The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-03-12

dyed-in-the- wool Democrats. His dis
pleasure was the most hopeful sign OF
the evening for the Democrats as they
Side
The most interesting event OF the eve
ming was the address by David over
myer. 1t was called the report Of the
committee on resolutions but, as a mat
ter Of fact, it was a speech by Mr.
Overmyer which was accepted as the
report Of the committee. - had been
carefully prepared and undoubtedly has
the sanction Of al who We're present, for
he was frequently Interrupted in the
reading with applause, cheers and
laughter The address is in full as fol-
lows:
Twenty years ago prohibition was i'm
posed upon this state by vote Of many
thousands short 0f a majority Of the
voters then in the state. More than half
have died or removed from the state A
very large majority Of the present voting
population have never had an opportunity
to express their wishes upon the ques-
ton Of the further continuation OF the
The law was III received and has not
improved in public estimation, but upon
more and more odious until at last it
has fallen into contempt. Twenty years
strated to all thoughtful people that no
such thing as fun. complete or per-
manent enforcement of It Is possible, and
even its staunchest adherents and de-
tenders make only faint and fitful ef-
prefenses at liz eTiforeement. III ali tie
larger cities Of the state and in many OF
liquor trafric has been substantially as
open and notorious as In states which do
not pretend to prohibit il. Being entirely
unregulated this trafic under prohibition
Is at its very worst
The Republican party. being the dOrnf-
nant political organization Of the state.
has been agitated and torn by contending
and being unable. as it feared. to do with
out either has long pursued a policy of
ned neither faction. furnished d sufficient
excuse 70 each 70 continue to act with the
party. This has been done by placing
wet candidates on dry platforms or by
nominating oslentatiously dry candidates
81 sni1lclent s1lA III dupilclty 70 natter
ssIne eisne give SUP rosa assurances 70
faithfully carried out except at short in
tervals when dry pressure has been too
This city being the political center of
the state, with a plethora of lawyers. Of
leisure and statesmen out of a job.
and an oversupply Of people who having
ample time to attend to the affairs of
their neighbOrs. has for long time been
ful and pesttent agitation that was ever
the dominant party have for many Years
been 50 numerous thar the offices would
indifferent to the platforms SO that it
got the offices. The primaries last year
drys were wild with rage and swore ven
geance- So intent were they upOn the
UeLeel OF LuclI enemies Ildl LleN induced
the mayor. mild and placid old gentle
man. to embark upon a pretended scheme
of exceedingly stern law enforcement.
hoping thus to hoodWink the law abiding
and peaceful citizens and rally them 10
their standard in the present municipal
campaign. and thus Overt E1row the Re
publican vets. get possession Of the city
government and occupy position to die
tate to and control the Republican or
ganizaton. The arst step in this law
and order programme was to induce the
mayor 70 appoint man to the office Of
chief of police who was legally ineligible I
to the place Deing nonresident of the
city "a farmer. Learning that he could
not serve because ineligible, this indis- /
pensable man, this precious and inval-
ia bic person. this Cfncinnatus. removed
his family and his goods and chattels in
side of the city. ard was then ready to
enter upon the great work of reformation
redemption and purifica ton which no
resident of the city could be trusted to do.
After the expiration of one month the
council had not confirmed the appoint
ment Of this rare reformer- The mayors
appointee could not legally hold beyond
the first meeting Of the council after his
appointment without confirmation of the