The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-06-16
MADE EN- CHEER.
Webb McNall's First Visit TO a
POpulist Convention
Results in an Ovation by the
Delegates.
WEBB SAYS LEEDY
Always Asked Him: "Webb, are
You Sure You're Right !''
And Then Told Him to Go
Right Ahead
And "Whale 1t" to Law Break.
ing Insurance Companies.

Webb McNalI entered the Populist
convention hall yesterday afternoon
and a, delegate caught sight of him and
started a shout for McNaU Instantly
the hall was in an uproar and Chair
man King led Mr.. NcNan to the front
of the platform where he was given a
tremendous ovation.
Il will introduce to you," said Chair
man King
shouted a delegate
Il will introduce to you,' continued
Chairman King, the greatest insur-
ance commissioner Kansas ever had
THE greatest any state ever had
screamed a delegate from Wyandotte
county, above the uproar that followed
Senator Kings introduction.
Commissioner McNall started out by
saying that it was the first time he
had ever addressed a Populist state
convention. He then remarked that
the convention didn't look vastly diff
ferent from conventions of other par
ties. Continuing Commissioner McNan
said:
Two years ago we elected a state
ticket and six out of eight congressman,
and every one of those men have car
ried out the principles of the platforms
they were elected on to the best of their
ability. Men ask US sometimes what
the Kansas Populist congressman have
done during the past two years. Well
maybe they haven't done very much
but L know Republican congressman
that haven't done much either; and
when you come to think that even
President Mckinley and his national
administration couldn't get a vote on
the Hawaiian question because of Tom
Reeds dictation in the house, it is no
longer a wonder that the POpulist con-
gressmen haven't been able to do much
in an antagOniStic body. The best they
can do is answer to the roll call and
vote their principles and convictions" F"
Referring to his insurance warfare,
Commissioner McNall said:
There has been a peculiar atmOs-
phere in this state during the past two
years. 1 have felt it to some extent,
but the other fellows have felt it to
much greater extent Because I at
tempted to enforce the law stated in
the fOrtieth Kansas, L was indicted by
a federal grand jury for obstructing
justice. All L had to do and could do
was to refer them to Horton, Valentine
and Johnson, three Republican jurists.
and 1 suggest that when the federal
court gets through with me, it tackle
them. 1 want to say that during all
the trouble 1 have had since taking
the office of superintendent of insur-
ance the governor of this state has
stood at my back. 1 want to say that
if there is any credit due me for what
actions l have taken while in office
just as much credit is due to John w.
Leedy. (Cheers)
The only thing he has ever asked
me when L have taken these whirls of
mine has been: Webb, are you sure
you're right and of course 1 have al
ways said 1 was right. That settled the
matter in every instance, and he has
invariably stood by me. And, gentle
men, 1 have stood by him and intend to
stay by him.
In conclusion Commissioner McNall
said:
while I apprehend that two years
from now there will be a reahgnment
of things, Just now 1 wish to say there
is no one authorized to pull any one off
the ticket. 1 believe that every voter
who was in favor of fusion two years
ago is in favor of it today. There is
but one change that 1 could suggest,
and that is in regard to the metropoli-
tan police law. 1 believe you should
favor its abolishment in your platform
1t was not Incorporated in your plat
form two years ago, and you are not
tied to it