The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1894-07-27
Overmyer Opens for the Demo-
Gratis at LeavenWOrth.
The Old Story Against Woman
Suffrage and Prohibition.
POPS AT KANSAS CITY
Governor Lewelling Talks Part
in Wizards Ratification.

LEAvENwokaz. Kan. July 27--
Democrats of Kaasas opened their
state campaign here last night The
initial meeting was. called to order by
J. r. Garrett, chairman Of the county
central committee, introducing as
the chairman of the evening Martin
Smith. The latter introduced Hon.
David Overmver.
Mr.. Overnyer said that it afforded
him pleasure to open the campaign in
Leavenworth. the old reliab lie. in
vincible fortress of Democracy. He
thought the time in which we live are
too serious in order to be entertaining,
or amusing. He was here as a citizen
of Kansas to meet his fellow citizens,
who are moved by fear, hope and
expectation that move him. He was
here as a representative of the great
political party of the country, that
come into being with the constitu-
will never fall until the constitution
falls It's longevity, he said, is due to
the fact that it stands by the constitu-
ton. He then briefly referred to
present condition of affairs in the
nation, placing the responsibility
upon the Republican party.
He touched upon the money ques-
ton, and the state control Of enter
prises- He wanted to know how
many mem bers are sent to the legis-
lature who know anything about laws
and society. Lewelling, he said. be-
1ieved in people buying the railroads,
but didn't say how they should get
them Mr. Overmyer thought if he
and his state officers would return
their passes and pay as he (Overmyer)
does there would be more equity, and
the railroads would have a better
chance to live.
Coming down to the issue in the
state, he said that the Democratic
party of Kansas demands a repeal Of
the prOhi DitOry amendment and all
the infamous laws on the statute
books passed in pursuance thereof
Mr.. Overmyer said Kansas first suf-
fered from a invasion of missionary
talent, and the people were induced
to vote for the Amendments which was
adopted by a curious provision in the
constitution No sooner had this been
inserted IN the constitution than
a series of laws followed and
more tyrannica1 than the other. These
laws deprived the people of self-gov-
eminent. He referred to the jury
comm issioner law, the right of county
attorneys to summon the citizen to
his office and examine him; upon fail
ure to answer to be held in contempt
of the police commissioner law. His
reference to this law brought down
the house. He said if the law was such
that it could not be undOne, the sights
what they would see. Experience was
proven that the executive consults his
own desires and constructs the boards
SO that they would be a supple instru-
ment in his hands. Better sink con-
stitutional prohibition ten thousand
times than WELD the sacred right of
local self government The speaker
thought Kansas was the best adver-
tised state in the union before prohi-
bitiOn came; the evil fame of Kansas in
that respect spread throughout the
world
On the subject of woman suffrage,
Mr.. Overmyer said both Republican
and POpulist parties have declared for
woman suffrage, but the Democrats
say no. this is wrong. unnatural aud
abOminatiOn- Right-m nded women
don't want it. The adventures, bold
and brazen women who want it to dis
play themselves. There are no neces-
sary relations between the ballot box
and the ght of power to be taxed.
If women demand the ballot it implies
we have been unjust to women. and
ask if the citizen was prepared to
vote himself a monumental ScOundrel.
because that is what he would be if he
has been unjust to woman He de-
clared that the present electorate
would be unequal suffrage
Hon. Joseph q. Lowe followed Mr.
Overmyer's speech with closing adj
dress
District Henry c. Solomon of Atch-
ison was among the candidates pres
ent. Chairman Richardson and Sec
rotary Peperen of the state central
committee were here for the initial
opening of tn lie campaign.