The Topeka state journal., 1901-01-16
FIGHT IN THE HOUSE.
Older Members Counsel MOdera-
tiOn But in Vain.
Speeches Made by Grattan, Sea-
ton and Others.
CARRIED WITH WHOOP.
Opponents Overwhelmed When
Vote Is Taken.
Senate Adopts the Resolutions
Without a Word.


Whereas. The startling Information Of
a reliable character has reached the
legislature and the general public, that
on yesterday in the city of Iseayenworth,
a colored citizen of our state, charged
with a crime. was unlawfully taken
from the jan by mob, out of the pro-
lection, and when in the custody of the
legal authorities of Leavenworrh coun-
fy and. without trial or sanction of
law, and in violation of every principle
of humanity and good citizenship, was
lashed to stake. and in a f1endish in
human and barbaric manner burned to
death: therefore be it
Resolved, by the senate, the house of
representatives concurring therein, That
we deprecate. deplore and condemn the
execution Of this man in this summary
manner. without a fair and impartial
trial at the bar of Justice, and be it fur
ther-
Resolved. That we commend the
course of Governor W. E. Stanley, by
having promptly placed at the disposal
OF the local authorities Of Leavenworth
county, for the protection Of this man
and the dignity of the state. two COM
panies of state militia. which were never
called for by the authorities Of said
county. and
Resolved. further, That we favor the
most rigid investigation of all the acts
and circumstances attending this crime
and on behalf Of law abiding citizenship
. ask and demand that the perpetrators
Of this monstrous proceeding shall be
punished to the full extent of the law.
The above resolutions were adopted
in the house before the adjournment at
noon by an almost unanimous vote
When Senator Carpenters resolution
appeared in the house, condemning the
LeavenWorth lynching, there was an i'm
mediate stir Fearful of passion and
prejudice in the consideration of it there
was a decisive sentiment to put off its
adoption
fight He said. We should suspend
judgment criticism and approval until
we know all the facts thoroughly. Then
we can temperately and soberly speak
for this state"
James Lawrence of Sumner blazed up
in the demand for immediate action
We know a man was in custody he
SAID and we know a mob 6endishiy
burned him at the stake They are as
guilty of an atrocity as the Chinese. \
IheFe is no reason that we should post
pone action on this tremendous out
rage"
Mr.. Grattan again cautioned the
members to act only after passion has
subsided
ton had been made was the position
taken by Ed Weilep. He said he knew
something about the lynching business
as one had occurred in his town In
that case a colOred man had murdered
q colored woman. The murdefer was
fhereupon lynched exclusively bv col
ored people They ought to investigate
thoroughly. he maintained, because he
believed people went temporarily insane
in cases of mob violence.
Lew Belts Of Butler said no wait was
necessary, as mob law was a tangible
fact, the workings of which they had
had years in which to see and observe
Capt John SeatOn held that the action
was hasty- He wanted to wait until
ofhelal notice came from the executive
Wli1tts said that Kansas is not vet
ready to place itself on par with
south Carolina, but it wants to denounce /
Lew Belts Of Butler said the leris-
Aature rs action would go out all over the I
country. Kansas wanted to be known /
as moving promptly and not tacftly ap- |
proving OF the outrage by deferring a /
statement of its condemnation
K C. Hutcheson of Pratt interposed /
tnaI red tape movements were terribly |
slow and immediate action was neces- /
sary PASSION is not an excuse for the |
mob III il did excuse them ii might /
Aiso excuse the negro, whose crime /
was aroused by passion We want 10 i
pass the resolution he said.
" nen the governor offers $500 re- 4
ward Tor the perpetrators. we can begin i
- 1SAGfcr Charles Harris of 4
Lyons answered to Seayton's objection 4
Do you positively know the reward /
has been ofered2" asked Seaton.
'fTest''
hat evidence have you2''
saw IL in the newspapers and that's
prima facie evidence" replied the T,von
who thoroughly believes
IN the integrity Of the daily press
The last denunciation of MOI, 1a4-
was made by II. F. Giessler of Logan
And ne counseled also that if the leeis
lature wanted to dencunce mob law thew
wanted to do 1T at once
Grattans motion to refer the resnl-1
tlon was then called and lost on a viva
voce vote.
The house then gave a vociferous con-
eurrence upon the resolution direct
Those who had opposed immediate ac-
tlon voted negatively but their voices
counted up very few.
ADOPTED IN THE SENATE
Governor Stanley came into the senate
this morning and remained until Sena-
tor Carpenter Introduced his concurrent
resolution condemning the 1ynchine- af
1-eaV The resolution xvs,s
adopted in the senate without a Vvor.5(
being said, all the members voting for
SENATE AGAIN GRINDING.
Many Bills Are introduced at Morn
ing Session.