The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-10-29

where the game is played with an inter
esting and distinctiveness that can be
equaled by no other state in the Union,
affords an unexcelled opportunity for
comparative study Of the novelist and
the politician.
In the end It IS expected to be shown
that the degree Of success that accrues
to the novelist in politics is but temper
airy; that II is novelty and a novelty
only. It is a relief TO the people from
the -hOt-air' Of party politics But, on
the other hand, the excitement of cam
paigning soon pals upon the author
artistic temperament
over and above everything Opie Read
is the writer and story-teller. He is a
campaigne but not a politician. Tt
may be q fine distinction to draw. per-
haps. but he says so himself I am a
writer, he tells every one i am not a
politician"
When making this assertion to a state
Journal reporter, who asked for a cam
garrison Of his liking for his literary work
and for politics. Mr.. Read chung to his
Old love most emphatically and forcibly.
My literary work I certainly like the
best. he said. Il love TO deal with the
hearts. the minds and the souls of men
not their schemes. No. not with their
schemes" he repeated. with a shake of
his massive head I don't want to be
mixed up with their schemes.
I never was mixed up in politics be
fore" he added, and almost. If not
quite. said never again.
Yet Opie Read is mixer second to
none His capabilities in this accom-
plishment might we'll be the envy OF
scores OF professional politicians. He
stops. people on the street and his must
cal southern speech. as he says, Hello
boys. establishes the entente cordiaIe at
once Then he breaks in with one of his
typical anecdotes. during the process Of
handshaking. and the smile never fails
TO so round
says to the cobbler at the door Of his
shop and shakes his hand And the es-
cort committee has gone a dozen steps
ahead before they see Mr. Read has
EWOung aside IN q care-free imp ulsive way
TO indulge in this little pleasantly
Now don't you run over me, boys
he says again as bunch Of citizens es-
says to pass the deliberate Kentuckian,
whose slow stride impels them 10 turn
out and 60 ahead They don't They
stop, laugh. shake hands and listen to a
story They stop and laugh at the sim
ple humor Of the situation As who
would not2 Most men would think twice
before attempting the proposition to run
over q bToau-shouldared giant OF feet
3 inches and who tips the beam at 24g
pounds The remainder OF 1.-THE story
rests with Mr. Read. Sometimes il
has a political moral and sometimes the
moral Is left out or forgotten entirely.
So again II is demonstrated that it is the
author and writer, after all, that mingIes
with the people, disseminating political
wisdom and gathering in local color.
Mr. Reads political precept is not to
antagouize but to persuade Privately
he gently chides a partisan who says ne
hates an opponent just because he be-
longs to his certain, which Is the oppo.-
site party To his audiences Mr. Read
great array Of figures but with impress
sions It is spiritual view Yes. I
want to touch an American heart. to fire
the hearts Of the people with intense
Arnerfcanis7n and enthusiasm So he
tells his audiences stories and leaves 1t
- Allen, here, and the other fellows