The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1896-05-01
LELAND is HURT
That People Should Accuse Him
of seBOssism.
Says He Never Tried to Be a
FeBOss.7 -
He TALKS AT LENGTH
On the Present Peculiar Situa-
ton in Kansas
Still Insists That Morrill, viii
Endanger the Ticket.
HE TALKS AT LENGTH

CYRUS Leland win not connne ms cp~
position to Governor Morrill, to the
mere statement made to the governor
The refusal of Sam Peters to be can
didate viii not prove more than q tenn
porary setback for the boss
within month from now it is e11-
pected that the belief in certain por-
tions of the state that Governor Nor
riu is not the best man for the place
win shape itself into such q form that
a demand viii be made upon Governor
Morrill, to withdraw as a candidate
To hold the fellows in check and to
keep them from tumblng into the Nor
rill band wagon simply because sam
Peters win not be a candidate caused
Cy Leland TO come to town last night
simultaneously with him appeared
upon the scene Lit Crum of Oswego
and Adrian Reynolds, regent Of the
State Agricultural college and editor OF
the Sedan Times Star.
There has been a current rumor for
some time that Lit Crum would an
nounce himself for Governor Morrill,,
and it has been said that Ade Reynolds
would do the same Both these gentle
men are believed to be in sympathy
with the governor and nothing but the
influence and persuasive powers of Cy
Leland keep them from announcing as
such.
When seen by a State Journal re-
porter today MIR. Leland greatly de-
sired to impress upon him the fact
that he is not a dictator and has done
nothing dictatoriaI. He wished to pre-
sent the appearance that since his talk
with Governor Morrill, and the con-
clusiOn OF the latter TO stay in the race,
he. Leland. was very resigned and will
ing to accept the decree of the party.
But he did make some surprising state
Y1ents for man desiring to convey
that impression. Mr. Leland said;
when went to Governor Morriu 1t
was as q friend and not as a dictator
or q party boss I simply advised him
of the consequences of a. determination
to stay i'm the race
THE fact is, Governor Morrill, sent
men to me twice to talk with me on
the situation, and both times / refused
fatty to talk with them. Then the
governor asked me to come to him, and
I did So The result was my advice to
the governor and my statement to him
that I could not support him
II have been very much malgned
and abused for what dld-an act
which any friend should do to a man
There are those who are too cowardly
to have spoken frankly to Governor
Morrill, but / did and am accused OF
being a boss
What is your opinion of the declina-
tfon of Judge Peters to be a candl-
date2" asked the reporter
THAT was entirely correct for Mr..
Peters TO do. if he thought best said
Mr.. Leland and though had no inti-
nation ne was TO make the statement
he did, it did not surprise me much-
There is where I am blamed again Tt
is said I brought out Judge Peters as
a candidate and tried to force him into
the race That is not true, for made
no such effOrt2"
What VIII you do for a candidate to
pit against Governor MOrrill2"
i am not seeking a candidate to pit
AGAINST the governor BUT do think
the opposition to him is SO great and
widespread that before the convention,
or at the convention, a stronger man
than Morrill, viii be in the field and win
be nominated
But" added Mr- Leland hastily, 81
shall not bring him out and win not
attempt to force single candidate
into the fight"
docs it not appear to you that the
governor is gaining strength since your
1T might appear that way but the
strength may not be sufficiently strong
nor enough recruits secured to pull him
suppose the convention should re-
nominate Governor Morrill,; what would
you do2"
IT should support as always sup
port the nominee Of the Republican
party"
Even though you felt the possibiI-
ity of the governor dragging the tick
ct down to defeat2"
''I have never said the ticket would
be defeated if Morrill, were renOminat-
ed. 7 only said it would weaken it and
perhaps jeOpardize the success of the
party. 1T could not help but hurt this
party. though the party might stiI bg
successful
Then you viii place no straws ir
the way Of the denomination OF the gov
ernor, merely being content with hay.
ing warned him of his weakness? r.