The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-03-10
BLAME ON PARKER
DIR. J. T. Mcfarland Charges
Him as Accessory i'm Murder.
Also Includes the City Council
in Charge.
'sBUSINESS AND BLOOD"
That Was the Subject of His
Startling Sermon.
Sanction of Joints Caused Death
of Frank Deylin.

Rev. DR.. J. T Mcfarland. pastor of
the First Methodist church, delivered
sermon at his church last night in
which he made the assertion that Albert
Parker, mayor of Topeka, was an ac-
I, cessory to the murder of Frank Devlln
who was killed in a Fourth street joint
last Thursday night This rather eX-
pansive charge was extended to the city
council, police judge, and even the po-
Hcemen, who work under orders, and
stated that the latter We're not guar
dians of the peace under existing cir
cumstances. but assistants in crime.
All the available seats in the big
church We're occupied, and many stood
during the sermon. DR.. Mcfarland be-
gan by reading petition drawn up by
Rev. C NJ Sheldon, a copy of which
was widely circulated at the churches
Sunday. He then stated that the petit
ton would be laid on the table and all
business men who were in favor of pro-
hibition and the sentiment set forth in
the petition were invited to sign it after
the close of the services He then
launched into the business on hand by
exhorting every one who had not reg
istered TO do so while there was time.
and be prepared to combat the liquor
evil with the ballot.
DR. Mcfarland then warned his hear
ers that his discourse would be sensa-
tiOnal and was accentuated by a trag-
edy. Jesus Christ was a sensation
alist," he said, and had there been
newspapers in that time, they would
have printed the story of his chastise
ment of the money lenders from the
temple of Jerusalem under glaring
headlines" He said that a spirit of
commercialism had taken possession of
the nation, as in the time of the Phari-
III
tenders and brokers' Dr. Mcfarland
compared the money changers in the
temple and the administration of To-
peka. He said that the rulers of Jeru-
salem were probably receiving revenue
from those who infested the temple. and
POSSIBLY Invested portion of it in out
ward improvements, which by no means
made 1t right.
light on the conditions of this city, he
said, proceeding to describe the case
In a vivid manner. I want to
place the spOnsibility of this crime. 1
tell you there is a line, straight as d
sunbeam, from the city JAIL where that
young man died, to the office of the
mayor of Topeka Business and Blood
the title of my, discourse, tells the whole
story. That crime took place in a sa-
-oon which was allowed to run by the
grace of the city government with an
understanding that for stipulated sum
ii would not be molested-for the con-
sideration of 500 paid into the city
treasury.
4 went to the police station Saturday
morning. and asked for facts essential
to the case. / saw the books and found
that February p a man named
Briggs had been arrested in connection
with the place where this murder was
committed, and on the 2Sth fined S100, /
which was paid. 1 saw the police judge.
and asked him if anyone had disturbed
the place since the time Briggs was
arrested. and found they had not
T1E lon oil a l. f..,-1
later visited the mayor. and asked him
If since the tragedy he had issued any
instructions to the police to investigate
the place to ascertain whether or not
the laws were being violated.
I assert" declared DIR. Mcfarland |
that during the period of immunity
purchased by that 500 paid on Feb
ruary IS. this young man was killed |
and those who granted such immunity !
from moIestation for the sum of 800 |
are responsible for his death.
4 have been forced to the conclusion !
that Mayor Parker had no intention of |
enforcing the laws when he took the
oath of office. He told me a few days
ago that if the Hurrel law was sus-
tanned by the supreme court he would
take action in the matter and close the !
places. When 1 saw him yesterday and
reminded him of the former conVersa-
ton. he failed to remember it.
why is it that it only takes about |
three minutes now to secure a convic- |
tiOn and impose a fire in police court |
when before every disreputable dodge |
known to the legal fraternity was |
brought into play to keep them from
cOnviction2 l tell you they have en-
tered into compact and justice is sold |
out The police court is prostituted and
IS controlled by the great brewerieS.
God have mercy on the man who willsl
consent to touch one cent of the money
secured in this manner Desperate |
scoundrels backed by richer and more |
desperate scoundrels in Kansas City,
come to Parker and he takes their
money and sells us out
DR. Mcfarland ikened the city to a
railway accident. and said they were
willing to risk life to save expense.
ton is in it for money, and those who
get kiled-wen that is their misfor-
tune" He said that the countenancing
of joints was an invitation to the worst
of criminals to come to the city
DR. MCFARLAND closed with a pathetic
guess at the probable future of the man
who was killed. and repeated his asser-
ton that the city authorities were re-
close of the lecture 40 signatures were
added to the petition. which is as fol-
lows: To the Honorable, the Mayor of |
Topeka, Albert Parker, Sir. We the
business men of the citv
of Topeka hereby declare our opposition |
to any system or policy, of licensing the |
criminal liquor sellers of this city and |
declare it to be our belief that any
such policy is destructive to the best |
business interests of the community
The recent murder which occurred in |
one of the saloons of this city is a di- |
rect result of the policy which has been |
Ing the welfare of the city at heart we |
place upon you,Mr. Mayor, the RESPONSE
bility for the enforcement of our law
as you swore to enforce it,
After the signing of the document it
was taken in charge by City License
Collector P. h Forbes.