The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1932-12-17
The Banner of Courage

The Banner of Courage
Announcement by Attorney Gen.
eral-elect A. j. Gronna. Jr., of the
list of assistants who will serve with
him in office should obtain a favor
able reaction from the voters Of the
state.
Two of the men who have been
given appointments are we'll and IA
vorably known in Bismarck and the
Missouri Slope area. They are Har-
old D. Shaft of Bismarck and Milton
X. Higgins of Mandan. Each is a
young man and each has proved his
ability as lawyer, Shaft in private
practice and as assistant attorney
general under James Morris for the
last four years, and Higgins in pri-
yate practice at Mandan.
Announcement that Gronna has
offered position to P. o. Satire,
now assistant United States district
attorney for North Dakota and for
merly state senator from the
Steele Griggs district, also will win
the applause of those who feel that
honest and efficient service is the
first duty of public office holders.
Satire made an excellent record for
Independent thinking as a member
of the state senate and his associates
regarded him as man of unim-
peachable integrity. There can be
no better Endorsement for any man.
The third appointee, Charles YER
rett of Cando is less well-known
here but is regarded by members of
bar as a man OF proven ability
and integrity. The personal stand
ard which is his may be judged from
the high caliber of the other ap-
pointees.
To those who do not know Gronna,
the appointment of Shaft may come
as something Of q surprise. Shafts
four years of service under a prede-
cessor of opposite political faith
might easily have turned the scales
against this appointment. That such
was not the case is a tribute to both
Gronna and Shaft.
1t demonstrates, as words could not
possibly do, the mental attitude with
which Gronna approaches the task
which the voters have delegated to
him. It proves that service to the
people rather than the exercise of
political vindictiveness or the crea-
ton OF personal political machine
is his primary object.
This one act rears the standard of
political courage over the office of
the attorney general-elect. From a
purely political standpoint the easiest
thing for him to do would have been
to make clean sweep. Such action
would have caused no unfavorable
comment and would have prevented
possible attacks by those who feel
that sweep 'em all out" is construc-
tive policy for a victor to pursue.
1 Throughout the state as a whole
however, this rather surprising move
on Gronna's part will win more APP
plause than censure. 1t will be gen.
orally realized that service to the
public is Gronna's aim in office. It
serves notice that he will do his own
thinking, make his own decisions
and discharge his own responsible
ties. It gives rise to confidence that
his name will be added to the dis
tinguiShed list of state officers who
realize that the best politics, both
party and personal, is that which
makes service rather than persona
ambition It's goal.
i The congratulations which viii
4
come to Gronna as the result OF Thu
decision should extend, also, to tn.
,Nonpartisan League executive com
lmittee which approved the appoint
Iments. On their part 1t show
breadth Of vision and an open mind
IT demonstrates that they do no
agree with any In their party VIII,
would revive the vindictive spirit AM
useless ntagonisms which this stat
has known ct some times In the past
lt i ample proof that they hold N
aympathy With the ancient slogan Q
wen make srass grow in you
treets" which some political ele
nents apparently are attempting
h6y1ye.