The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1935-01-02
A Charge C0llapses


Now that the political opponents Of
Thomas Noodle have grudgingly ad-
United that he is a citizen, it is inter-
esting to note the facts regarding his
record which hearing on this SUBJ
ject would have disclosed.
It would have been revealed, for
example, that his mother home
steaded in South Dakota more than
so years ago upon her remarriage
following the death of Noodles
father while he was little more than
an infant. That fact alone made him
q citizen. since the citizenship of
child follows that of its parents or
surviving parent.
1t would have been disclosed, too.
that Noodle enlisted in North Dakota
In 1898 for service in the Spanish
American war and the Philippine in
surrection. The only reason he didn't
bear arms for his country was that
the North Dakota National Guard
regiment at that time had no place
for two militia companies which were
raised for such service.
The muster rolls of Company E. or
ganized at Langdon but not accepted
for service in the war, would show
the name Of Thomas H. Noodle He
had heard that militia company
was being organized there and went
to Langdon for the specific purpose
of enlistment.
1t would have been disclosed that
he was enrolled for possible service
IN the World War, having registered
for the draft in that conflict. Because
he was married, however, he was
placed in class 4 and never called.
The obvious fact is that, as soon
as Noodle was Nominated, some OF
the Doodle accumulated by the late
and unlamented LANCER administra-
ton was spent in the task Of tracing
down the history of this man who
threatened their grasp upon the gov
eminent and the people of North
Dakota. They learned that he was
born in Canada and, falling to find
record Of his naturalization, jumped
at the conclusion that he was not
citizen. Upon such flimsy deduction
was based the charge that he was an
alien.
That it was shameful thing is
beside the point. The true signifi-
canoe of the charge Is that it was the
act of the politically damned seeking
to avoid retribution for their crimes
IN office: attempting, by fair means
or foul. to perpetuate q hold upon
the people of the state which had
been broken only by the greatest pub
1ic uprising in the history Of North
Dakota.
It is not always easy for a man to
prove his exact status when called
upon to do so. Much is being made
Of this fact in the current effort Of
the state health department to reg
lister all babies born in this state.
THAT Noodle would have been able
to do so, however, had he been called
upon to answer this ridiculous charge,
Is now admitted by the people who
have attempted to prosecute him.
This charge and withdrawal are not
surprising. They are only additional
evidence Of the frame Of mind in
which his enemies find themselves.
It may be q harsh comparison, yet
their actions are strikingly similar to
those Of cornered rat which is fight
ing for its existence.
Now that half Of the attack upon
Noodle has collapsed miserably, it can
confidently. be anticipated that the
other half also will be withdrawn or
win fail when put to the test Of court
scrutiny. Then, perhaps, we shall
have an end to this harassment of
public officer who comes to office
with the support Of majority Of the
voters and with q clean record behind
him.
Even Tom Noodles enemies must
attach some significance to the fact
that close examination Of his record
cleaned nothing more damning than
these comic opera accusations which
have been dignified by bringing them
to the attention Of the states highest
tribunal.
Il his investigators wanted to do
the state Q service, they would pub
1icly admit that all OF his life Tom
Noodle has been good citizen, m
lnveterate foe Of graft and corrup-
tion and an influence for good in the
communities where he has been q
resident.
This. Of course, i too much to ex-
pect from people Of the caliber Of
those who have directed this attack.
Il is enough that the majority Of the
Jtople Of this ststs evidently under
Sand II.
- l.n .,u,,