Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1897-10-26
NOTIFIED NOT TO NEEDLE WITH
SENATOR BAKERS AFFAIRS.
THE PENALTY IS DISMISSAL.
SENATOR BAKERS STORY OF THAT
TRIP TO WASHINGTON.
Informed by the President That If He
Wanted Mr.. BristOw Ousted He
Had but to Say the Word
Will BristOw Be
Good.

Leavenworth. kas., Oct. 25.-(Special)
There has been general comment among
papers of the state on Senator Bakers
recent visit to Washington and all sorts of
stories have been making the rounds. and
at no time could any story be traced to
any source inspiring confidence in its au-
thenticity. Senator Baker has personally
been averse to affirming or denying any
story. and at the same time has not con-
sented personally to give out a statement
for publication. He has told the story of
his trip to friend. however. who assumes
the responsibility of repeating it faith
fully, for publication:
By way of preface. the senator was ir-
ritated because President Mckinley ignored
his recommendation and appointed Ike Pur-
cell to a land Office position. He got on
the train and went direct to Washington
to find out why his man Tilton had been
turned down. The first official he struck
was the president.
Why was my recommendation ignored
in the land office appointment" he asked
the president.
Because Mr.. Bristow came here and
said that an ante-election promise had been
made to Purcell" replied the president Il
told him that if the promise had been
given 1t should be kept. Bristow informed
me that you were friendly to Purcell. and
that 1t would make no particular difference
to you"
The senator then denied that any ante
election promise had been made to Pur-
cell, and added an explanation.
The president expressed surprise that
Mr.. Bristow should misunderstood the SEN
ators wishes.
When you were working Tor tine ap-
pointment of Mr.. Bristow for fourth
sistant postmaster general" continued the
president Rakpr ssT told baf 4 did
not think he was big enough for the place.
You were so earnest in your support that
concluded to stay by you, and 1 appoint-
| ed him. Senator, If it is now your desire.
I will call for his resignation
Serator Baker asked the president to
| leave the proposition open for a while. ard
| the president agreed to do SO. The presi-
dent told the senator that in the appoint-
ments to be made hereafter his recon-
mendations would be followed.
Baker then called on Bristow and a very
earnest discussion ensued over the Pur-
cell appointment.
81 have just come from the president"
| said Baker to Bristow, land he has told me
| that If I say SO he. will call for your
resignation
This declaration attracted Bristow's at
| tertion and the senator said he turned
deathly pale.
| Continuing, the senator said: Il don't
| propose to say the word unless am forced
to. helped you get this place, and in
doing SO nearly severed the friendship of
| some of my best friends in Kansas. Now
I simply have this to say. that II hear Of
your going to the president again and ask
ing him to overturn my recommendations,
/ just that certain will 1 ask the president
| to fire you. If you want to stay in Wash
iLgton you would better heed my advice.
| If not. you will have chance to go to
Ottawa. Kas., and resume the editorship
| Of your paper"
Bristow promised the senator he would
| do nothing more.
This Is the story in brief of Senator
Bakers visit to Washington, as outlined
by personal friend. The story given out
by others has long been before the public.
hut this is the first time the senator's side
of 1t his been reached. 1t contains many
features Of vital interest in Kansas politics
at this time.