The Weekly Kansas chief. [volume] (Troy, Kan.) 1872-1918, 1874-11-26
Drawing Party Lines.

The Topeka Commonwealth started the watch
word, and the other papers are taking it up, that
the Republicans of the coming Legislature should
draw the party lines in the selection of all its
Offices and in filling all positions deyolving upon
them. The Democracy always do it, when in
power; and it is argued that, as the Republicans
fairly defeated the eonglomerates, they should
give their friends the benefit of the victory.
This is pretty good doctrine, and we have always
been in favor of carrying it ont. We have ever
been believer in the motto originated by the
father of the Democratic party-"To the victors
belong the spoils."
But we cannot rid ourself of the notion that
this desire to draw the lines and let caucus rule
when boiled down to its essence, centres princi-
pally the Office of State Printer for which po-
sition number of gentlemen have a longing.
In party sense, George W. Martin, tho present
incumbent, has not given satisfaction. He has
thrown too much "fat" into the hands of oppo-
nents Of the Republican party; and he took the
publication of the Supreme Court Syllabi from
the Commonwealth, and gave it TO the Kansas Far
mer, whose proprietor, J. X. Hudson, " Re-
form" candidate for Congress. We think he
ought to bestow the favors at his disposal upon
hCuocio VI O"h Dub Oh olucf
hand, he had provocation to do some of the things
for which he is censured. The Commonwealth es-
tablsbment bad the State Printing for four years,
aud skinned terribly deep, every opportunity.
Martin was then elected, aud the Commonwealth
opened its batteries upon him-raising the cry
that he was doing work and getting pay that the
State ought not to be burdeucd with, aud trying
in every way to cut down his profits When
they could no longer bleed the State, they took
on wonderfully honest and economical streak.
This course would hsSe aggravated anybody,
pecially a redheaded man. Martin determined
not to support an establishment that was trying
to injure him, and accordingly he ceased publish
ing the Syllabi in the Commonwealth, and gave
them to the Farmer. 1t was the best he could do.
They had to be published in paper at Topeka
the Record was an Outspoken anti-Republican or
gan, and the only other paper was the Farmer
neutral in politics. but whose proprietor was at
that time decided Republican. Besides, th.
Farmer was printed at the State Printing House.
and Martin was simply favoring one of his Gus
toners.
There is one thing that is agreed on all hands
that Martin has done No. / and honest work
Every one who has examined it, whether Off
cially or otherwise has rendered the same verdict
And when they draw the party lines, and submit
this question to a caucus, they cannot rule Mar
tin out; for his reputation is established through
ont the State as a most earnest and thorough
going Republican. He owns a newspaper, which
was one of the mast outspoken and efficient Re-
Publican papers in the State during the recent
campaign. Although not at present edited By
him, he takes care to leave it in charge of man
who will run it in the right channel Mr. Mar
tins private and personal arrangements in the
State Printing Office are another thing. Perhaps.
by pursuing proper course with him, he could |
be induced to remedy the matters complained of; |
but our opinion of the man is, that he will not |
drive worth cent.