The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1932-09-12
Candidate Will bait Own
Hook" II Elected to Chief
Executives Chair

TOOK u etected 10 Chiet
Executives Chair
When my name was first mentioned
Tor the office of Governor it came
as much of surprise to me as to
anyone. My political activities have
been limited to some IA years as states
attorney and the filling of some less
important offices such as mayor and
school director and the like, and was
entirely without ambition to occupy
any state office. But the idea grew
to proportions which I did not sus-
pect and practically without effort on
my part found myself Endorsed for
Governor OF North Dakota.
I, of course, became the recipient of
congratulations by hundreds of well
wishers. My friends and many who
were total strangers conveyed their
congratulations and assurances of
hearty support. Completely enveloped
by this atmosphere Of appreciation, I
was approached by one of my best
friends. A fisherman friend of a
quarter of a century with whom I
have spent many days under all kinds
of circumstances, both pleasant and
trying. until our friendship grew to
very intimate proportions. He ex-
tended his hand and expressed his
deep sympathy. This was in marked
contrast to the congratulations had
been receiving and inquired the rea-
son for his sympathy. He informed
me that he did not intend to support
me for Governor. I told him that
perhaps that would improve my
chances for election, but l pretended
to be curious and asked him to spe-
city the reason for his opposition. He
answered that he had made up his
mind he would not bait a fish hook
for any Governor, no matter who he
was.
I then made him a promise.
promised my friend. as one fisherman
to another. that if elected and we
went fishing together would bait my
own fish hook.
This is a true story Of an incident
which actually took place and relate
1t as Introductory to thought which
wish to make very emphatic and
without any ambiguity or qualifica-
ton whatever.
No other promise in light or serious
vein has been made by me to any
individual or faction or group of indi-
viduals which have not made public
and made to the people as whole.
And no deal will be made with nor
will any job be promised by me or
with my consent or approval to any
Individual, nor will there be any
promise to or fushion with any fac
ton or party, nor will any pledge be
made except my pledge to all the peo-
pie to devote my best efforts to the
office of Governor in the event OF
my election.
This may not be practical politics
but it is the only kind of politics
will sanction. and I intend to adhere
strictly to this resolution. If I am
elected it will be without any en-
tanglements which may embarrass
me in the full performance of the
duties of the office as l see them.
Immediately after my endorsement
I was called upon for statement fol
publication and I prepared the fol-
lowing:
Government Is stepped in useles!
extravaganza which is sapping the
very life out of the basic industry o.
our state. Every imaginable hobby
has been pampered; useless and ex.
penSive bureaus and commission:
have been created and unnecessar!
agencies subsidized with funds taker
directly or indirectly from the pockets
of our farmers. Every possible means
some open and some disguised. of Sc
curing money to meet these burdens
have been exploited until agriculture
is no longer able to bear up under
the burden Of ruinous tribute.
Would Eliminate Waste
If elected shall exert wholeheart-
eddy every power I possess to bring
about complete elimination of this
extravaganza and wanton waste
The receipt of this statement BY
the public was such that I felt anC
still believe that struck vital issue
in this campaign. Many Of those
who had been suffering from the
burdens of government have expressed
their enthusiastic approval and ever
some Of our opponents have appar-
emily admitted its force and merit by
adopting some of the ideas even to
the extent of using some of the exact
language. So after the last 80 days
of political controversy I do not cars
tn change a syllable Of the statement
nor Of my pledge to carry out the
purposes enunciated to the best OF
my ability in the event of my election
I want the people to know these
were no idle words but they were
carefully considered and expressed 6
program which l and those working
with me are determined shall be car
ried out SO far as it is in our powe!
so to do.
If you do not believe there is any.
thing wrong with our state govern.
ment, then invite you to review som'
of the charges and statements mad,
in the recent primary campaign b!
the opposing factions of the part!
which has been in control of our stat,
government ever since the admins
tration of John Burke, some 20 year
ago. If the half of the charges ar,
true then there is broad field TO-
reform in our government activitie
and here I wish to call to your atten
ton that none of these activities ar
the outgrowth of Democratic policie
and most Of them are diametricall.
opposed to fundamental Democratic
doctrines as set out in our platform
upon which we stand and upon which
we invite the support of the citizen
of our state.
In his keynote speech at New
Rockford last Monday my worthy op
ponent according to the Associate,
Press reports stated:
"A a matter Of fact the state is
being run by Democrats. The
Democrats have been running the
state of North Dakota with the
help Of the Republicans and they
did very poor job OF it."
Cannot Be True
Upon what this statement is baset
iS unite incOmDrehpnSihle II is