Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1899-05-12
Are Sore on Gov. Stanley.


LEAvENwoRTH. KAs., May 5,-The action
of Governor Stanley in failing to recognize
Lieutenant Colonel Ed c. Kitte by promoting
Major Metcalf to the vacant colonelcy in the
regiment causes much unfavorable comment
here. No one questions Metcaf's soldierly fit
ness, but the conditions under which Funston
received the appointment by Ex-Governor Leedy
should have acted as a guide for Stanley, no
matter how anxious he might have been to re-
ward Republican and turn down an anti-Re-
publican.
"This action of Stanley's is simply fulfill
ment of my prophecy" said friend of Littles
to-day, and very good Republican at that. 1
never did think Stanley was big enough man
for the place, and l am now convinced of it.
He is an ordinary 2x4 Republican politician,
unable to raise above the little, small mean
things that generally go to make up a man of
that kind. 1t is possible that am doing Stan
ley an injustice, and that these promotions were
made upon Funston recommendations. If so,
| am right also as to Funston. He has display
ed the same sefshness in thfs matter that he
charged with last Summer, when held re-
sponsible for the attacks in the San Francisco
newspapers upon the lieutenant-coonel, who
was lying at Deaths door in military hospital
If Funston really recommended Metcalf's ad-
vancement over Little, when taken in connec-
tion with the circumstances that lead to his ap-
pointment, l hope may not be charged with
treason when l assert that Funstnn is not
worthy the high honors conferred upon him by
the president of the United States He may
ba brave soldier, but he possesses little of the
gallantry that goes to make up noble and I'M
selfish character, generally present with the
true and disciplined soldier. If Funston has
really declined to aid in the advancement of his
brother officer, to whom he owes all, the man
who virtually picked him up out of obscurity,
beyond the little brief notoriety he had gained
OH the lecture stand, and had the governor ap-
point him colonel of regiment, giving him
opportunity to win fame and glory, then l say
Funston is not deserving of the commentators
the people are bestowng upon him. am sor-
ry for Funston
strong supporter of Governor Leedy in
discussing the promotion sald "Metcalf l
know to be thoroughbred. He is, in my
Judgment, the best-trained soldier in Kansas.
He should not, however, have been appointed
over Little. Little's promotion would have
placed him one step higher, and so each would
have been given chance. This all goes to
show that Democrat anti Republican has
no chance with a Kansas Republican when it
comes to doing justice, or passing around ia
vors. 1t should prove to the combined enemies
of Republicanism not to favor their enemies
when in office. Leedy appointed Funston on
sentiment Little went out of his way to Sc
cure Funstons selection, as 1 happen to know
and thatE Euuc had Chop tO ho1p he
man who helped to make him, he turns from
him and tries to make himself solid with the
Republicans of Kansas by recommending a
Republican, and junior to Little, to fill the
cancy made by his own advancement. Governor
Leedy should have stood by his party friends;
by the men who helped to place him in the
gubernatorial chair. The abuse heaped upon
him last summer by the Republicans of Kan
sas could not have been more bitter and the ac-
cusations more false than if he had ignored
Republicans entirely and appointed men who
or1I tr,,a TO n;