The Unchecked Power of a Federal Official

J. M. Carson, a special agent of the federal land office, was charged with assault on Mr. Shell, a clerk. Carson was brought before the justice and held in the sum of $50, which was paid. Carson did not deny the assault but claimed it was provoked by Mr. Shell’s 'taunting remarks and impudence.' A prominent citizen, well-versed in Carson’s record, told a reporter that the event was only the latest in a series of disgraceful episodes involving the government official. 'Carson seems to think that his mission out here is to harass honest settlers,' the witness said. 'A rather peculiar circumstance is that he does not bother the large corporations; he leaves them almost religiously alone.' The witness alleged that Carson had pressured witnesses to lie about land claims and promised he would ensure they were not prosecuted for perjury. Despite these claims of professional misconduct, Carson received only a $25 fine from Justice Jones for the assault, leaving many to wonder why such a man represents the United States government in the territory.