The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1895-07-22
WANT TO BEATBURDGE
The Anti-Law Element Casting
About for a Candidate.
SOME TALK OF JOHN MARSHALL

But the Baadmaster Doesn't :" ant H
NOOue Appears Anxious &c lead the
Forlorn Hope.
Sincethe denomination of Dave Burdge
for sheriff at the Republican primaries,
the opposition has been casting about for
an available man with whom to defeat
him in November. The opposition is
composed of Populists. Democrats, re-
submIssionists and discontented Repub-
licana Their strength is variously estl-
mated. They claim they can beat Sheriff
Burdge with the right man; well in
formed Republicans are quite certain
that the party nominee can't be
defeated by any kind OF a
deal the opposition may make
John B. Marshall, director of Mar
shalPs band, and superintendent OF the
city electric light plant could probably
get the nomination if he wanted 1t. DE
is not much of politician 1t is agreed
that be would make the strongest tight
of the men suggested There is an OBJ
stacle in the way, however, and that OBJ
stacle exists in Dir. Marshall, himself.
He positively refuses to allow the use OF
his name in connection with the nomi-
nation.
The name of ex-chief of police E. c.
Lindsey has been suggested This plan
was to have the Populists and the Dem
ocrats fuse on Lindsey. Lindsey's friends
claim that he could catch the full anti
prohibition vote. and that all of these ele-
ments combined could elect him over
Burdge. The folly of such q plan is ap-
parent even to experienced politicians.
SAY what you want TO about prOhlbi-
ton" said a Republican politician, but
a campaign with this for the issue, would
result IN beating the whisky crowd ten
to one. We hope they viii try it but
they ought to know better"
r. B. kepley thinks be could be sheriff
for term or two acceptabIy to himself
and the public. He denies that he is hunt
ing for the nomination but says if it is
rendered to him at a mass meeting he
would accept DIR. Kepley thinks he
could take the bulk of the colored vote
away from Mr.. Burdge. When ne built
sewer No. IA he gave employment to
them. MIR. kepley is the ex-Democratic
member of the board of public works.
The name OF ex- Mayor K L. COfran
has been used by the opposition in con-
nection with the sheriff office. 1t has
been used, however, without Mr., Cofran's
consent Il would not accept under any
conditions" he says. Il never sought
office yet, and I would not take the nom
ination for sheriff i. it were rendered to
me on silver platter. What on earth
do l want of it?"
Mr. Cofran was emphatic and positive
of his refusal TO touch the nomination.
It has been suggested that some farmer
whose name has not been identified with
politics heretofore could make a strong
raca. David Young, a farmer south of
town, has been named among Others
Young is an ex Republican, but is now a
Populist and is being urged by Popu-
lists
The name of Charles Nelson, late a
member of the firm of Stevenson & Co.,
has been mentioned more than once.
What the opponents of Mr.. Burdge
would like more than anything else
would be to have an Independent Repub-
lican candidate rnn. With them it is
"anything to beat Burdge" An indie
pendent candidate they say would d.
vide the Republican strength so that the
fusion candidate would have fair run
vote for the independent can
didate and thus possibly beat
Burdge. The Democrats and Populists
would probably have hard work finding
a Republican who would be willing to
be led as a lamb to the slaughter. Por-
ter Cooks name has been used, but not
with his permission. He wouldn't have
il In all reasonable course of events
the Republican nomination is equivalent
to an election. The only charge against
hr Burdge is that he has enforced the pro-
hiOltOry law, and to this he pleads guilty.
Mr.. Burdge is willing to take his chances
on his merits against all Corners