The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1896-07-20
FIRST M'KINLEY CLUB.
Big One Organized In North
Topeka Saturday Night.
Starts Out With 1877 Members
and Expects 500.
John M. WiIkerson Elected President
and Fl. w. Cheney Secretary
Much Enthusiasm Manifested

The Republicans of the First ward
formally opened the campaign Satur-
day evening by the organization Of a
big Mckinley club.
The meeting was held at Wilkerson's
hall at 1910 North Kansas avenue and
the hall was filed with enthusiastic
Repu blicans.
A. ]. Kane was elected chairman and
made an eloquent appeal to the Re
publicanS of the First W4rd. We must
not underestimate the enemy we have
to fight" said he, lit is important that
the Republicans should be active. There
is no time to lose for We have enemies
in the POpulists, Democrats and So
called free silver Republicans. I be-
heve that this club can be made a sue
cess and that we can have one of the
best and most enthusiastic erganiza-
lions in the state"
At the conclusion of Mr.. Kane's ad-
dress the following permanent officers
were elected; President, John NJ. Will
kersOn; vice president, First precinct
A J. Kane; vice president, Second pre-
einet, A NJ. Baird; vice president, Third
precinct, H w. Cheney; secretary, La
mont Gregg; assistant secretary, ChaS.
Zarker; treasurer, H. c. Bowen.
The roll of membership was then
opened and 1877 voters signed. There are
other names secured now for the mem
bers are actively at work and the Off
GERS claim that when the next meeting
is over there will be at least 500 mem
bers.
w. F. Schoch addressed the meeting
when the organization was completed.
He spoke at length On the work and
triumphS of the Repu biican party and
urged the members to work for the
success of the Republican party in
Kansas. He said that much depended
upon this and similar Organiza tions
and he had faith in the Republicans of
Kansas and the ultimate triumph of
Republicanism.
A. J. Kane said today in speaking of
the organization: I understand that
this is the first Mckinley club organ
lied in the city and it is right that we
should be the first to organize because
we live in the First ward.
Nearly every prominent Republican
in the ward is a member of our club
and those that are not will become
members at the next meeting. [ be-
ieVe that we will have an Organiza-
ton of at least 1000 members before
the campaign is over. We intend to
do all we can to secure the election of
Mckinley and to keep Kansas in the
Republican column
The next meeting of the club will be
held Saturday evening At that meet
ing steps will be taken to reorganize
the Curtis Flambeau club for active
work during the campaign. The club
was quite active two years ago but it's
life ended with the campaign. The
members are ready to reOrganize and
it is probable that the club will be
made larger and stronger than ever
and will be ready to march and give
displays during the campaign.
The members of the First ward Nc
Kinley club are counting on an address
by Congressman Charles Curtis soon.
Some say they want him to define him
self while others say that they know he
is all right. He will be invited to be-
come a member of the club as we'll as
to make an address.