The advocate and Topeka tribune., 1892-09-07
WHAT OF RALPH BURTON2
Let None but InOOrruptible Men be
Sent TO Congress-,

SOub w OVuhsIpDDs
There has been enough of bribery
and corruption in the congress Of the
United States during the past thirty
years. That has been the cause Of
the pernicious legislstion with which
the country is cursed to-day. If there
is one thing that is needed at the
present time, and one thing which, il
we mistake not the trend of public
sentiment, che people are determined
above all things else to have, it il
pure and inoorruptible men in oul
state and national Legislatures. When
corrupt men are put in nomination,
therefore, for these positions, we believe
it is right and just that the people
shall know their history and anteCe-
dents so far, at least, as they relate 70
public life, in order that they be not
deceived in those to whom these
high trusts shall be committed.
We are led TO these reflections in
consideration Of the character Of the
men who are placed in nomination
for congress by the republican party.
We have already devoted consider
able space to the history Of Geo. T.
Anthony, and il becomes necessary
this week to give certain facts relst-
ing to the candidate of the Fifth dis
trict. AS in the case Of Anthony, we
are enabled to give good orthodox re-
publican authority respecting Mr..
Burton.
We find the bit of history to which
we call attention on pages 16 and IL
Of the report of the state insurance
commissioner for the year 1890. Il
occurs in the proceedings against the
wildcat "Topeks Insurance COM
pany," which Commissioner Wilder
prohibited from continuing business
in the state. The following is Mr..
Wilder's statement concerning the
commencement Of these proceedings:
On the sOth Of November, Hon. John Guthrie,
Of the district court, appointed Judge Eth Sutton
receiver Of the Topeka Insurance company.
The State Journal on that day said:
A sensation was caused In the district court
this afternoon when #. P. Fuller secretary Of the
defunCt Topeka Insurance company, was placed
upon the witness stand to give . sworn account
Of the disposition Of certain funds Of that COM
pany.
Mr.. Wilder says:
Fuller Swore to paying legislator $3.50. Later
he denied this.
To j. r. Burton, representative from Abilene,
the company, he testified, gave four or Eve notes
OF $500 each. He was not positive that there
were 1--WE notes, but he was sure that four were
Issued. Mr.. Burton, he said, deposited these In
the Bank Of Topeka, for collection, and SSSl.s6
was paid and endorsed thereon. In addition,
the sum OF SlS was paid 90 interest.
The notes, he said. we're signed by himself and
the president Of the company. The witness
qualified the remarkable statement Dy saying
that the notes were not binding against the COM
pany, but this statement was overshadoWed by
one made the next instant which was: "The
directors the company authorized me to make
these payments to Burton" He said that on Feb
ruary %, during the session OF the legislature,
Burton was paid go.
The proceedings grew interesting. A score Of
attorneys and IS many spectators crowded
around the witness stand to hear every word Of
the startling testimony. Judge Sutton frightened