The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-02-09

ST decline to accept a place on the
commission for the reason that am not
familiar with the duties Of the commits
sion, nor do I know the tenure of the
office. 1 have gone back to my law
practice and will accept no minor posi-
ton that Will take me away from it.
wired my declination this morning"
Yesterday Mr. Stanley was quoted as
saying he would accept the appoint
rnent.
The Droffer of the appointment was
made in a telegram from Senator-elecr
Long to Governor Stanley at Wichita
Saturday morning. but as he was just
leaving for Medicine Lodge he made no
deoision about accepting it. Yesterday
some of his friends in Topeka called him
NJ at Medicine Lodge and talked with
him about the matter. and it was said
then that he would probably take the
appointment. His declination today
comes as a surprise.
The offer of the appointment was Sc
cured for Stanley by Senator-elect Long,
and it is supposed to be as a reward for
the action Of Governor Stanley in get
ting out of the senatorial race when he
did and allowing his forces to go to
Long. The appointment could not have
been agreed upon at the time, however,
for the vacancy on the commission Oc-
of ex-senator Dawes of Massachusetts,
who was the originator of the commits
sion.
The commission has its headquarters
at MuscOgee, ]. T. It's purpose is to
wind up the affairs of the five civilized
tribes in the Territory and prepare it
for a regular territorial government or
for statehood. The commission was ere
ated in 1888. and while ex-senator
Dawes was made its nominal chairman.
Tams Bixby of Minnesota, has been its
acting chairman and viii probably con-
tinue to be so.
1t is said that President Roosevelt
Welt had in mind Fourth Assistant
Postmaster General Bristow for ths
place, which would relieve the pressure
for BristoW' S removal from the post
office department and at the same
time advance him to a better place
from a financial point of view and one
which would give him more time for
his private business.
If it is true that Governor Stanley will
not accept the appointment it is pos
sible that President Roosevelt Will ten
der it to BristoW, but some of Stanlev's
friends do not believe that he has re-
fused it, or if he has that he win re
consider his decision and accept. 1t IS
pointed out that the salary is just as
good as being United States senator,
and that he viii have abundant time to
give to his law practice Senator Dawes,
whom Stanley was slated to succeed,
was IS years of age. and he has taken
no active part on the commission for
the past six years
DECLINATIoN FINAL.
Governor Stanley said to the State
Journal today over the long distance
telephone from Medicine Lodge. at ;
D m:
Il wired my declination of a position
on the Dawes commission this morn
ing. Ny decision is final and I will not
accept the position.
I am receiving many messages from
the east inquiring about my action and
to all I have given the same answer
that I have already wired my declina-
ton to washington.
Il am down here at Medicine Lodge
attending a law suit and do not know
what is going on in the outside world
I intend to look after myI law business"
The conviction that Mr.. Bristow is to
go from his present position is becom-
ing a settled one, Notwithstanding his
statement that he viii stay. The thing
that has made him trouble has not
been the appointment of fourth class
Of bureau Of postoffice inspectors. All
the postoffice detectives are under his
direction. He has uncovered some
frauds which have made him powerful
enemies. Among other actions he sent
secret inspectors to West Virginia to
investigate the private character Of a
man recommended by a West Virginia
senator for a high office with the re-