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Saturday March 18, 1905
Denver, Colorado - Republicans Rule: Governor Peabody Seated with Promise to Resign
PEABODY SEATED, MAY NOT RESIGN
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INTIMATION THAT PLEDGE WAS ONLY A RUSE
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ADAMS HIGHLY INDIGNANT
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Chairman of the Republican State Committee
Says Promise to Retire Was Only Part of Their Plan
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By Associated Press.
DENVER, March 16.-James H. Peabody today won his contest for the office of governor, from which he retired on January 10, after serving a term of two years, but his victory was achieved only after he had given his pledge to resign and surrender the chair to Lieutenant Governor Jesse F. McDonald.
Standing on the portico of Governor Peabody's residence tonight, while a band played and a chorus of voices shouted congratulations to the governor, D. B. Fairley, chairman of the Republican state central committee, engaged in conversation with a representative of the Associated Press:
"Will Peabody resign?" he was asked.
"I think not," was the reply.
"Has he signed a resignation?"
"A tentative one, yes."
"What will be done with it?"
"Nothing," answered the chairman.
"Was this a part of the plan to seat him, Mr. Fairley?" the reporter asked.
"I believe so," responded Mr. Fairley.
Pledged to Resign
At the conference at which the bargain was made pledges were given to the independent Republicans by the heads of four large corporations who had been active supporters of Peabody that he would retire after being seated and Lieutenant Governor McDonald to take the office of governor.
Governor Peabody's resignation, it was said, was placed in the hands of W. S. Boynton, and will be filed by him with the secretary of state tomorrow.
Governor Adams, who had spent the day packing his effects, surrendered his office to Governor Peabody shortly after 5 o'clock this afternoon. Scores of letters, telegrams and telephone messages had reached the executive chamber during the day advising Governor Adams to hold his office by force, but he decided to ignore this advice.
Adams Is Indignant
In conversation he said he felt out-raged at the action of the general assembly and expressed surprise that Mr. Peabody should become a party to what he termed a conspiracy to secure the office of governor for a man who had no claim whatever for the place. Later Governor Adams will issue a formal statement to the public regarding the result of the contest.
Jesse F. McDonald, who is slated to become governor of Colorado, was born in Ashtabula, Ohio, in 1858. He came to Colorado in 1870 and has extensive mining interests in Leadville and elsewhere.
Governor Peabody was escorted before the joint assembly by a committee after adoption of the report, and resolutions restoring him to the office of governor. He was greeted with cheers. The oath of office was administered to him by Chief Justice Gabbert. When the applause following the ceremony subsided Governor Peabody thanked the members of the legislature for having "done their duty," and assured them that their action would meet with the approbation of their constituents. He said that his election would do away for all time with criminal elections, and if this end was attained a great good would come to the state.
No Hint of Retiring
No hint was given in Mr. Peabody's speech of his intention of resigning. The joint convention adjourned until next Tuesday, when it is expected a report on the bribery charges will be made.
Governor Peabody, accompanied by Adjutant General Sherman M. Bell and a number of friends, went directly to the governor's chamber after the conclusion of the inauguration ceremony. Governor Adams had left when Governor Peabody arrived, but the retiring governor's private secretary, Alfred Patek, was still in the office. Governor Peabody inquired for Governor Adams and when told that he had gone, said:
"I am very sorry. I had expected to see him."
Governor Peabody then introduced himself to Mr. Patek, remarking that he had been seated as governor, and offered to shake hands.
Mr. Patek drew back and uttered a contemptuous remark which caused Colonel F. N. Gross of the Colorado National Guard to seize Mr. Patek by the shoulder and demand that he repeat the remark he had made.
Before Mr. Patek could reply General Bell separated the two men.
Governor Peabody remained in the office about twenty minutes receiving congratulations from many callers.
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