The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1899-05-14
FRED FUNSTON'S PROSPECTS
How They Look. Politically, From
the National Capital.

the NatsOnai capital
New York, May 13-The Washington
cores ondent OF the Evening Post has
the following: THE talk about electing
General Funston governor of Kansas or
United States senator has caused some
inquiry to be made into his qualifica-
tons FOR either of those Offices" remark
eda veteran officer of the Spanish war 10
your correspondent today. with no lis
position to disparage those qualities
which he possesses in heroic measure. his
friends here who know him best agree
that he would be very foolish TO accept
the fruits of the present fever OF her5-
worship which has broken out in his
state. He has been very well described IS
a daredevil, apparently Indifferent as 10
life and death, and preserved, as so many
men Of that sort are. by means almost mi
racUlous whenever placed in serious dan
ger But he apparently does not combine
with his ability to execute the ability 10
plan mmore than a very HttIel while
ahead. As the daring poker player diff
fers from The champion at chess, 50 Fun
ston differs from the men who can lay
cut. campaigns and direct the larger op-
erauons Of others. Students ouru civil
war viii understand the statement that
Funston could probably never BE .
Grant or a Sherman, though ne Will per-
form the most effective service as a
Kearney, and might rise to the dign.ties
OF Sheridan.
The only man who by general con-
sent in military circles here. has shown
in himself a combination OF the ability 10
plan large designs and execute chem in
person Is General I-awt0n. He has nos
figured as a contributor 10 the magazines.
nor has he dene very much Of the SOFT Of
private letter writing which finds lis way
into print; and as an orator he : no.
where, because he loses his hsal corr
pletely when called upon Tor remarks,
and, as he describes it himself. Gecan ,
deaf ard blind - well as spee-h.eSs.
Another officer vino Is winning ser5-2l
prise among those who have seen most
OF him II action Is Colonel John c. Bates.
who ought 10 be placed in the front rank
% the heroes ef,hewar- The strong po5n,
win Bates : That. although he has never
failed 20 respond wnen soma seri0uus
work Rad 10 be done, he has contrN ID 10
do * without making nuca noise and
without t5s loss OF any mora men than
necessary Had he goae i1cc fights with
more outward dash and less sciea-ac
skill. she number OF killed il his com-
'n-sld would probably have been large
enough 70 ents1ls him 10 some Of the emf
nenee which seems to GENE from leaving
heaps 81 slain upon thu 6eId.
Funston. j, Is thought. wIl3 have the
sood sense to recognize his OWE strong
points and refuse 90 lex the politicians
steer him away from g military career.
his father was one Of TIE most eccentric
men in puo.ic life. and The scn u-doua-
ejly possesses some q ,he same qualities.
which 90 noI lead 80 high place liz his
tory He Is lower q adventure. and
can E.a al thelsme any man desires by
sticking 10 his profession which exactly
suits lis capabilities, but the utu;er COLI
lapse IN reputation and fortune CT -
many men who have coageaial fields n
TIE nope q cGt1sng q big fzlsre IN politics
: one q the Uaose psthe.i1 s-ee,4cIes Es
IL Washington are oal,s5 uaoa 10 VII
ness