The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1934-02-15
TELL PEOPLE WHY
THEY ARE OPPOSED
TO DENOMINATION
Statement Designed to Clarity
Their Position Is Given
to Public
CONFIRM PREVIOUS STAND
Seven 0id.Time Chiefs in Poll.
teal Group Sign Ringing
Oenunciation
CONFIRM PREVIOUS STAND

Seven elective state officials, head
ed by Lieutenant Governor Ole II.
Olson, Thursday issued formal state
ment over their signatures repudiat-
Ing the policies and administration Of
Gov. william LANCER and charging
that the governor Is attempting to
become dictator Of the Nonpartisan
League and thereby make it subserv-
lent to his wishes"
Besides Olson, officials signing the
statement are Secretary Of State Rob-
ert Byrne, State Treasurer Alfred
Dale. Insurance Commissioner 8. A.
Olsness. Commissioner Of Agriculture
and Labor John HUSKY, and Railroad
Commissioners G. w. Mcdonnell and
Fay Harding.
AL but Mcdonnell and Harding
were elected on the same ticket with
LANCER In 1892. The railroad commits
sioners have six-year terms and
Harding is up for reelection this year.
Clarifies Their Stand
The statement. designed Ito clari-
~ the stand already taken by q ma
jority Of the present state officials Ia
repudiating the policies and admins
tration Of William LANCER" confirms
the action taken by the seven officials
first at meeting at Fargo and more
recently at q meeting In Bismarck Of
the anti-Langer group designated as
the committee Of 100"
Superintendent Of Public Instruc-
ton Arthur E. Thompson, who par
ticipated in the Fargo reputation
meeting, was not asked to sign the
statement because, officials explained,
that office Is not listed on the party
ballot, but on the no-party ballot along
with judges OF the supreme court.
Thompson, who also Is opposed to
Langer's policies. will issue q separate
statement within the next week.
Three Did Not Sign
Other elective officials who did not
sign the statement are Attorney Gen.
eral p. O. Satire, appointed to his Of
flee by LANCER following resignation
Of A. j. Gronna: State Auditor Berta
+. Baker and Railroad Commissioners
Ben G. Larkin. The three have been
supporters Of the LANCER administra-
ton.
The statement comes as prepara-
lions are being made for Saturdays
Nonpartisan League precinct meet
ings for selection of delegates to the
organizations county conventions
scheduled for February n. The state
Endorsement convention will be held
at Valley City March s.
BY their action the seven officials
indicate that should LANCER be re-
nominated at the Valley City conven-
ton, they will refuse Endorsement on
the same ticket. That there will be
two states Of Nonpartisan League can
didates contesting for the Republican
nomination in the June primary ap-
pears practically certain as a result
Of the stand taken by the state Of
ficials.
In singing language, the seven Of
ficiak charged LANCER was concerned
chiefly with sell perpetuation IN Of
flee rather than sane, honest and eco
nomical government"
They said the governors acts
prompted US to absolve ourselves
from the responsibility for the adj
ministration Of William LANCER and
which causes us to again declare that
we cannot conscientiously support his
denomination to office"
The statement Was issued, the Of
ficials said, not as - political move
on our part" and without any desire
TO influence or dictate the naming
Of any candidate or candidates"
Continued on Pare Two,