The Marlin Democrat
Marlin, Texas, Thursday, February 25, 1904

STEPHENS ANSWERS QUESTIONS

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     As the DEMOCRAT has had something to say with regard to "nepotism in office," as charged to exist by "State Topics" and others, we reproduce from the Houston Post, the following letter from Comptroller Stephens, which may be of interest to some of our readers:
          Austin. Texas., Feb. 20, '04.
To the Editor of the Post:
     In your issue of the 17th, inst, under the caption. "Relatives in Office-Extent to Which Nepotism is Practiced at the State Capitol", you mention A. D.  Boone, son-in-law of the Comptroller, and in your editorial of same date you, at least, indirectly charged me with nepotism.
     A. D. Boone was appointed in January 1901 by Colonel Love, to whom he was in no way related, and promoted to his present position just prior to Colonel, Love's assassination. My appointment was made by Governor Lanham upon the dying request of Colonel Love that his official family be retained and his own family protected.
     I am willing, however, to assume the responsibility of Mr. Boone's retention as "receiving clerk, who shall perform the duties of first assistant clerk to the comptroller" (quotation is the language of the appropriation bill designating the desk), a very responsible and confidential position. Mr. Boone is my son in-law and is the only person in the office related to me in any degree.
     In regard to the positions held by members of Colonel Love's family, I have no apologies to offer. It has been a pleasure to me and should be to the people of Texas for me, their public servant, to honor that grand
man's request. To me his dying request is as binding; morally as my oath of office is officially.

Very respectfully,
J. W. STEPHENS.

Copyright Permission granted to Theresa Carhart and her volunteers for printing by The Democrat, Marlin, Falls Co., Texas.