The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-09-17
BOOM FOR COBURN
He Nay Be in the Roosevelt
Cabinet.
Would Make Model Secretary
of Agriculture.
GOV. STANLEY TALKS.
Thinks Mr.. Coburn Best Agri-
cultural Authority.
Other State Officials Also Favor
His Promotion.
Mr.. Coburn Says He Believes
There Will Be No Change.

Cabinet making has struck Kansas
and as a result, State Secretary of Ag-
riculture F. D. Coburn has a local boom
for the same national position with the
Roosevelt administration If there is
to be a successor to Secretary Wilson,
Kansas as a unit offers Secretary Co
burn for the place.
All the state officers are talking about
Coburn for secretary of agriculture to-
day and are all for his elevation. His
recognized standing as an agricultural
expert is more weighty than political
requirements in such a case. OF course
it will be necessary to have the support
OF Senator Burton and D. w Mulvane,
with the rest of congressional delega-
ton, but they have an ear to what the
people want and would doubtless seek
to have the peoples wishes regarded in
the matter.
In speaking of the proposed presenta-
ton by Kansas of F. D. Coburn for
United States secretary Of agriculture,
Governor Stanley said: Mr.. Coburn IS
without doubt the best selection that
could be made for the place. He is the
best secretary of agriculture since our
department was established. He is GER
tainly better than Secretary Wilson,
who does not know corn producing
state when he sees it. We all believe
in Coburn in Kansas. He is the best
authority on agriculture in America, we
have good reason to believe, and his re-
pute has gone to remote corners of the
world as WE'LL
Secretary of State George Clark said:
'Coburn is an expert agriculture
who knows his trade. Kansas would
have a hunt to find as capable a man
to succeed him, but if there is such an
opening in RooSevelt's cabinet, Kansas
is the great agriculture state. Kansas
should have the place and Coburn is the
man to fill it.
rs there a chance for Mr.. Coburn to
be promoter" asked Attorney General
GODDARD. IF there is I say to it, All
right Personally 1 would be very glad
to see Mr.. Coburn go higher and higher
and higher. But we need him in Kan
sas- While he could do US much good
and Kansas. I am sure, would never be
left out of the list Of corn producing
states, still I feel that he can accom-
plish more for US here than in Wash
ington. Nevertheless if there is an OPP
portunity of securing the place for him
and he will accept it, I should give him
my hearty support"
Il think the world Of Mr.. Coburn,''
was State Treasurer Grimes ELUSIVE
tribute to the secretary's worth Be
cause Of his relations to Senator Burton
he would go no further, for fear Of en-
barrassing his friends.
Superintendent of Public Instruction
Frank Nelson thought that if there was
to be a. change Kansas renOwn as an
agricultural state should be recognized
Mr.. Coburn would be an excellent
substitute for Mr. Wilson," he said.
There ought to be a change and Kan
sas should have the place"
Mr.. Coburn himself admits that the
prospect is tempting while impressed
by the unexpeetedness OF his boom.
oh nonsensei" was his exclamation
when the subject was preached to him
by q. State Journal reporter.
7 do not think there is any prospect
ct a change in the agricultural depart
1s1ent head at Washington. James Will
son is the most capable man that has
been secretary of agriculture. He
of his predecessors. He IS practical
and experienced man and have no
idea that President Roosevelt will let
him go out of his cabinet.
Besides Secretary Wilson is my
friend and I would not do anything to
undermine him. I fear I should not be
big enough for the place having no aptf- |
tude for politics. My only desire is to |
do my work well. I would not say that
have no ambitions to follow my line
of work to higher plane. Still if it in |
Volved the deposing of a man to make |
a. place for me, and that man James !
Wilson, my friend, I should decline to |
be a party to it. 1t is very good of the |
people of Kansas to show such apprec- |
iation Of the little work / have been |
able to do here, and such a mark of I
kindness cannot be other than pleasant |
in the extreme"
His holding aloof from politics is a |
disadvantage to Mr.. Coburn with the |
politicians. They are hanging back on |
their cabinet making plans and would /
is suggested that D. w Mulvane should /
have a place in the interior depart
ment and work to that end may be ex-
pected.