The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1863-04-04
MR.. PAGE EXPLAINS.
ToPEKA. March q. 1868.

AOFEhAs haFcD 1000
EDITOR News: My attention has just been
called to an article in THE News of the 14th
inst, in which Mr.. Eskridge charges me
with defeating the location of the University
at Emporia. Now if there we're any facts
which would warrant this assertion, it
would be my duty to answer the charge.
But as there is only bis assertion for it,
cannot think this the slightest indication of
the truthfulness of the statement.
will slate, for the information of the Cit
liens of Lyon county, that aid propose to
amend the Empolia bill, so that the Univer-
SHY should be located (by three Commits
sioners to be appointed by the Governor) at
the most eligible point in Lyon county
believing this could work no injustice to
Emporia. and would remove great objections
which would be urged against the passage
of the bill. But to this proposition Mr..
Eskridge would not assent. The dreaded
state of uncertainty could not be endured;
and rather than allow the bill to pass in
this form, he would witness its defeat. l
was told by reliable member from Southern
Kansas, that Mr. Eskridge said, il the
amendment carried, he would Immediately
introduce bill detaching that portion OF
Lyon county upon which Neosho Rapids is
located; and have no doubt but what the
same generosity would have been extended
to Americas, and other rival towns.
But as he chooses to compliment me with
the power to defeat his bill (which is unde-
served J, it may be proper to ventilate this
subject somewhat, and see to what extent he
may be culpable. At the organization OF
the Legislature, Mr.. Eskridge agreed to
deliver southern members votes, to Law
renee, for the Agricultural College, in con
sideration of votes for the University at
Emporla-(Sale No. goods not all deliv-
ered). Subsequently it was unanimously
agreed by southern members to join hands
with Manhattan, which, l believe, was
strength enough to have accomplished all
we desired. Had the work Of forming com
binations ceased here, the University would
have been located in Lyon county. But
the restless, imprudent, and lamentable am
bitiou of your champion, must promise sup
port to the Bond bill, Bridge bill, Appro-
priations, DC, &C., in connection with the
combination already formed = which was
plain and uncompIicated-unti the friends
of the University bill were thoroughly dis
gusted, and preferred rather to dodge the
vote, than TO vote against it. There was a
unanimous expression of the friends of the
Lawrence bill, that If the University was tc
go to Southern Kansas, they would favor the
proposed amendment as being entirely just,
that the State might avail itself of the most
suitable point for such location. And
will here state, that enough of the friends OIL
the Emporia bill would also have supported
it to have carried the amendment, beyond a
contingency. There fore, if any loss is sus.
tanned, it is a loss to Southern Kansas, and
not to Emporia alone and this by the OBJ
stinacy and over exertion of your member
as three iourths of the members of the Leg.
islature will bear me witness.
1t is not at ali surprising to me, that an
individual who would, for the purpose o.
promoting his own individual and local in
terests, sacrifice the interest of the State al
large, and prostitute the power given as
sacred trust by the people, would be ready
and anxious TO throw the responsibility o.
Encouragement upon other people. l am
not disappointed bribery and threats were
each offered (the first not accepted. The latter
not feared), for the purpose of securing
harmony in our ranks. l was told that ar
indignant constituency would, Immediately
upon my return home, tender me all the
honors of a political burial-for daring tC
think, act and vote as saw proper to do
! And whenever 1t becomes necessary for me
to vote frauds, corruption, bonds, bridges
and bankruptcy upon the people of thi:
State, for the purpose of securing any loca
or pet measure, l will then, as now, prefer
that my name shall cease to appear in your
locals as one of the faithful few. and remain
unwritten in complimentary resolutions.
Very truly,
F.R. PAGE.
WEEKLY SUMMARY OF NEWS.