The Bismarck tribune., 1937-04-07

!: ::::: ::!:: 4: =:
Why Recall
Decision to attempt the recall of Gov William LANCER,
reached Monday by political group meeting at Jamestown
forces the people this state determine their upon such
an issue. ~.
Unless the movement dies aborning the soon will be
faced with the question of whether he wishes to sgnor
to sign-the recall petitions.
The question merits real thinking It should considered
dspasonaey and in the light of all the facts North Dakota
has had enough of parsanshp and prejudice already.
The first salient fact is that William LANCER legally was
elected to the office holds Charges ccanery in the
election should be ignored because chcanery practce
it probably was practiced by all Sides
Most Of the accusations made in the indictment the
eror by the Jamestown refer to things which happened
BEFORE the last election Some of them things which
this newspaper has made pointed mention the past But the
fact that the people elected him with full knowledge Of these
charges weakens them arguments for recall now.
In it's editorial Of Nov 1885, after had become apparent
that Mr. LANCER had been elected this newspaper forth its
position in the following words:
"He Uanger) is politically reconstructed =. Though
elected by minority vote, when Mr. LANCER becomes gov
in January he will take office the governor Of all
the people On that basis he entitled the fair consd
GRAFTON Of all the people,"
More to the point the recognition given the talk
OF recall which then from the very which
the jamestown meeting Referring this phase
Of the situation, this newspaper said:
Before the electon-and since the result has been
observation-disclosures has been talk Of recall Such talk
unjustfed and unbecoming It arises largely from frs-
trated ambition has place in the minds Of North Da-
kotans The people after ALL the masters It is theirs
to reject when they go the polls at the ap
pointed time and place."
Nothing in the indictment drawn against the governor at
Jamestown Of sufficient weight to change the opinion thus
expressed The issues which raises have either been consd
cred by the people already of such character
recall election with its attendant expense and bitterness
thing which will do harm rather than good.
Good sporsmanshp demands too that question Of who
has right to initiate such be very definitely
raised The forces which array themselves in this movement
opposed to the at the last election They had
their chance then Why should they want opportunity
extra try now? The question deserves fair answer
the movement from those who supported the gov
1886 would merit consideration As s those
now agtng the issue the risk Of branding themselves
dsguned dehards BY their actions well by their own
political histories they raise the question Of whether they
worthy Of trust than those whom they assa
The Tribune holds brief for the governor but there
overlooking the fact that statute Of limitations exists
politics well in the civil law; that any indictment against
him. to be valid must be based the by him
he took office last January s.
To those who will be solicited for money finance the
pecve recall movement word of warning On the face Of it.
it has little chance to succeed The task of getting
signatures is monumental beyond any capacity which
j. that matter what their efforts another election will roll
around in the natural before the needed number
Of signatures could be obtained