The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-03-23
MRs.NATION ANDREPORTER
Clever Story About the Enterprise Of /
a News Hunter Out OF Job.


a News Hunter Out OF q Job.
The last issue Of the Kansas TTniversi-
ty Weekly OF Lawrence which was made
a P1 Beta Phi souvenir edition contain
ed a heretofore unpublihed story Of
Mrs Carrie Nation and reporter, by
Miss Gertrude Hill Of Topeka, a grad
uate Of the university who is now en-
gagged In newspaper work The story
HARD LINES.
1t would seem that everything that
could be written about Mrs. Nation had
been written and printed Local report
they are sick of her very name; staff
correspondents have filed columns about
her; and impecunious space writers have
made enough to re-esta blish their credit
at local restaurants.
But there is one little story, of which
Mrs. Nations advent in Topeka was the
occasion, which has I'D to this time
escaped the newspaper writers. And yet
IL occurred right in a Dewspa per office
and newspaper men figured in il.
The word had come one night that
Mrs. Nation was headed toward Topeka,
but no one knew when she would arrive
or over what road. The jOintists were
wary. the newspaper men alert Every
morning newspaper man was secretly
praying that she would start some
thing that night. and 50 give his paper
the story in advance Of the evening pa
pers-
It so happened that on that night
reporter on a certain morning paper had
found ON his desk a. note signed with
the all-Dotent initials Of the business
manager, stating that his services were
no longer required
Tt isn't the custom IN that particular
said no longer required it meant from
that hour. So the reporter picked up his
things and started home. Almost at his
own gate he was accosted by a little
and shawl
''How-de-do," she said cheerfully.
what's your name2'
The reporter replied promptly, AN
dreWss which was not his name.
We'll Mr.Andrews" and the little Wo-
man patted him confdentially ON the
arm, Il want to find a newspaper rep0r-
ter. and / want you to take me to one.
You look like a nice man and you
haven't been smoking and I like you
I'm Mrs Nation
The reporters heart went into his
throat Here was the story of months
and 1t was his.
It am reporter myself he said, "and
will take You right to the Officer
Now If Jesse Lynch Williams had BEEN
making this story, the reporter would
have been welcomed to the Office with a
brass band or SO would have scored
with front page story In the morning.
would have been taken back on the pa
per and his salary raised.
But that isn't the way things happen
in Kansas
Mrs Nation and the reporter climbed
the dingy stairs in the still dingier local
loom where half q dozen type writers
were clicking and the air was blue with
smoke. No one looked up as the repor-
ter left his companion at the door and
walked over to the city editors desk.
Mr. p" he said calmly, Mrs Nation
is outside met her up the street and
brought her up here"
Mrs. Nation?" exclaimed the city ed
itor. jumping to his feet, ''by George.
wheTe2"
In five minutes the local room was
crowded Every one was there from ? he
editOr-in-chief to the janit0r. including
half a dozen special correspondents Mrs.
Nation sat beside the city editors desk
and talked volublys occasionally guild
ed into the desired channel by a ques-
tiOn from the city editor. who was TAX
ing rapid notes Of what she said.
She announced her intention of visiting
the joints that very night. That settled
it. Tt was the story of months.
The city editor and the managing edi-
tor exchanged appreciative glances.
Just then the reporter edged up to the
desk
is there anything more for me Mr..
P he asked.
mo. guess not replied the city edi-
tor resuming his note taking Thanks
for bringing her up here" Then. as the
reporter turned up his collar and started
for the door, Hope you get along all
right"
GERTRUDE HILL. 100.