The Treasurer-Elect Nobody Would Sign For

It has become a matter of common notoriety that J.W. Maple, the newly elected county treasurer, is having great difficulty in securing an acceptable bond. It is, to say the least, unfortunate that any public official who has been regularly and honestly elected should be unable to qualify because of his inability to give a bond for the proper and honest discharge of his official duties. It certainly indicates a lack of confidence either in his ability or his integrity that is to be deplored.

Prior to the election the Post-Intelligencer opposed the candidacy of Mr. Maple because of an abiding conviction that he was absolutely unfitted for the discharge of the duties of the position to which he aspired. A majority of the voters of the county, however, seemed to think otherwise, and Mr. Maple was elected. The Post-Intelligencer since the election has studiously refrained from further comment until this time. Now, however, certain facts have transpired which it seems proper that the people should know.

It has been openly asserted by some of Mr. Maple's friends that a combination had been formed by his political opponents for the purpose of preventing him from securing a bond. This statement is, of course, absolutely false. The facts in the case demonstrate conclusively that Mr. Maple has been entirely discredited even by his former friends and associates.

It is well known that Mr. Maple owed his nomination and his election to the Republican party. And yet since his election he is said to have ignored the leaders of that party to such an extent as to have entirely alienated them from his cause. They allege openly that before the election Mr. Maple entered into an agreement in writing under which he surrendered completely not only the control of the county deposits but also the patronage of his office to a prominent Democratic politician. They further allege that Mr. Maple, in order to secure votes, promised to a prominent Democrat the position of first deputy. At the same time and for the same purpose he promised another lucrative position to a prominent Republican.

As to the truth of these allegations there seems to be no doubt. If they are true they certainly furnish a good and sufficient reason for any cautious, conservative business man to refuse to go on the bond of Mr. Maple. Under such circumstances it is little less than ridiculous to talk of a combination against him. He himself is responsible for the elimination that has discredited him. When a man and his wife join in signing an official bond a binding and serious obligation is incurred, and no one would think of assuming such an obligation for a man in whom they had not the fullest confidence. The action of Mr. Maple in attempting to barter away in advance the spoils of his office to Democrats and Republicans indiscriminately is not such as to encourage confidence either in his ability or his intentions.

In spite of all that has been said, however, Mr. Maple has been elected and he is certainly entitled to the office, if he can give a good and sufficient bond as required by law. It is made the duty of the county commissioners and of the city government to see that the interests of the people and of the taxpayers are protected and that the bond offered by the county treasurer is good for the amount stated. This the people will demand that they do. It will be better and cheaper even to go to the expense of a new election if necessary, rather than take chances with a man who is known to be incompetent and who is charged with practically bargaining away the control of his office before he was even elected.