The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-02-10
WATER WORKS CAUCUS.
The New Jersey Corporation Calls Its
Topeka Cohorts Together.

Dave MuIvane marshaled his forces
for the first time last night to prepare
to organize for the mayor fight About
IS men, white and black, assembled in
the office of c. S. Elliott to discuss the
city campaign. The blinds were care
fully drawn and the proceedings We're
supposed to be secret
The invitations were sent only to
those who could be trusted. They were
type written and were signed by G. S.
Elliott But before the meeting was
called to order Mr.. Elliott left and Dave
Mulvane was given charge of the reins
He had Matt Weightman elected chair
man and Fred Jewell secretary.
Mr.. Mulvane made a speech in which
he urged the Importance of organiza-
lions in the different wards. He in
sisted that the old Seaton organization
should be maintained so far as possible
and that the organization of the pri-
mary election boards should be looked
after.
Frank Ellison made a. speech in
which he said that he had looked the
ground over and that things were all
right for Brooks.
John Gardiner made similar state
ments. Simon Hoe, one of the colored
workers in the Fifth ward insisted that
Everything is all right" and that he
would be ready to line up when the time
came.
Otis Hungate said that the fight could
be won if it was handled in the right
way. The opposition would not be al
lowed to make the waterworkS the is
sue if he could help it.
John Dudley looked wise and said
nothing until the meeting adjourned
when he passed among those present
and slapped them on the back.
1t was decided that the organization
of each ward should be left to the rep
resentatives from the wards, but that
before anything definite is done there
should be another meeting at which the
details will be arranged for ALLOWING"
the people to vote their way.
Mr.. Mulvane avoided any reference
to the water works question. He said
nothing about his candidate having eX-
perienced a change of heart on the
water works issue. The water works
question is to be pushed into the back
ground-if the people will allow 1t to be
done-and after the election more can
be said on that important question.
Dave Woodall and w. t. Mcknight,
colored workers of the third ward, were
in the meeting. Mcknight served as
deputy sheriff under the Kepley admin
istration, but now holds a position at
the state house. John Allen, who was
Etherly, who was given a place at the
state house, were there from the second
ward. Frank Beach, the colored work
err who held a position under Sheriff
Cook until the Fletcher Helm scandal,
represented the first ward at the meet
ing.
Among the others who were present
were men of more or less prominence in
local politics. John Richie was at the
meeting but sawed wood and said moth
ing.
There was a sentiment existing that
while one of the Topeka dailieS was rather
slow in coming out into the open on
the New Jersey meadows, so to speak,
it was generally understood to be ALI
right and could be depended on later
The next meeting will be held Monday
evening OF next week when the plans
for completing the precinct organiza-
lions are expected to be perfected.