The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-08-10

Clay Center candidate, and for that
reason would like to see the latter get
the appointment.
Last week Representative T. L.
Hogue, of Johnson county, wrote to Col
Richards, in charge of the opening of
the new lands in Indian Territory, re-
questing that Col. Andy J. James. of
Olathe be appointed official auctiOneer
of town lots at the new town of Hobart.
Mr. Hogue is personally acquainted
with Col. Richards and knew the merit
of Col James as a Silvery-tongued auc-
tioneer and successfully brought the
two together Col James was appointed
and all this week his jolly red face is
working off the words that makes land
owners in the new town of Hobart.
The following story is being told as
illustrating Congressman Charles Cur
tis' sagacity as d prophet. It is one of
those twice-told tales that look differ
ent on second reading.
On the 4th of last March, W. ].
Bailey, reSSnan-at-large, retired,
at least temporarily, to private life.
Behind this retirement is an interest
ing story. It is illustrative of the char
acteristics which dominate and control
the two principals in that contest and
although an incident which would have
scarcely called forth a second thought
from the average man in public life, it
kindled a flame which resulted in one
of the hardest fought contests over
nomination which has occurred in Kan
sas for many years Both Bailey and
Curtis are men of quick impulses and
determination, and Bailey detern ined
to make the memorable race against
Curtis for congressman from the First
district two years ago upon the impulse
of the moment.
More than two years ago the men
who then controlled the political ma
chinery in Kansas, consisting of Cy
II, A ~, 1y1d n
others, urged Bailey to enter the race
for congress against Curtis and force
the Topeka statesman to run as repre-
senta tive -at-large. One day Bailey
met Curtis and suggested to him that
he (Bailey) would like to arrange it so
that he could be congressman from
the First district and Curtis could have
the honor of coming to Washington as
epresentative-at-lar from the state.
It was here that the Topeka con-
gresham INDUCED in some prophetic
words. which have been fulfilled to the
letter Quick as a flash he retorted:
II shall make the race for congressman
from the First district
''Then you Will be defeated" said
Bailey, for I am going to make the
race against you"
60 ahead and make the race" said
Curtis. "and I VIII give you and your
Uncle Cy the best political drubbing
either of you have ever experienced IN
your lives You seem to have forgot
say about who shall represent them in
congress, and, mark my statement" he
continued in a prophetic vein, 1t Will
result in your defeat; in the defeat of
your Uncle Cy as national committee
man; the defeat of Lucien Baker as
United States senator; the reorganiza-
tion of the state comm ittee; and the
complete overthrow of the present
crowd. who imagine that they abso-
lutely control the Republican party in
Kansas"
Bailey smiled a sardonie smile and
departed He accepted this as a ehal-
lenge and Immediately picked up the
gauntlet thrown down by Curtis. He
had not expected such a reply. He had
supposed that Curtis would be com
pletely overawed by the long list of
politicians of fame whose support ne
had secured. Bailey announced his
candidacy, declaring that he would not
stand for denomination as congress-
man-at-large from the state. and was
overwhelmingly defeated Cy Leland
was succeeded as national committee
man by David Mulvane, and J. Ralph
Burton has Bakers seat in the United
States senate.
r. F. Thompson came in hurried1y
from Minneapolis to see Governor Stan
ley the other day about getting the ap-
pointn ent to succeed himself as judge
in the Thirtieth district HIS troubles
are not yet over, although R. r. Rees
laid down before the incumbents
claims. Jerry Mohler. a well known
criminal lawyer of Salina. has written
to Stanley announcing himself as
candidate It is also said that ex-
Speaker Stephen J. Osborn is likewise
a candidate.
Judge William Thomson, of Usage,
has it all his way for appointment. His
Endorsements include the full legisla-
tive delegation of the district, the
county committee all but two, ma
jority of the judicial committee, and a
large number of influential friends.
The Endorsements were left with the
governor Yesterday.