Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1897-05-07
WILL DICTATE THE FEDERAL AP-
POINTMENTS IN KANSAS.
NO CONTRACT WITH CY LELAND.
WILL ACT INDEPENDENTLY IN HIS
RECOMMENDATIONS
Senator Baker DispIeased With the
Combine That Leland Has Made
With the ClnytOns, of Ar
kansns-SOme Surprises
Are Expected.


ator Bakers return to the capital Wednes-
day, he was greeted with many pie-hunt-
ing faces. The KanSans who came in dur
ing his absence in the West waited for
him, and Private Secretary Cushman will
be busy for the next two weeks showing
the new patriots around and introducing
them to the department chiefs.
Members of the old crowd showed great
anxiety on the senator's return to learn if
he had decided on a positive line of policy
regarding the giving out of the Kansas
plumS. Many stories have been published
In Western papers of late of fights, truces.
peace offerings and divisions of spoils be-
tween Baker and Leland, and the office
seekers have been perpleXed and in doubt
at times which side to tie to. That Sem
ator Baker has the long pull and can place
his men on showdown they all recognize
now, and they We're feverish to get some
thing definite from him.
While at home Senator Baker consulted
with Hook, his law partner and political
adviser, and with others, and he knows
the actual feeling among the Republicans
of the state. 1t was noticed at once that
he was disposed to be aggressive and he
proposes to name the Kansas officers and
not put up with dictation.
To close friend he gave the information
that he would recommend pension agent,
collector and names for the land offices by
the time congress adjourns and before he
returns home for the summer. He will
take up the postoffices as the commissions
of Democrats expire and will recommend
appointments of men popular with the
patrons of the office without asking
whether they belong to the Leland or anti
Leland faction. He will not try to punish
any loyal Republican, nor allow himself
to be used as the tool of any man, high or
low, in the councils of his party.
Senator Baker feels that he has not been
treated fairly in some Indian Territory
and Oklahoma matters. He is displeased
With part of the KansaS crowd forming
combination with the Claytons of Ar
karsas. While he did not expect to dictate
appointments in the territory, he has
number of old Kansas friends living in the
new country that he wanted treated in a
proper manner. Captain Henry Hackbusch
Leavenworth member of the legislature,
is doing government surveying in the In
dian Territory and he is anxious to secure
new contract. Hackbusch voted for Bak-
er in the senatorial caucus. and the senator
is ready TO help him get something out
of the Indian people. He would also like
to have A. C. Harding, an Oklahoma pen
sion agent, who used to live in Leaven-
worth, get q government place. Senator
Baker does not like to see Leland WORK
with the Claytons for the good things IN
the Indian Territory and pull his leg for
the. choice bits in Kansas.
The news about the selecting of McCown
Hunt for internal revenue collector arrived
ahead of the senator and George Findlay
had friends sound him promptly on his
coming in. They could neither get the
news affirmed nor denied from the SEN
ator's lips. Their interest was increased
on hint being thrown out that Hunt
would likely be in Washington to hear the
roll call on the final vote in passing the
tariff bill.
Members of the Kansas colony are con-
WINGED that Senator Baker feels more con-
ftdent of his standing in Kansas. and that
he has returned with an Independent feel
ing and that no promises will be made OH
federal patronage for several weeks. They
are also preparing themselves for some
unpleasant surprises.