The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1930-05-29
MIR. BURNQUISTS DILEMMA
Murray County Herald-Slayton

Former Gov J. A. A. Burnquist who again
aspires the governorshp, is finding that his form
er connection with the U. S. I. Realty Company,
which went into the hands of receiver and cost the
people of Minnesota several hundred thousands dol
lars is doing him little good.
In an attempt to whte-wash his connections
with the defunct company, Mr. Burnquist has had
Floyd B. Olson County Attorney of Hennepin County
and Farmer-Labor candidate for Governor, issue
letter reiterating statements alleged to have been
made by Mr.. Olson in the campaign OF 1924 when
Mr. Olson a candidate for governor.
Mr. Olson at that time stated, to quote from his
letter, that the company had retained you as it's
counsel and traded upon your prestige as former
Governor and upon your good reputation. stated
that the Company had issued pamphlet which con-
tanned false report to the assets and Haoltles
Of the company and had induced you to sign such
report upon the strength of audit made of the
Companys affairs
Mr. Olson then becomes apologize for the things
he said and continues During my investigation OF
the u S. l. Realty Company and it's affairs no evil
dence was presented to me which involved you In
any way. It is my recollection that you and your
then law partner Mr.. Jackman, withdrew your con-
nection with the Company as you discovered
that the Company practcing deceit upon the
public"
How splendid of Mr.. Olson. He is most magnan-
nous indeed and most charitable. Or is it possible
that Mr.. Olson would prefer to see Mr.. Burnquist
nominated rather than Ray P. Chase, with the idea
in mind that Mr.. Burnquist would be easier TO oe-
feat in the general election? Olson is willy poll
tician.
But to return to the Olson letter and Mr.. Burn
ouists attempt to white-wash himself. If our
memory serves us right Mr.. Burnquist resigned as
Vice President and General Counsel of the u s. l.
Realty Company but few months before that Com
pany went into receivership.
| Less than six months before the company failed,
| a committee of members of the Masonic Lodge OF
this city visited Mr. Burnquis and questioned him as
to the soundness of the U. S. I. Realty Company.
They went to him feeling that former Governor
and as an able attorney he could and would give
them the information wanted They were told by
Mr.. Burnquist that the company was solvent ana IN
good shape that they would be secure in investing
approximately 5000 in securities.
AS result of his advice the committee reported
their findings to the Masonic Home Building Asso-
citation and purchased the contracts with the at
tendant losses only too well known by all who did
likewise.
It may be true that Mr.. Burnquist acted strictly
in the capacity of attorney for the Company and was
not guilty participating in fraud or deceit OF
any kind but man who is qualified to be Governor
of the State of Minnesota the business of which runs
into many millions of dollars annually should be able
to learn for himself, to the sovency of an lnstu-
ton of which he is officer and attorney
Mr. Burnquist is serious predicament but 1t
will take more than letter from Mr.. Olson or any
one else to make those who lost their hard-earned
savings in the U. S. l. Reality Company believe that
be was is entirely bameless in the premises.