Sutton is Criticized

SUTTON IS CRITICIZED

He is Told that He Ought to Resign

EMPHATIC OPINIONS

Local Citizens on Sutton's Retention of his Office as Regent.

"I was elected regent of the University of Michigan by the people of the state. That paper opposed my candidacy and election. If the people of the state should indicate to me in any certain way that they desired my resignation, they could have it at any time. Until they do, as long as I am in a position to discharge the duties of the office, I shall retain the position."

The above Interview with Eli R. Sutton appeared in a Detroit paper of Thursday, June 5. If the sentiment in Ann Arbor on Mr. Sutton's proposed retention of the office of regent is any criterion of how the people of the state feel in the matter, then he may easily know what me true feeling is regarding his position to the University. Here are a few interviews had with Ann Arbor people Friday last:

Prosecuting Attorney Duffy—Mr. Sutton owes it to himself as well as to the university to resign. Through White's disclosure he has again been brought into the public eye, and the University again placed in an unfortunate light by his retention of the office of regent. I was talking yesterday in Lansing with Prosecuting Attorney Tuttle, who tried the case, and he said that had he been able to produce on Sutton's trial the testimony given by White in the disbarment proceedings of Roos, he was positive he could have convicted Sutton.

Attorney John Lawrence—I don't know whether Mr. Sutton is guilty or innocent. Certainly there is a strong suspicion among the great majority of people of my acquaintance that he is at least so mixed up in the affair that he would have a better standing and position among the people of the state if he would recognize the unfortunate position in which he is placed and for the good of himself and the University he ought to resign.

James E. McGregor, probate register—The only way for the people to get rid of Sutton will be to turn down the Bliss outfit this faII. With the charge that has been hanging over Sutton's head, I don't think he should continue as regent. Unless the people of Michigan wish to turn over the University to the control of a lot of ward politicians they had better get rid of Bliss and Sutton and the rest of their gang.

Attorney Martin .T. Cavanaugh—I believe that a man who has been tried by a jury of his peers and found not guilty of the crime charged against him, should not be condemned by the public. He should not be convicted on the evidence of a self-confessed felon. Sutton ought not to be condemned on evidence produced by White.

County Clerk Blum—It would seem to me that Mr. Sutton is in a very delicate position. Considering the circumstances of his case I think it would be much better if he would gracefully step down and out for the benefit of the University and himself. As long as he is regent there will be unfavorable comments made about him and it places the University in an embarrassing position.

Attorney Thomas D. Kearney—Even though Mr. Sutton was acquitted by a jury, I think the people of the state believed him guilty. The only way that the people of the state can indicate that they believe the charges against him are true would be to vote on the question, which of course they cannot do until he asks for or secures a renomination. One of the mistakes Sutton made was not paying all or at least part of White's fine. If he had done so the probabilities are that White never would have squealed.

J. J. Quarry—A position on the board of regents involves the handling of large sums of money and absolute integrity is necessary in members of the board. So unscrupulous a man as Mr. Sutton appears to be should certainly have no such responsible position. He should have resigned when the affair first occurred.

E. E. Calkins—If the facts of the case had come out at election time. Mr. Sutton would never have been elected. Now that the truth is known the people certainly must feel very hostile toward the man and not want him in office.

Walter Mack—If the man is guilty, he should resign or be removed from the office.