Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1897-09-14
ALL HARMONIOUS AMONG MISSOURI
REPUBLICAN LEADERS.
WEBSTER DAVIS INTERVIEWED.
SAYS THERE IS NO TRUTH IN THE
STORIES OF fractional. FIGHTS.
Pays Warm Tribute to Mnjo,
kerens-Mr. Davis Position With
Regard to Federal PATRON
age-Prafxe for Presf.
dent Mckinley.

efforts are being made by the Democratic
press of Missouri to bring about a quarrel
between Republican leaders in that state.
and not day passes that some Missouri
Democratic paper does not print lot of
imaginings about the alleged differences
among Major Warner, MIR. Filley. Webster
Davis, Mr.. Kerens, Major Bittinger and
others. Whatever differences may have ex-
listed in the past are now no more. and
it is certain that Webster Davis and Mr..
Kerens are doing all the good within their
power for worthy Missouri Republicans,
regardless of such differences.
1t is well known here that in Kansas
City Warner and Davis led opposing fac
tions of their party year or two ago.
but since Mr.. Davis came here he went
with Mr.. Kerens and Joined in requesting
the appointment Of Mr.. John Warner, the
majors son, and it was his recommends
tion that finally secured Major Ross Guf-
fins appointment. A man who holds mall
ice, or a less manly man, would not have
gone out of his way to aid members Of
his own party who had opposed him. Mr..
Davis was seen in his Office to-day and in
conversation with representative of The,
Journal, said:
Il have been reading of these alleged
factional fights between Republican Lead
ers, but there's not a word of truth in
them. Personally. 1 have very many friends
whom / would like to reward, but, thank
God. I have not single enemy whom
wish punished, especially in my own party.
I know that the same is true of Mr.. ker-
ems, Missouri's distinguished national COM
mitteeman, for since coming to Washing
ton I have seen much of him and know
that no man ever worked with more zeal.
ability and impartiality for the success OF
the Republican party than has Mr.. Kerens.
1t is said he could easily have had any
one of the best places in the gift of the
administration, but he desired nothing for
himself. His whole object and sole am
bition has been and is to build up the
Republican party In Missouri-not a part
or faction of it, but the whole party.
He believes, and so do L, that state
which can poll 3O5, 900 Republican votes
the fourth state in the Union in this re-
spect-ought to and soon will pass into
the Republican column. The way to insure
this result is to promote harmony within
our own ranks Hence MIR. Kerens has
tried to ascertain how and by whom Re
publioans of each city and district desired
offices and places filed, and has cheer
fully and generously co-operated with the
majority regardless Of past differences
LAS for myself, I have but this to say:
duty is to the people, and next to the peo-
pie come the Republican party and the
administration that honored me with this
position. These duties / am doing my best
to perform, and thus far, am glad to say,
l have heard no complaint from people.
party or superior officer. Since coming
here, I have uttered no word against any
Missouri Republican leader. II they are
not all my friends now. I trust that
shall make them friends by my official
and personal conduct while in Office.
There's not a man among them for whom
litical favor whenever for the best inter-
ests Of the party in Missouri. / am not
here to peddle out MisSouris patronage,
nor do make any effort to do SO. But
when asked by other officials as to the
relative merits of several applicants for
position, have not hesitated to give my
honest judgment as to who believed was
the best man for that place and for the
party. This is duty which I owe to the
administration.
1.-THE administration? Why bless your
soul, the administration speaks or itself.
Don't you see that earth. air, sky and
waters are all glittering and cleaning with
that that prosperity which year ago We prom
magnificent administration of our wise.
sagacious, courageous president. I am glad
that l am a part, however small. of this
administration, for I tell you it will not
prosperous, but William McKinley's rame
will be ranked among the few who stand
Gus as our greatest and best presidents.
Even If the crops were twice as good
as they now are, you could not make me
bel;ve that with free trade. free silver. the
enforcement of the anarchist plank Of the
Chicago platform and Bryan as president,
the country could by any possibility have
been half so prosperous as 1t now Is under
existing laws and policies, and with Me-
Kinley as president"