The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-02-04
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gallu e Eagle
NJ NJ METRD0CK Editor.
TOPEKA IS A HOG.

Topeka is fighting the proposition to
divide the state into two federal judi
cial districts. Topeka is a hog. Moth
ing satisfies its greed. 1t cares moth
ing for the convenience of other por-
tions Of the state only as it contributes
vision of the state into two districts
would cost Topeka nothing, save the
loss of the incidental hotel bills and
the presence of numerous lawyers and
expense, TO travel to the capital TO find
a federal judge. The general govern
ment in paying the salaries Of the new
Judge, marshal and attorney would de-
duct nothing from the salaries paid
these officers who reside at Topeka.
1t is simply a case of downright selfish
ness, not unmixed, perhaps, with envy.
Their congressman, now that he looks
no longer to the votes of Southern Kan
sas people for his preferment has
turned against a measure so long de-
manded for the greater convenience Of
the south half of the state. Years ago
the United States senate's judiciary
committee, after looking up the matter,
reported a bill favoring two districts.
1t was killed by Kansas own repre-
sentatives, largely in the interest of
Topeka. The sessions of the court for
years in South Kansas have been held
by Judges from other states. A Topeka
paper, in voicing the objections of that
town to the creation Of another federal
district, says that So, and SO, and So,
would receive the appointments. They
are all good and deserving South Kan
sas men, but not one Of them lives in
Topeka, nor would they. That is all
there is of Topeka's opposition in a nut
she'll That town, situated within fifty
miles Of the northeast corner Of the
state, has the state capital, a state asy-
lum, state reformatory, supreme court,
state printing house and all the other
interests which go with the capital;
also the pension agency, a United
States collector, a federal court and its
Judge and marshal. But when it comes
TO a matter of convenience to any other
portion Of the state, we care not what
the thing is, Topeka can be set down,
with all her corporate and political
backing, as against it. We don't know
why congress should be Influenced by
the objections of people who are not
directly interested, except as that in
terest is from the hog standpoint.
Southern Kansas people never opposed
sion agency. It helps Topeka, of course,
but in reflex way is an honor for the
state. So, two federal districts would
give the state a greater Importance.
While Congressman Curtis is no longer
dependent upon the votes of the people
of any portion of South Kansas, he is
still, in fact, the congressman for some
of the counties which would be in the
new district. Had he not been gerry
wandered by the Pop legislature, he
would have been favorable to the bill,
which he now, at the beck of Topeka,
opposes. The attitude of Topeka in this
matter is little to contemptibleness. On
general principles Kansas has as much
right to two federal districts as a dozen
other states of no greater population
and less business, that have two. The
extra expense" to the general govern
ment, harped about by Topeka, is but a
emoluments to go to Topeka, no such
objection would be heard from that
northeast quarter hog.