The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1897-08-03

peE2 want cry GVW0 64@ W4~A 6%'~
it to them-Governc or 1eedy.
Governor Leedy is behind the order
which suddenly closed the Topeka
joints. That accounts for the fact that
they have been kept closed for nearly
a week and that it is growing more diff
ficult every day to find a place where
liquor by the drink can be obtained. or
course it does not effect the drug stores.
Very little has been said about the order
but only yesterday Governor Leedy ex-
pressed himself on the question in
manner that indicates that he has had
a complete change of heart.
Some of Sheriff Kepley's friends have
become alarmed at the closing of the
Joints for fear that the blame would be
laid at his door and the liquor men
would refuse to support him in conse-
quence. One of these men went to
Governor Leedy yesterday to enter
protest and ask in Kepley'S interest
that things might be "loosened up lit
tie" He pointed out the fact that
Kep1ey would be blamed for the condi-
ton of things ana told Gov. Leedy
that he would contribute to the defeat
of the fusion candidate for sheriff by
his action.
Gov. Leedy was thoughtful for mo-
ment, and then said deliberately:
& do not look at this thing in the
same way that you do. I do not believe
Kepley's chances will be injured by
closing the joints, but it is too late TO
talk now anyhow. 1 have dect ed that
the people of Topeka want a dry town
and I will give it to them. 1 cannot
help what the results will be. There
will be no more joints in Topeka if 1
can help it."
The politician tried to protest, but
what h al ha off
Leedy remained firm and held to his
position that the joints must be kept
closed.
The actions of Chief Steele bear out
this report. He has completely changed
front on the question of enforcement
of the liquor law. 1t has not been much
more than a week since policemen walk
ed up and down the street in front of
joints apparently oblivious of their ex-
istence. Now they are alert and watch
full and are doing all they can to secure
evidence against the places.
Chief Steele's instructions to the pa
trolmen are as follows:
IF there is a joint on your beat I will
expect you to secure evidence a against it.
You can do iS if you wish, and unless
you do so in a reasona BILE time I will
gut some one on your beat that will get
the evidence. 1 intend to show the peo-
pie of Topeka that can make this town
dry. That is the order, so act ac-
cordingly."
This coming from a man who a short
time ago insisted that it was not in the
province OF the police department to Sc
cure evidence against jointists indicates
that the authority comes from some one
farther back. Governor Leedy appar-
en- ly has his hand Cn the throttle valve
Chief Steele knows that if he does NOT
OD6Y orders he will lose his al
and he viii do san he can to prevent
such a contingency.
A drinking I an told a Journal report
er last evening that he could not find
a place where he could get a drink
He said that every joint in the city is
shut up tight.
Patrons of joints went into a dr1e
store last evening and signed an afida-
Wit TO escure beer. They said at the
time that they could not find a place
> where beer could be bought outside
drug stores.
Col. w. P. Tomlinson, editor of the
Democrat sends up what might be call
ed wall because of the action of Gov
Leedy with reference to joints
Ihe situation in Topeka today is
enough to disgust any ordinary mortal,
ana makes the angels weep with pity
by the cOnnivance of the Republican
politicians with the Prohibition jackets,
Vance, Foster, ct. al, a reign of terror
has len inaugurated; the police board
instructed to make out of the police
force a smelling committee while the
town is supposed to be dry once more.
If this play Of the Republican poll
t1cians and their tools, Vance, ct. al,
was in the interest of sobriety and de-
cency, it would be different But it is
not There is nothing decent or manly
about it"
The following are but two paragraphs
of many printed in the Democrat on the
same subject:
What is Gov. Leedy thinking of.
playing in the hands of the Prohibition
mountebanks, Vance, Foster, ct. al!
Does he know that he is pursuing the
very course his political enemies most
desire, so as to make sure thing of
beating Bob Kepley for sheriff at the
polls next November"
The truth is, the governors party will
gain two votes for every one it loses
II the governor stands by his recent
action.