and to ask you to their TRUTH II they
are false they should be nailed at once in justce
to yourself. This paper will gladly publish your
reply. This inquiry is not implication that the
rumors are true. for we are wholly without relia
BILE information at this time upon which TO bast
an opinion as to their truth or falsity.
It 10 being stated that public lands have been
advertised for sale and public sale made, after
which the deal has been held up pending the ap-
prevail of the SALE; that Immediately after the
sale the possession Of the land has been turned
over to the successful bidder pending approval
and that long periods have elapsed before approval
during which time the successful bidder has paid
neither interest on his purchase nor lease rentals
on the land being allowed the free use of the prop
erty pending approval of the purchase. Is this
true?
Were there, January l, 1922, any sales held
up pending approval. If so, how many and
what the total acreage involved? Was rental
interest paid during the interim?
During the three and one-haf years Of your
tenure OF office have any sales been held up "pend
ing approval for period as long one year? If
so, how many, for how long a period and what
was the total acreage involved? Was rental or
interest paid during the interim?
Are you willing to assist representative In
verifying from the records of your office the
accuracy Of the replies made to the above ques-
tons?
To- vphlta ID do tp Satt1 Gov
the purpose Of arriving at the truth, in justice
both yourself and the public.
Sincerely,
ALBUQUERQUE MORNING JOURNAL.