The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1897-03-26
ECKSTEIN ASKS HALF
To Secure a Claim Of 81 900
Against the State.
Secured by One of the Injured
in Cannon Explosion.
No Attorney was Necessary, However,
It Appears and the Matter Puts
Mr. Eckstein ia an Unpleas-
ant Light.

Joseph Fennen of Wichita, member
of Battery A, X N. c., was in the
city today and drew from the state ST.
500, appropriated to remunerate him for
the damages sustained by the explosion
of a cannon at Wichita during military
maneuvers.
Fennell and Sherman Fulton were in
jured by an old cannon which rightful-
~ belongs a the bottom of the Arkan-
sas river. 1t has injured a number of
men permanently and has cost the state
thousands of dollars in pensions and
payment of damages. Fennen and Full
ton each received $1,000 from the last
legislature as a pension.
Fennell tells a story of an effort to
''bleed" him of half his money. He
said:
When the bill making the appropria
lions was pending in the legislature,
Representative Charles NJ. Irwin wrote
me a letter saying that unless 1 divided
it with o. C. Eckstein, I would stand
little show of getting the money, as
without Eckstein's influence it would
hardly be passed. I saw Senator Lew
cling about it, and he told me to not
worry, and he would put the bill
through He also advised me to re-
frain from being held up by the law
yers. Fulton had made a contract with
Eckstein to give him $500 to lobby for
the bill carrying appropriations for
him From what I have been told by
these fellows, I believed that 1 could
not get a cent of t he money which had
been appropriated without the aid of
lawyers"
How can I get the money!" said
Fennel to c. A. Taylor, assistant aud
itor.
BY making proper vouchers and fur
nishing proper Identification of yourself
n dan W.T.
Then I won't have to employ these
lawyers" said Fennen
I simply say. MIR. Fenneli" replied
Mr. Taylor, that the money is here
waiting for you. When you furnish the
proper papers and affidavits we will is
sue the voucher"
Being thus assured, Mr.. FenneI went
home to secure the necessary documents
and viii within a few days receive from
the state the money to which he is en-
titled by reason of the appropriations.
Mi Eckstein came to Topeka with
the power of attorney signed by Fulton
his client, and sought to draw the 81
500. The auditor stated that the Vouch-
er would be issued upon the power. but
II would be made payable to Fulton,
ana not to Eckstein. The latter then,
SO II is said in the office of the auditor
took no further steps
Auditor Norris said today:
4 am surprised at this proceeding
The money appropriated by the state
TO these men is for pension. 1t should
be regarded as such. Men drawing a
pension have certain exemptions. and
there is no reason why he federal law
should not operate in this case. 1 do
not propose that this money shall be di-
verified from its original purpose, so far
as this Office is concerned
would not issue a voucher to Mr.
f-ckstein nor to any other man. Fulton
Is entitled to he money. That being
the case. I will issue the voucher upon
a proper showing by him and forward
the fulI amount of money Should he
pay Mr.. Eckstein, that is none of my
business, but such a payment cannot be
effected through this office. neither can
such a deal be eliminated by my as
sistance"
MI. Morris evinced displeasure at the
palpable intention of the use of his de-
partment to complete the deal, and
said:
1t occurs to me that this proceeding
is almost a conspiracy, and what sur
prises me most, is the manner in which
these beneficiaries have been misled I
viii write to Mr.. Fulton and explain it
to him. his rights in this case then if
he desires to yield up half the money,
I have nothing to say. Mr.. FennelI was
duly advised yesterday upon the sub
1ect, and will, when his proofs of iden-
uty and affidavitS are received be
placed in possession of the entire