The Topeka state journal., 1901-08-24
KANSAS news.
w. B. Shockley to Retire as
Treasurer of Soldiers Home.
His Resignation VIII Go Into
Effect Next Week.
END OF THE FEUD.
s imposed That This Will Put
an End to Home Trouble.
Items of Interest From All
Over Kansas.

Leavenworth, Aug. 24-On the last
day of the month Major W. B. Shock
ley ceases to be an officer of the West
ern Branch, National Home for Dis
abled Volunteer Soldiers. He was ap-
pointed treasurer of the branch upon
its establishment. in 1885.
Major Shockley's resignation was Sc
cured when he was promised to be per-
nlitted to name his own successor. This
he did in the person of Colonel W. W.
Martin of Fort Scott.
During the many years of Major
ShOckley's incumbency of the Office of
treasurer his official life was clouded
with storms of intrigue conspiracies,
turmoil and dissatisfaction among the
members of the home If narrated in
book form they would make an in
teresting chapter of Kansas history.
There were many Investigations by the
board Of managers and, finally, by con-
gress.
Those responsible for these fnvestiga-
tions had but one object the removal
of A. J. Smith as its governor. He was
not agreeable to the Kansas politicians.
The late Senator Plumb opened the
fire in the senate. His charges were in
VeStigated upon orders of the war de-
partment by General Alexander Nc
DoweH McCook, an officer of the army
and retired as major general Fooled
ait the first fire of their artillery the
charges were renewed and increased in
number Member of the home who
violated the rules of the institution and
had been punished, were enlisted in
fostering the conspiracy.
Shockley as treasurer of the home,
was in a position to do a great deal for
or against Smith. To the latter he
appeared always pleasant and agree
able" but it was known throughout the
camp that he was leading the fight and
was held largely responsible for the
charges printed against the governor.
The whole state became aroused
Smiths removal was demanded
first move in the game was to prevent
General W. B. F'ranklin'S reelection to
the board of managers. The board had
always been loyal to Smith. Congress
ordered the investigation. It was con-
Quoted in the fall of 1896. Much testi-
mOny was taken. Every charge of mis-
oughly investigated by expert account
ants and not an item sustained. 1t
was shown that Smith never handled
a cent of money belonging to the home
or its members. Every penny paid in
or out passed through Shockley's hands.
The report of the committee was long
delayed. It did not make its appear
ance until the latter part of February,
1897 While the committee recon-
mended Smiths removal, it did this
regretfully, for they think him an able,
we'll meaning man, but such is the feel
ing with the inmates and many of the
subordinate officers of the home, and
such the sense of injury which many
feel on account of arbitrary and sum-
mary treatment al MS HanoSs ana 50
small a chance that Governor Smith
could overcome the prejudice that ex-
lists against him, even if it We're posi-
BILE for him to change his course, that
the committee are clear in their opinion
that the good of the home demands the
change recommended
But the sting Of the committee is In
that part OF the report which recon-
mends that another treasurer be ap-
pointed, though no charges Of any kind
were fled against him by Smith or any
one else. The committee reached this
conclusion after seeing and hearing the
treasurer on the stand
The committee would not say that
all the disturbances IN this branch,
which has called for these several in
vestigations, il wholly due to Governor