The Leavenworth weekly times. [volume] (Leavenworth, Kan.) 1870-1880, 1873-12-25
TOPEKA.
Gossip from the State Capital
Something about the Organiza-.
tiOn of the House and the
Changers.
TorEkA, Dec. q, 1873.

TOPEKA, Dec. II, 1873.
Editor Times:
During the past week several gentlemen,
and members Of the Legislature elect, be-
longing to the Grange order, have been in
Topeka in consultation with men here look
ing towards perfecting an organization Of the
Grange members, and Democrats and indie
pendents in opposition to the Republican
party. Prominent among those mentioned
is Col. Potter, Of Coffee comfy, member
of the House, and although no newspaper
mention Of it has been made, and the whole
thing is working in secret, have gained
sufficient Of the programme adopted to state
the following:
A circular is to be Immediately issued to the
Grange members elect, stating in strong
terms the necessity of standing aloof, in tbs
organization Of the Legislature, from the
Republican party, but to nominate and sup
port candidates of their own, and inviting
them to attend q caucus in Topeka one week
previous to the assembling of the Legisla-
ture. Should this meet the views of all the
members of the order elect, and they are
willing to pledge themselves in caucus to
adhere to their own nomins tons, then the
opposition in the shape of Democrats and
Independents will be asked to coalesce with
them, and in this way control the House or
ganizatiOn. 1t was stated by Col. Potter
that he felt confident the Grange members
would readily assent to the programme, and
give their best support. They not only hope
BY this movement to control the House. but
elect their man for Senator, whoever he may
be. / did not hear any name broached.
John Martin, Esq, member from this coun-
ty, was consulted, and rendered prominent
position in the new movement, but he de-
clined. Although he assured them that he
would vote with the opposition in the House.
he could not consent to any leadership in
any political movement at present.
1t was stated that the Hon. Sidney Clarke
favored the programme which, have men,
toned, and it would meet with his unqualifi-
ed support, whether 1t succeeded in controlling
the Legislature the present winter or not.
The organization he thought would at least,
if made thorough, grow in strength, and
next year be power in the State in shaping
State ticket.
This new movement may seriously disturb
the present status of things, and while do
not believe that Republicans will leave their
party, or be csjoled into anything of the kind,
there 10 no doubt that care and Judgment, in
the organization of the House, as we'll az in
the character of legislation enacted the COM
ing winter, and the choice of United States
hou To ho to
the party strength in next summers canvass.
What positive strength the new movement
will get in caucus, OF course must be deter
mined hereafter. There are some very willy
men at work, who have grown gray in poIiti-
cal chicanry. Although they have been
s'shelved' some half dozen times in the his
tory Of the State, like Banquo's ghost, they
are Lard to wipe out.
The Scoield- Pomeroy matter has been
the gossip of the week in legal and political
circles. 1t has overshadowed almost every
thing else. The Kansas City Times keeps a
man here bushwhacking the politicians and
legal gentlemen supposed to "know for GER
tain" all things, but he has made little head
way yet. Mr.. Ryan, Schoield's deputy, has
been to say "red-hot" for week or more,
though there would seem to be no necessity
for his "taking On" on account of Mr.. Sco-
field. Time will show whether he las been
wronged or not.
The first Monday in January may develop
something in regard to the trial of Mr..
Pomeroy; but it is a mere matter of specnla-
ton vet whether nolle will be entered, or
the defence ask a continuance. If there are
those who know, they are keeping sly at
present. kAw.