The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-02-05
NO SIDE ISSUES.
II. B. Welch Says Local Fight
Will Be Straight Out.
Wants No Faetional Feeling In
jected Into 1t.
CURTIS is NOT In 1T.
Had Understanding Before He
Left For Washington.
No One Here Foolish Enough to
Oppose Mr.. Curtis.

r. b. Welch, who is a. candidate for
associate justice of the supreme court,
and who wants the Shawnee county
delegation to go to the state convention
instructed for him and in the inter
est of no one else, says that he desires
that the contest be between hirH and
James A. Troutman on their merits, and
with no other influence or question in
the fight.
Mr.. Welch says he wishes to have an
open contest with Mr.. Troutman for
the delegation and the interest of no
other person is to be attached to his
candidacy. Mr.. Welch said this morn
ing:
my candidacy is in the interests of Mr..
Bailey for governor. To people who
know that my candidacy was an
nounced as early as November 16 last,
two whole months before the announce
ment of either Mr.. TrOutman or Mr..
Bailey, this story must need no refu-
tation. 1 am running in the interests
of r. B. Welch for associate justice
only. am neither for nor against any
other person for any other office. L
desire the help of every Republican
voter in Shawnee county in my contest
with Mr.. Troutman, with the distinct
understanding that if I win the Shaw
nee delegation is for me without strings
tied to it. 1 am for m ySelf as against
the world. do not see how can make
this matter palmer. 1 could with as
great propriety charge that Mr.. Trout
man was in combination with candi-
dates for other offices, but L think he
is too good a politician to make such
a mistake. That would defeat the very
purpose of his candidacy. If he wins he
wants the delegation as Troutman
delegation without strings tied to it. If
L win 1 want it the same way. That
is all there is to this contest, whatever
stories may be put in circulation to the
contrary.
"Mr. Curtis and 1 have been warm
personal friends for years. Before
became a candidate we talked this
matter over twice. The first time about
months ago and the last time just be-
fore he left for Washington. He said
that my candidacy would in no way
interfere with his affairs and he had
no objection to it. He also said that
he was a friend of Mr.. Troutman's
and that in case of a controversy be-
tween US he would take no part.
There is no reason why any friend
of Mr.. Curtis should oppose me in favor
of Mr. Troutman. 1t would be very
shrewd trick if Mr.. Troutman's friends
can create the impression that am op-
posed to Mr.. Curtis. Unless his friends
can play some game of this kind have
him badly beaten right now. 1 do not
believe the people of this county can
be imposed upon in this way. The coun-
ty convention will look after Mr.. Cur
tis' interests. No man in the United
States could carry Shawnee county as
against Mr. Curtis. / believe there is no
man foolish enough to attempt it. Every
delegate that goes to the state conven-
tion will be friend of Mr.. Curtis with
out reference to who wins in this con-
test. This contest is between Mr..
Troutman and me and / wish no side
issues to divert that contest
Cyrus Leland who it is claimed is
taking part in the local contest said to-
day:
II think this is almost funny. 1 have
lived here for four years and have kept
out of local fights and I am not going
in now. OF course, it is all right to
start any kind of stories about me. It
isn't worth while to deny them.'
Chairman Otis Hungate, of the Re
publican county central committee has
called a meeting for Wednesday, Feb
ruary II, to set a date for the holding
of an election for delegates to the coun- |
ty convention.