The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-09-26
THE COBURN BOOM
1t is Now Attracting Attention
in Washington.
Rumor of a Change in the Agri-
cultural Department.
KANSAN IS IN FAVOR.
If Wilson Goes Out He May Go
In.
KANSAN is IN FAVOR.
Commissioner of Pensions is
Again Under Discussion.

Washington, D. C, Sept. 26.-Kansas
may secure a portfolio in the new cabi-
net OF President Roosevelt. Prospective
changes in the presidents cabinet have
brought out F. D. Coburn, secretary Of
the Kansas State Board OF Agricul-
ture, as a proba bility to succeed Secre-
tary Wilson in the agricultural port
folio.
Immediately following the last cam
paign Mr.. Coburn was merely mention
ed as possible candidate in the event
that President Mckinley was consider
ing q change in that portfolio. though
when it was learned definitely that the
president had no such intention the
matter was quietly dropped However,
now it is different, and the Kansas pol
iticians here in Washington are start
ing most substantial boom in Mr.. Co
burns interest with a view of landing
the appointment for him if it is possi-
BILE It is well known, of course. that
Mr.. Coburn has never been a candidate
for this office, nor has he ever express
ed a. desire to be such
There seems to be an impression here
that there viii very likely be change
made in the secretaryship of the de-
partn ent of agriculture during the
coming year, and as Mr.. COburn is re-
puted to be one OF the most available
men in the country for this high office
Kansas should strongly support q
formidable boom by backing hin with
the assistance of the congressional del
egatiOn-
Mr.. Coburn has long been held as one
of the best authorities on agriculture in
America. and his reports have given
MIN a fame that has spread all over the
world Even Secretary Wilson has Of
sten admitted that Mr.. Coburn's reports
surpass all others issued throughout the
states and the world on the various
subjects of agriculture.
1t has been hinted by few of the
politicians from the state that since Mr..
Coburn has never been an avowed par
tisan that he should not be fought out.
This theory is advanced only for the
reason that he may not show a tend
ency to bend to the probable desires Of
the politicians in handling the political
patronage of the office if appointed
There seems to be a great desire 20
overhaul the department regarding its
political complexion. There are prOba-
bly, more Democrats holding preferred
positions in the department Of agricu1-
ture than any other department of the
gOvernn ent- During the regime of Sec
retary J. Sterling Morton, Republicans
were in large numbers either removed
or reduced in position and salary This
condition has existed through the past
four years or more, without any change,
while other departments have largely
favored Republican employees under
new rule
Naturally. of course. the politicians
have felt unfriendly toward Secretary
Wilson for this reason AS there is a
large amount of patronage in this de-
partment that is not under the civil
service naturally changes to some ex-
tent have been expected by the Repub-
lcans-
Secretary Wilson has shown deter
mination not to be dictated to in this
matter and has consequently incurred
much unfriendliness among the Repub-
lican representative and senators. Some
of the members of the Kansas delega-
ton have sought favors at times during
the past few years Of Secretary Wilson.
and meeting with rabuke have fire.
quently and openly denounced him as
have congressman from other states.
Another thing that has irritated the sit
uation is that it is alleged that Secre-
tary Wilson has from time to time pro-