The Bismarck tribune., 1934-07-20
On the WAY to Peace

On the Way to Peace
Events Of the last two days indicate
that government by force and intimi-
dation rapidly is passing in North
Dakota.
10 be sure We still have the state
militia on duty, but this Is because
of a situation not Of the present ad-
ministration's making. It is moving
to restore normalcy as swiftly as pos
sible. Once this Is achieved, the
militia will be returned to its armory
and the probability is that we shall
see little more Of 1t during the next
few months, at least.
Proof Of this lies in the manner in
which Governor Olson dealt with the
presumed session of the state legis-
lature which met Thursday. He could
have used the national guard to pre-
vent the assembly from meeting in
the capitol building. This would have
been strictly In line with the history
OF the last 10 months in North Da-
kota. Instead he choose to let such
lawmakers gather as cared to do so.
The result was painful surprise to
his political opponents, tribute to
the patriotism and sound Judgment
of many legislative members. Feel
ing that the session was illegal and
that they could do nothing but create
more trouble for North Dakota, a ma
jority Of the senator's and large
number Of representatives stayed
away.
From an executive standpoint the
situation now has resolved ITSELF Ole
Olson is the governor and, in his in
itial moves, has proved himself both
conscientious and competent. In
time when excitement was the rule
and men might be excused for yield
Ing to it, he has refused to get ex-
cited. After l8 months in which dis
regard for law by the chief executive
has been common, he has adhered
strictly to the law which, after all,
is merely the rule which the people
have laid down, not only for their
own guidance but for that Of public
servants
Although the opening session OF the
legislature proved abortive, a major
ity Of the senate having failed to ap-
pear, there Is yet the possibility that
legal determination will have to be
made Of the situation created by this
attempt to assemble pursuant to
a call issued by man illegally serv-
ing as governor. countermanded by
one who is recognized to have prop
er authority. II SO, there Is no rea-
son for undue excitement on the part
OF the populace. The matter can be
handled in the usual orderly way
and the people can be assured that
justice will be done and the law in
terpreted fairly. As things stand
now, the consensus Of opinion Is that
the legislative meeting is illegal and
without any force or effect. There Is
no occasion to get excited about 1t.
Meanwhile. 1t is worthy Of note that
only small portion Of the population
is either excited or disturbed by the
events OF the last few weeks. Every
citizen Is intensely interested, to be
sure. He should be, for the powers Of
government rest IN the hands Of the
voters and they should acquaint them
selves with the situation in order that
these may be used wisely. The peo-
pie will have opportunity to pass on
the whole business and that in the
pear future.
The surprising thing about incidents
Of the last few days is that 80 few
persons were inclined to demonstra-
tions Of any kind. On Tuesday night
Bismarck watched a parade Of some
IS to SO persons. obvious partisans OF
the late administration. Some in
dicated their own lack Of nervous sta
bility by referring to it as q mob.
It was no such thing. It was parade,
neither well organized nor laudable,
but still q parade. There was no vio-
lence and no damage to property. TO
cali this demonstration . mob Is un-
fair both to the participants. to Bis
marck and the state Of North De-
kota.
There are signs that the bad pub
licity which North Dakota has re-
ceived IN the remainder Of the ma
tion for the last year and half soon
viii vanish from the front pages,
probably win disappear altogether.
Governor olson = showing the rest
~ the nation that the hearts and
minds Of North Dakotans are IN
trinsically sound and that ~ do. aftsr
III. bsIong 70 tn union. Thsre Win
. 10 sisns q ATTEMPTED sscession,
- lacto q otherwise. from him.
INK q ciyil var. such = Some have