The Topeka state journal., 1901-03-01
SENATORS BALK.
They Take a Hand in the
Warden Fight.
Ask Governor Stanley to APP
point Senator Ward.
TO HEAD OFF JEWETT.
Win Not Pass Bill to Raise
Salary.
Situation Grows More Serious
Instead of Better.
TO HEAD OFF JEWETT.

The question of the appointment of the
warden of the state penitentiary is
causing and has caused more trouble for
the governor than any office which he
can bestow.
After months of petty trouble with the
board of directors and Warden Tomlin-
son, a new board was appointed and
Tomlinson's resignation was accepted.
This seemed to clear the atmosphere Tor
it seemed all the governor had to do
was to appoint a new warden and peace
and quiet would again reign. But it
! seems that there is now more trouble
than ever on the governors hands.
After celebrating for several weeks
he offered the appointment Of warden to
E. B. Jewett, of Wichita, and Mr.. Jew
EFT came to Topeka to talk the matter
over He is a candidate for postmaster
of his town and is also a candidate fer
railroad commissioner. At present he is
assistant postmaster in Wichita He
could not afford to take the office OF
warden at the the salary of 81, 500, so he
told the governor he would accept the
Wardenshlp. providing the bill no%
pending, allowing 81, 900 more salary to
the warden, is passed The bill is pro-
posed because the warden is at great ex-
pense entertaining visitors and the state
makes no provision for the expense
ms seems simple enough DuI I0e mat
ter was complicated by the senate. Be
fore that body was appriSed Of the fact
that Mr.. JeWett had conditionally ac-
cepted the appointment, friends of Sen
ator Ward started petition asking the
governor to appoint Senator Ward. The
petition was signed by every senator
present except Senator Tapp, who. being
a Wichita man. did not feel that IL
would be courteous to Mr. Jewett, so be
did not sign.
Late yesterday afternoon the petition
was presented to the governor and at 10
O'Clock last night after senate had ad-
journed, a number of the senators called
on the governor and urged Senator
Wards appointment. The governor did
not say what he would do, but it was
understood by the senators that Jewelt
had accepted the position conditionalIy.
They will see that the bill allowing the
extra $1,000 for the warden does not go
through.
This morning a number of the senators
are feeling a little sore bec1use the gov.
Ward ana at tine evident lack saf interest
he seems to take in their suggestion, so
they say that unless the governor ap-
points Ward they will refuse to confirm
the appointment
1t is likely that's some understanding nu-
tually agreeable will be reached in the
matter. for the governor cannot afford
to override the wishes of the senate If
he should go contrary to their wishes it
is likely that they would oppose him in
his candidacy for United States senator
and all of them will have a vote on that
occasion The governor is in an embar-
RAISING position.
Senator Ward is a man well qualified
for the position and has had experience
with criminals, as he sheriff of Re<
public county for four years. He knew.
nothing of the petition the senators were
circulating yesterday and when it was
given TO him he put it In drawer in his
desk. 1t was taken out by some of the
Sena tors and presented to the governor
He has not seen the governor since the
petition was presented When asked if
he would accept the position he replied
that he would. as he considered it a good
office even if the warden did have to con-
duct a free hotel for visitors