The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1897-04-30
ROPE FOR P0PULISTS.
Representative Brown of Pratt
Uses Violent Words.
Says POpuIist Legislators Will
bangle From a Rope
If They Again Refuse to Pass Maxi
mum Freight Rate Law When
Called Together in Spe-
cial Session.

W. F. Brown, the Pratt county repre-
sentative in the last legislature emerged
from Governor Leedy's office yesterday
after a long conference with the chief
executive. but not said Mr.. Brown,
upon the 81 oject of an extra session
of the legislature"
Did the governor tell you there
would be an extra session." inquired
the Journal reporter
NO, sir, ne did not
DO you think there will be One?"
I can't say as to that"
''Wen what is your opinion?"
If were governor I would cali the
legislature together and insist upon the
enactment OF maximum freight rate
law.
viii Governor Leedy do that?''
4 do not think he viii soon, anyhow"
win he take such action a aN2"
That is q question he can not an
Ewer himself under the circumstances.
What would you do We're you in his
I would feel just as he does. that
there is no great rush necessary
DO you think the present legislature
could be compelled to enact a maxi
mum rate laW2"
Wei, that's hard question. but
viii say that if were governor I would
call the legislature together and insist
that such action be taken"
How do You expect to get the men in
line who have thus far refused to assist
in making a maximum laW?"
They would be compelled to get in
line by the people whom they repre-
sent"
DO YOU think the people can COM
pei these refractory members to sup
port proposition Of that kind? '
Wen, 1 should hope so. The men
who went back on Us last winter are
getting a taste of it themselves a home.
I have heard from all parts of the state
M hes in lion
men who refused to vote in favor of this
cardinal POpulist principle are now go
ing through a fire from their constitu-
eutS that is of such q character as to
be more than interesting and many Of
them, believe would now fall in line
and vote for maximum rate law
Suppose that these men you speak
of should be called back to Topeka and
stand by their action of last winter
What could the people dO?"
ITO be frank with you. it is my hon
est opinion that should explicit instruc-
lions be again ignored, some of these
men would be found dangling at the end
of a rope The people of Kansas ex-
pected and had reason to expect the
enactment OF maximum rate law and
When the legislature failed to do as the
instructions of members demanded the
people first experienced disappointment
which gave way TO anger. 1t was a
UlSappOlnt ment for which there was no
reasonable excuse and I want to say TO
y.'l that they are thinking over these
matters as they have never done be
fore Should another disappointment
be given them believe that the faith
less members would receive very severe
treatment which would not be confined
TO censure and demands for resigna-
tiOns. Harsh and unprecedented meas
ures of correction would be employed
Absolute violation of a trust like that
which was imposed in legislators can
not and viii not be tolerated by the peo-
pie of Kansas who waited years for the
relief which the last legislature could
have Afforded