The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-10-09
Movement to Have Him in Cab
met Growing.
Nebraska Joins the Procession
in His Favor.
DON'T LIKEM MIR. WILSON
Change in Department of Agri-
culture Would Be Agreeable.
Washington People Now Re-
gard the Matter Seriously.

Washington, D. c., Oct. 9.-The boom
to secure the appointment of F. d. Co
burn of Kansas to the agricultural
portfolio of President -Roosevelt's new
cabinet is taking on serious propor-
tions. of which now plainly indicate
that Mr.. Coburn's friends are in much
earnest to land this honor for the state
of Kansas
When Mr.. Coburn's name was first
mentioned a few weeks ago in connec-
tion with a cabinet position some were
of the opinion that it was a matter not
very seriously considered, but since the
reports have been coming in from
other western states advocating his ap-
pofntment as a successor to Mr.. Wilson.
secretary of the United States depart
ment of agriculture, it is evident to
those interested that a change is de-
sired and that Coburn will have sub
stantial backing.
This fact is made manifest by the re-
ports from Nebraska that a concerted
movement is on foot in that state to in
duce the president to name Mr.. Coburn
as a successor to Mr.. Wilson. 1t is
claimed the movement in Nebraska is
receiving most earnest support in many
parts of the state, and that Overtures
have been made to influential people of
adjoining mississippi states to
Join in the fight to replace the present
incumbent
So far the work has been secret, but
an open fight against Mr.. Wilson will
be made at DeS MoineS this week at
the National Grain Dealers convention.
Mr. Wilson's recent expression re-
gard1ng the states of Nebraska and
Kansas, in an interview, which quotes
him saying that neither state could
be depended upon to produce q crop,
is being used to stir up opposition to
him.
1t was an untimely death, that of Cap
tain Draper of Kansas, member of the
Marine corps, at Hong Kong the other
day. He was man of splendid vigor
and energy. much younger than the
average marine officer of his rank, and
one of the best liked men in the service.
There is little doubt that his once ro-
bust health was badly undermined by
his long sojourn in the hot countries
Captain Draper had been in the public
view In a conspicuous manner. partic-
ularly out in the western country He
did some fine work when, as d lieuten-
ant, he was placed in command of a big
detaehment of marines and artillery SOL
dlerS OF the regular army at Truckee.
California, during the big railroad strike
out there in 1894. The strikers or at
least an irresponsible body of them, had
d1tched train on which lot of SOL
diers were repairing to the scene of the
trouble, and four of the soldiers were
killed This naturally caused a pretty
ugly feeling the part of the soldiers
toward the strikers and had it not been
for Draper's GOODNESS there would have
been a terrible time of it at Truckee
the seat of the disturbance. He was a
patient officer, but his patience gave
way one night at Truckee, when group
OF strikers began pelting a soldier on
guard in a lonely spot with stones. The
soldier rushed at the gang and dubbed
them for all he was worth with the butt
of his rifle, smashing the gun Draper
was on the scene shortly afterward and
when he saw the smashed gun and the
wounds from which the soldier was suf-
fering from the rocks that had been
hurled at him, he threatened to have the
soldier court-martialed for not having
shot the strikers down under the cir
cumstances. Bullets are cheaper than
guns" he said.
Mr. and Mrs. J. NJ. Mead. ACCOMPANIED
by their daughter. Miss Mary. of To-
peka, have arrived in Washington Mr.
tenance of Way Association which
meets here next week, after which he
and Mrs Mead will visit New York and
Buffalo. Their daughter left yesterday
for Winchester, Va, where she will at
tend the Episcopal female institute.
Mrs George Cooms of Leavenworth is
the guest of Mrs. Wiegant. HalIenbeck
OF this city.
Mr. G; G.. Purdee of Wichita, accom-
panied by his family, are late arrivals
at the national capital city. They are
stopping at the Metropolitan.
Mr. H. NJ. Walt and Miss Ida Walt of
Newton arrived a few days ago and are
guests at the Fairfax
l. WILLIAM THAYIS.
SANTA FE DIVIDEND.