The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-05-26
STRUNG ON A LIVE WIRE
GOVERNOR LEEDY SHOCKED AT A
TEMPERANCE MEETING.
''Roastcd" by Ex-senator PETER, Mrs.
Diggs and other Nnnsans for Fail
ure TO Enforce the Laws.

Correspondence of the indianapolis Journal
TOPEKA, Kan. May ga second mass
meeting has been held in Topeka for the
purpose of hearing the report of the Com
mittee of Fifteen" upon the plans for the
enforcement of law Governor Leedy, who
was SO greatly disappointed because spe-
cial invitation for the first meeting had not
been conveyed to him a silver platter,
was present at this meeting and made
speech which he probably now wishes ne
had not made. Readers of the Journal have
doubtless heard of the mysterious individ-
ual who at a funeral arose and said: If
no one cares to talk about the deceased,
l will make few remarks on the subtreas-
ury." Governor Leedy played the part Of
that gentleman to perfection the other
evening at the mass temperance meeting.
Instead of speaking on the subtreasury he
devoted most of his time TO railroads and
railroad attorneys. At one time he APP
preached near enough to the subject to de-
nounce the State Temperance Union for
the nonenforcement of the prohibition law,
and to say: Il have appointed to be po-
lice commissioners in the various cities as
good citizens as | could find that were will
ing to accept the position. l have not asked
them their views on the temperance queS-
ton because it was not my business 10
do So"
Ex-senator PETER. following, said: Il
didn't bring a blanket with me, but If
had brought one it would not have been
filled with cold water 10 throw over this
meeting. l believe that il | We're Governor
OF Kansas I would enforce the law and
drive out these joints and saloons or leave
enough wrecks IN my path to show that l
had been doing something. The Governor
has sworn before Almighty God that he
will enforce the law. Is he doing It? II
seems to me If l were Governor of the
State, instead of abusing the temperance
people l would denounce the Violators or
law"
wild with enthusiasm The ex-senator with
his long, flowing beard, looked like giant
@ ne s a6d b almost 6vgo aver wh {ne
kers. In conclusion Mr. PETER
said: when he abuses us as being cranky
about this law and then says he is as
much a friend OF this law as any other,
l ask the Governor as he goes back and
forth to Missouri and Texas, on his pere-
CARNATIONS here and there, whether the bur
den OF his song is not railroad, railroad,
railroad" Under the very shadow was
going to say OF the Statehouse n nag, put put
/ was ashamed when looked at that nag
the other day-under the very shadow OF
the dome of the Capitol complaints are
heard that one particular law is violated
day in and day out.
But Populist PETER was not the only
member OF his party to go after the Gov
and talked as follows From the Governor
we have heard tonight that the chief dill
HcultY to winch we owe TIE lack OF en-
forcement OF the law is with the State Tenn
perance Union. The responsibility for the
enforcement of this law rests, not with the
State Temperance Union or any other or
ganizaton, but with the officers whose
sworn duty it is to enforce the law. Gov.
Leedy and his police board are the per-
sons who are responsible If ] were Gov
ernor and a man should ask me for place
on a police commission the first question
would be: Are you in favor of the en-
forcement of law? DO you believe in the
prohibitOry law" Why do you suppose,
she exclaimed turning to face the Govern
or, that Governor Leedy would appoint
Railroad Commissioners who was not in
tory law can be enforced by the Gov
ernor. All we need is a Governor who de-
sres to do it. He has the power. Governor
Leedy could enforce the law II he We're
so Inclined
Remarks were made by Republicans. but
the chief entertainment of the evening was
the rich brown roast given the Governor
by his Populistic supporters. 1t is reported
that after his EXcellency returned to con-
seriousness he asked his private secretary
where in the bazes he caught that live
wire The chances are that he will never
again invite himself to a temperance meet
ing and make a calamity howl against the
railroads instead OF whisky.
Topeka is making extended preparation
for the second fall festiVal-old soldiers
civic orders and business men represent
ing various enterprises will be invited to
participate in the display and parades.
A. G.