The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-08-01
TALK OF TRADE.
Now Reported That J. Ralph
Burton Is Listening.
May Be Willing to Wait For
Senator Harris Place.
DELIVERY OF GOODS.
Can Bosses Turn Voters Over to
Abilene Man?
Chance For Rebellion Againts
Men Who "Run Things"

Although the next election of mem
bers Of the legislature is more than a
year in the future, the political atmos-
phere is surcharged with rumors and
plans Of campaign emanating from the
managers of the interests of the men
who are involved in this contest.
The plan which is now being most
discussed is the one. which suggests the
retirement of ]. r. Burton from the race
to succeed Senator Baker, which if ac-
complished, would unite all of the va
rious opposing elements of the party
upon Mr.. Burton for Senator Harris
place. in. two years.
The Leland crowd Of Republicans who
are now for Baker want to land Ike
Lambert in the senate. They can not
do it next year because the tide is now
turning in the direction of Baker and is
constantly increasing in force. This fac
ton of the party has a plan which con-
templates on the part of Burton a
strong fight for the place next year
That is, the Leland forces want Burton
to stay in the fight and then they want
to see him defeated, the idea being that
another defeat for the place will effect
ually retire Burton from this field of
political ambition. Then the plan is to
turn to MI Lambert. who is the favorite
with Leland, Lit Crum and their friends.
Mort Albaugh. Jim Simpson and Billy
Morgan are ambitious for Chester 7
Long and they will give Leland and the
friends a battle on this proposition
However, they would be satisfied to
have Leland's scheme to wipe Burton
on the political field successfully car
r1ed out believing that they could then
all get together and land Long or Lam
bert, getting one of their own crowd
and not taking the chance on man IN
friendly to some of their interests as
Burton would be. In the senate when
the distribution of patronage was
reached Burton would not forget to re-
member and punish some of the men
who have not lost sleep while trying to
help him, although their pretensions
would lead Burton to believe the con-
trary.
The friends of Mr.. Burton are con-
sidering the advisability of his re-
tirement from the present contest.
We're they able to secure pledges
from their opponents at this time
that Bakers friends of next year
and the present time, too would be for
Burton in two years, it is said that Bur
ton would. at the proper time, get out of
Mr. Bakers way.
United States Marshal w. E. Sterne
IS one of the strong men fighting for
Baker at this time. The federal office
holders are all for Baker. A friend of
Burton's who stands in the position of
a manager for him, a few days ago re
queSted man to see Sterne and the
rest of the men now making an active
nght and ascertain if they would be for
Burton in two years. To this inquiry
the gentlemen questioned answered yes
since report upon this mission has
Dsen made TO the Burton camp nothing
has been heard but some of the friends
of Baker are confident that Burton is
giving this plan much more careful con-
slderation than he would have the pub
lie understand
Outwardly Burton is laughing at the
suggestion that he get out of the vav.
SecretIy some OF his friends are seeking
to learn what the conditions would be
were he retired now. The whole situa-
ton is becoming interesting in the ex-
IRENE and there are men who will wager
that Burton, when the lines are drawn
VIII see that he has no show, and that
he will then, make haste. to deliver his
strength Baker is reported to have said
that If Burton wants his help in two
years he may secure it by now turning
IN and helping Baker win the fight next
year