The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-12-10
TO LEGISLATORS.
Sam KimbIe Issues Kansas Ex-
position Associations Address.

Sam Kimble, Of Manhattan, chair
man of the legislative committee Of the
Kansas Exposition association has
sent out the following letter to each
member of the house of representatives
and senate of the next legislature:
1T has heretofore been decided by
very large consultation and action on
the part Of leading citizens Of the state
that an exposition should be held at
the state capital in the year 1904 which
should properly celebrate the event, and
at the same time inure to as large
benefit to our state as possible. As to
the propriety Of this movement, think
there can be no question, and that IL
is the general judgment that the deci-
sion to hold an exposition has been
wisely made and that it is the desire Of
every Kansan to make the celebration a
success.
Among other things that have been
done, have been selected as chairman
of the committee on legislation and
ordered to take such action as shall
provide for necessary legislation and as
sistance as the needs of the enterprise
shall demand. To do this 1 act only in
a representative capacity. / feel that
it is the business of the people Of the
whole state and it is the glory and
honor of the state that is to be set
forth.
IN entering upon my duties as chair
man of this committee, I confidently ex-
pect the kindly, courteous and earnest
consideration and assistance Of every
loyal citizen, and more especially Of the
members of the Legislature, and ] wish it
to be distinctly understood at the out
set that only desire to cooperate with
you in the consideration of this matter
and to secure the legislation which on
consultation and in your best judgment
as loyal citizen Of the state will be
necessary.
1T is now understood that the ma
tional government will make an appro-
priation toward the carrying out Of this
exposition of at least 81, 900, 0O0 condi-
toned only upon the proposition that
the state itself Will exhibit such an in
terest in the success of the enterprise
as will indicate to the national govern
ment that we are in dead earnest.
1.-The organization of Kansas was dif-
ferent from any other state in the union.
1t came at a time and under clrcum-
stances that made it the central object
of our national history, hence the cele-
bration of the event is not only state
but a national affair. This fact Justi-
fles US in the belief that the coming leg
islature will seriously and properly con-
slider the matter
Nov, just what legislation will be
best is the question. 1t has been sug-
gested that the legislature should make
an appropriation to be provided by
state tax Of one-half of one mill, to be
levied on all property in the state for
the years 1901 and 1902. This tax, when
computed it will be found would scarcely
be noticed by any individual but in the
two years would realize to the support
OF the exposition about $500, 900.
Nov 1 present this subject to you
as your own affair, with the desire that
you consider il carefully, and / shall be
pleased to hear from you at your earliest
convenience with suggestions as to what,
in your judgment. would be the best
plan to secure the success of this public
enterprise.
please advise me whether in your judg-
ment the suggestion above named would
be feasible or not, and as to any other
suggestions that may occur to you, as
one having the best interests and glory
of our state at heart, and as one being
invested with the important duty OF
securing such legislation as viii be
proper under your oath of office
s'I do not wish to be looked upon In
connection with this public matter as
one lobbying for some private enter
prise for never have sustained that
relationship toward any legislature,
and never expect to, but at the demand
of leading citizens of the state ! have
felt it nothing more than my duty to
accept the work involved in this mat
ter and 1 expect to do SO conscien-
tiously.
please let me hear from you as soon
as you are able to consider this matter,
with your suggestions upon the subject,
and oblizp."