New-York tribune., 1900-12-02
THE KANSAS SENATORSHIP.
BITTER FIGHT BETWEEN SENATOR
BAKER AND ]. K. BURTON.
rBx TELEGRAPH TO TIE rR1BrxE.I

IBY TELEGRAPH TO TRIBUNE-I
Washington. Dec. L-senator Lucien Baker. Of
Kansas. arrived in the city tonight from Topeka,
whare he has been personally supervising the pre-
lininary movements of his candidacy for re-elec-
ton. When seen tonight the Senator admitted
that his chances Of reelection were not so bright
as he would like have them, but expressed con-
hdence in his ability to control majority OF the
party caucus which will be held January 2
The bitter fight going on in Kansas over the cleo
ton of a United States Senator is being watched
with interest by the leaders OF the party at Wash
ington. The contest at present IS between Senator
Baker and J. K. Burton Of Abilene. Burton IS a
comparatively young man. and one of the most
eloquent orators in the State. He has shown his
strength in the party on previous occasions SIX
years ago he came within vote Of being elected
United States Senator after forty ballots. and it
was only by a combination Of all the anti-Burton
people that he finally defeated and Lucien
Baker elected. Burton feels that Bakers nomina-
ton and election six years ago the result OF
political manipulation not entirely fair 70 him.
Baker has no love for Burton, who, he declares,
has been a standing candidate for Senatorial hon
ors for twelve years, and has made himself the
butt of ridicule by his persistent candidacy.
The fight over members Of the Legislature fa-
vorable 20 the two candidates was animated from
finish. The result is that the two are about
equally balanced. 1t Is said that NJ a. Low, the
general solicitor OF the Rock Island Railway sys-
TEN at Topeka, will control the balance or power
Through the influence Of the Rock Island Rsit-
road Mr. Low is a potential factor. He could
have been, had he desired. chairman OF the
State Committee chairman Of the Kansas delega-
tion 10 the Philadelphia Convention, or Republican
National Committeeman for the State but each
Of these offers declined. II has been said that
Mr.. Low would like the Senatorship himself, a.
though he denies any such ambition. Both can
didates. therefore are endeavorins to secure the
support of the Rock Island man. Just now tney
both in doubt, for last week Mr. Low quietly
started or an extended hunting trip in the Terri
tories and will until about the time the
Legislature meets
THE CAUSE OF THE FEUD.
One reason why Burton feels particularly sore
toward Baker and is determined 10 have Bakers
scalp dangling his belt, If possible, Is because
OF an occurrence in Washington last winter by
which Burton was deprived Of an income or $5cO
8 wear nv the refusal OF the Secretary OF the In
terror to approve a contract with the Chlckasaw
Nation in Indian territory; burton c'lSI So So t aT5
Baker was responsible The senator shiies' anu
Last WinteI Mr. Burton entered into a cor tract
with the ChickasaW Nation 10 look aIlef Its u.
terests at the National capital IN the Way % lSs4
latiOn for the tribe Tor cons!ceIal- 81 SIJC
asaw Council and sent 10 Washington Tor tlS dp-
proval OF the Secretary OF the Interior allG Gis
candidacy for .Ited States Senator 10 sGGCeed
Baker and was then pushing Il Vigorously N4el
the contract arrived AT the Interior DepST lleLt ny
il was allowed 10 rest the Secretary uesA LOI
several weeks Finally II was ueclded taat y =" -
approve a contract providing for The representa-
ton o. the Chckasaw Nation before lils oepSiL.
ment and at the Capitol here. Notwithstanding
this announcement OF the policy OF the Depart
ment the Cherokee. Creek and Choctaw nations
had been allowed TO have similar representation
here. Mr. Burton therefore believed thaJ there naa
been political juggling at the InHtlor Depar qlehe
and the White House ana 5nSush' ne a. go &C. nc
wound goes without saying. burton was Fesenttui
and redoubled his efforts to even up scores with with
lot re-eiectlon