The Cheyenne Daily Leader

DOING THEM JUSTICE
Our contemporary, the Sun, in its issue of yesterday, does tardy justice to some of the Democratic federal officials, who have thoroughly done their duty to all persons regardless of politics. This is particularly noticeable in the cases of Surveyor General Thompson and Register Wilson, against whom it was at one time peculiarly vindictive. The result goes to show that the man who conscientiously does what he considers his duty, unawed by opposition and unmoved by prejudice, will eventually find his reward in public appreciation. The Sun says: "The reverse of this man [the governor] is the courteous and ever obliging secretary of Wyoming, S. D. Shannon. At the outset there was a strong prejudice against him, arising from the fact that he was an ex-rebel and hailed from South Carolina. But it soon became apparent that he was a thorough gentleman and brought with him only the kindest feelings toward our people. He seemed to understand and appreciate the circumstances in which the settlers of Wyoming were placed, and took no stock in the denunciations by Commissioner Sparks or Governor Moonlight. As soon as the capitol was completed the secretary caused his suite of rooms to be handsomely fitted up, and they have been kept open during office hours for the transaction of public business.

Those who know Gen. Thompson will be less guarded and more sincere in their praise of him than is the Sun, in the following paragraph: "The only democratic federal official, aside from our meddlesome governor, who has assumed to play the role of a politician in Wyoming, is Surveyor-General Thompson. The official duties of this public servant have been very light, and as he possessed a rare gift of poetical fancy, it was pardonable in him to take the stump in behalf of free trade and democracy. General Thompson brought his family from Kentucky and erected a commodious residence in the city, evidently intending to remain and abide with us. He is a lawyer by profession and will no doubt be able to give his exclusive attention to legal business very early next season."

It gives a somewhat extended reference to Register Wilson in these words:
Owing to the great stress which President Cleveland has put upon his much vaunted land policy, and the want of confidence shown toward the west by Land Commissioner Sparks, the position of land register has attracted more attention and called forth more criticism than all of the other Wyoming appointments combined. Edgar S. Wilson, who was early appointed by the president to this responsible office, has carried out his instructions to the letter and stood the fire of the opposition press with remarkable equanimity. If he had been more lenient he would have more friends in Wyoming. As it is, however, he must expect to step down and out with the present administration. He stood by Cleveland and his land policy and it is only right that he should retire at the same time. While he has not taken an active part in politics, he has been a steadfast Democrat and bet his money on Cleveland's election up to the last hour.

"The Sun is willing to concede that Register Wilson has given the duties of the Cheyenne land office his earnest and undivided attention, and that he possesses unusual ability for such difficulties as must be daily encountered in the land department, but he might have been less strict in carrying out the instructions he received from Washington because he was on the ground and could see the hardships inflicted. As to the legal fraternity there is general good feeling toward Mr. Wilson. The lawyers say that he has treated them fairly and given prompt attention to their business before the office.

"Of our democratic judges the Sun will have a few words to say hereafter; also of the other federal officers who have held commissions in Wyoming."