The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-04-24
Dave w. MuIvane and John T.
Clancy at LOggerheads.
The Chairman Refuses to Play
Second Fiddle To
MIR. MULVANE'S TUNE.
Fight Over Appointment of
Grain Inspector in Topeka.
Thomas Cross, Recommended by
Chairman CLANCY Is Named.

The announcement of the appointments
of Thomas Cross as local grain inspec-
tor by Governor Stanley was made to-
day. This closes one of the most Bit
ter political fights that has taken place
in the county for some time. 1t also
caused an open rupture between two Of
the political leaders of Shawnee county
John T. CLANCY, chairman Of the Re-
publican county central COMMITTEES, and
David w. Mulvane who aspires to be
the successor of Cy Leland as the Re-
publican boss of Kansas.
All factions had endorsed Capt. D. F.
Wyatt for the position and it was at
first supposed that he would be ap-
pointed, but before the local men knew
what they were about Grain Inspector
MCKinzie made the announcement that
he had named A. F. Wickham.
Instantly there was a storm of no
small proportions. Every man in To-
peka who thinks that he has any weight
of the political burden on his shoulders
rushed to Governor STANLEY who was
compelled to put his hands to his ears
to shut out the din which was created
1t was claimed that Mr.. Wickham lived
in Salina and he admitted that though
he had been in business in Topeka he
had continued to vote in Salina.
The opposition to Mr.. Wickham open
ed up fight on Capt Wyatt. 1t was
claimed that he had never had any ex-
perience with grain and the protest
came from the grain men among the
rest. Every one admitted that Capt.
Wyatt is an agreeable, pleasant gentle
man but the contest became so bitter
that Governor Stanley finally an
nounced that he would commission
neither Wickham nor Wyatt.
Mr.. Mulvane was excited. He had
set his heart the appointment of
Capt. Wyatt and the satisfaction he felt
because he had prevented the appoint
ment of Mr.. Wickham was more than
OVerbalanced by chagrin over the fail
ure to land his man in the place.
Finally Mr.. Mulvane made up his
mind that he would have Frank Igou
appointed. Igou filled the position dur
ing the POpul1St state administration
and claims to be a gold Democrat. AS
a mere matter of form it was necessary
for him to consult Mr.. Chaney because
he happens to be at the head of the
local Republican organization. An en-
dorsement of Igou was drawn up and
that Mr.. Mulvane carried to Chairman
CLANCY who read the document.
Il will never recommend the appoint
ment of Democrat to a position as
long as there are good Republicans to
be found" was Mr. Chaney's reply to
the request for the endorsement.
Mr.. MulVane argued and fused and
funed but all to no purpose. Chairman
CLANCY was firm and he Furthermore
told Mr.. Mulvane that he would use
all the influence he could muster to
Politicians who are acquainted with
Mr.. Mulvane know that he is a. fighter
and though he left Chairman Chaney
in very uncomfortable frame of mind
he had no intention of giving up the
fight. He put the machinery in motion
to have Igou appointed without the en-
dorsement of Chairman CLANCY and
partially succeeded for a day or two
after the stormy conference between
Mulvane and CLANCY Governor Stanley
received a telegram from Grain Inspec-
tor McKinzie recommending the ap-
pointment of Igou. The grain men had
endorsed him.
Governor Stanley at once notified
Chairman CLANCY and asked him what
was to be done. He was again asked to
give his sanction to the appointment of
1gou but, once more refused and Cover
nor Stanley finally consented to leave
the matter open.
Finally Chairman Clancy recon-
mended the appointment of Thomas
Cross, an old grain man, and he was
appointed. The appointment of Cross
has opened a breach between Chairman
CLANCY and Mr.. Mulvane which it may
take years to heal