The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-06-21
Burton and Curtis Are Strange
" NOncOmmittal.
Talk Pension Commissionership
Over With Pres. Mckinley.
* OF FRICTION.
Gossip Says Kansas Nay Lose
the Place.
Items From Washington of In
terest to Kansans.

Washington, D. G, June Ex-senator
J. R. Burton and Congressman Charles
Curtis arrived at the national capital
the first of the week, and are very
busy with departmental and other mat
ters. Both called at the White House
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday,
but the object of their visits could not
be learned, though it was stated they
We're in consultation with President
Mckinley regarding the appointment of
a new pension commissioner and some
other important appointments. Secre-
tary Cortelyou and Mr.. Curtis deny
any knowledge of Judge Peters CON ing
to Washington in the interest of his
appointment to succeed Evans, as re-
Gently reported.
The matter of the appointment still
remains a speculative one, as there has
been no new developments in the case
whatever, only that change will be
made before July 1, as previously an
nounced in the State Journal. That
Kansas will get the commissioner
seems to be almost q universal opinion.
The only thing that has deferred
earlier action in the change has been
from the fact tha the admins ira tion
Mas not found an agreeable or accept
able promotion for Mr. Evans During
the last few days rum ors have had it
that Evans may retire entirely from
official life and give attention to his
large business interests in Tennessee,
which he claims is not netting him the
profits it would should his personal
mana cement be given to it
Judge Peters still seems to be in the
lead for selection as commissioner.
though each day notes the arrival of
petitions of recommendation equally as
strong from the friends of R. w
Blue. 1t is understood here that the
whom he will select, and If the fight
between the friends of the two candi-
dates continues to wax warmer than
they have lately it is thought by the
politicians in Washington that Kansas
may lose the appointment.
Burton and Curtis say there are no
new developments in the matter and
will not say which of the two, in their
opinion, will likely be selected.
Senator Burton was seen IN regard to
the report that one reason for his pres
ence in Washington at this time was
to secure Lelands s head he did not
deny the statement, nor would he say
anything regarding it.
There seems to be an impression out
in Kansas that Senator Burton viii
himself make the announcement Of fed
eral appointments for the state. 1t has
never been the custom for senators to
do this. AS the senator has frequently
stated he viii merely make the recon-
mendatiOnS and the selections are made
public from the White House or from
the departments.
Mr. Curtis has been busy with mat
ters before the interior, war, and post
office departments Wednesday he was
called to New York City, but returned
to Washington Thursday morning
While many of the selections have
been virtually settled upon very few
of the more important postof1ce appoint
ments will be announced before next
fall, as the commissions of the present
incumbents win not expire before that
time.
The report that Curtis came to Wash
fngton to make recommendations for a
change in the Leavenworth postofice is
denied most emphatically Mr.. An
thongs commission will not expire until
next fall. and it is very likely that he
will be reappointed when the time comes
for a new commission to be made out.
Mr.. Curtis intimated as much
One would think it very probable tnar
Senator Burton would find a little more
rest just now in Washington than he ex-
perienced in Kansas before, he departed,
as far as political matters are concern
ed But such as not the case Upon MS
waiting to lombard him, but that some
of the Kansas fellows had followed him
here to further press their claims Both
Burton and Curtis have been beSfeged
all week with Kansas callers who are
here in government employ, seeking
their influence for promotions or new
appointments. 1t seems they can hardly
eat a meal or dictate a letter without
being disturbed
They will not return to Kansas until
some time the coming week
l.. WILLIAM THAVIS.