The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-11-26
Practically Certain to Be Lead
ing Candidate For Governor.
Other the Man Selected by Bur-
ton Faction.
THERE ARE TOO MANY.
Followers of Abilene Senator
Are i'm Trouble.
Number of Aspirants in Their
Camp Too Numerous.

If indications at this stage of the
game of politics count for anything,
George E. Cole will be one of the two
leading candidates for governor in the
next Republican state convention. The
other will be whoever the Burton fac
ton decides upon.
At present the Burton wing of the
party has no candidate-or, more cor
rectly, it has too many. 1t was the in
tention of the Burton people several
weeks ago to spring Congressman
Charles F. Scott, of lola, as their can
didate when the proper time came, but
the other fellows got on to 1t ana
brought Mr. Scott out prematurely, with
the result that his boom failed to ma
terialize. Mr. Scott, of course, had not
been consulted.
Now it is a choice between Miller and
Richter, both from the Fourth congress
sional district. Some of the politicians
say that Richter hasn't a ghost of a
show and that Miller has the Fourth
district practically solid. A few-and
they are generally Burton supporters
say that Richter will be a surprise
party to a whole lot of people by the
time the delegates are elected.
You will notice that Richter is one
of these fellows who is abused a great
deal, but it doesn't hurt him. remarked
one of this latter class today. Nearly
everybody likes him personally. He is
a good mixer. They say he can't make
a speech; but did you ever notice that
he rounds up a big lot of delegates when
the convention rolls around? He Will be
one of the two leading candidates be-
fore the state convention next sum-
mer." 1t might also be said at the same
time that Richter is not strong man
personally and would scarcely make the
kind of a governor Kansas should have.
If Richter does come to the front with
any considerable strength, he will very
likely be the candidate OF the reSuDmlS-
ol@ fc 1ia1a n a.
velop considerab ble strength; but on the
other hand, it may hurt the candidate 1t
selects more than it can do him good,
unless it is strong enough to dictate the
nomination over all opposition, Wnlcn Is
not probable.
If Richter develops the strength his
friends prophesy for him, which is not
likely, it will develop into peculiar
contest. He will be the candidate of the
Burton faction and the wet" element,
while Mr. Cole will be the candidate of
the Leland element.
Politicians are now prophesying that
w J. Bailey, Leland closest friend will
not get into the gubernatorial race. In
the first place, Mr.. Bailey has no ambl-
ton to be governor. He wants to go
back to congress, and he wants to go
from the First district He cannot go
unless Congressman Curtis become
United States senator. If Mr.. Bailey
should run for governor and be defeated
it would weaken him. IF he should win.
he could scarcely ask to be sent to con-
gress Immediately afterwards, in case
Mr. Curtis should go to the senate. For
this reason the politicians do not be-
lieve that Mr. Bailey will become a can
didate for governor.
That is the reason why George E. Cole
is likely to develop into one of the most
formidable candidates in the race.
Even without the support of the Leland
faction, Cole has a strong following all
over the state, and with Leland and his
influence added which he will get if
Bailey keeps out of the race, Cole will
be especially strong.
Some of Senator Miller's friends say
there is no doubt as to whom the
Fourth district will line up for They
claim that Mr.. Richter is already out
of the race.