The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1903-03-19
RECIPROCITY
AND CUSTOMS
Heart Politics Always a Feat
ure in Wichita Elections.
WORK OF CAPT. HARRIS
Does He Merit Compliments
Paid Judge Glenn.

One of the commendable peculiarities
Of the people of Wichita is that they
always allow their better nature to in
fiuehce their votes IN the selection of a
city treasurer. There is $50 per month in
the job, leaving about $40 per month net
to the man who holds it after he pays a
surety company the premium on his
bond For years that grand old man,
the late Judge Il. A Glenn, held it. al
ways being elected by a large majority.
Judge Glenn was a Democrat, and his
election depended on good hearted Repub-
licans. The spontaneous sentiment in mis-
favor was the most unique feature OF
past politics. The giving of that office
10 a man Of advanced years, whose past
public record has been one Of honorable
activity in behalf of his city or of the
people generally, and who needs the lit
Tie income it affords. has grown into
custom that will continue for generations
il Wichita.
The two chief candidates for the posi-
ton are George L. Harris and ". r.
Tucker Both are good men. Both are
old citizens. Both have done much for
their city and their people; but there is
difference between them that appeals to
good big hearts-a difference Of 100000.
Mr.. Tucker is reputed to be worth that
amount. This does not imply that George
Hsrris is worth S400 go. If the difference
then is not in that direction, it must be
In the other direction. TO be brief. George
barris, after having passed the three
score and ten mark-thc allotted age of
man-has nothing but what he can earn
by the month or by the day. one will
make as good q treasurer as the other.
One needs the income from the office; the
other doesn't. 1t ought to be easy for
one TO make up his mind to vote in this
matter.
George f. Harris came here when Wich-
Eta young-1S71. He has lived here
ever since. His record is bright and clear
and clean as any mans. He brought the
first little manufacturing enterprise TO
Wichita soda pop factory. He was
also the hlst tailor in Wichita and made
clothes for all the fathers of the town
when they were young men. He even
made clothes for his opponent in this
race when the said opponent was young
man, and fitted them in a fashion and
style that made every pioneer beauty in
the Peerless Princess wish she could be
the blushing bride of Whitney Tucker
A great many old settlers think Mr.
Tucker ought to be a supporter of George
Harris.
Captain Harris helped to make Wich-
ita great city, and like many of the
fathers and founders and builders of the
town he now has nothing to show for il.
He went through the grasshopper plague,
the flood that once submerged the town,
and the boom. and became victim of all
of them. He built houses and flats and
Business blocks. He was a shareholder
In the Douglas avenue toll bridge that
ena bled the citizens to draw trade from
the west and was one of the hackers of
the old Valley Center and Northern Mo
tor line. That he had a good heart in
him was proved by the fact that he spent
a great deal of money in backing Captain
David l.. Payne in his efforts to open Ok
lahoma that Wichita might profit by it.
Captain George r Harris. if he never
did anything else for Wichita. deserves
much credit from the town for the work
h did IN beautifying the parks of the
city 1t was he who planned the walks
ana drives and flower beds. and for five
years devoted his entire time and thought
and energies to the work Every tree
and shrub not of wild growth was planted
by him. and nobody can say that his
work was not artistic.
Captain Harris was born twenty miles
from London seventy-one years ago. He
went to a country school and between
Rotations he was given towels TO sew. it
being the understanding that needleworlI
should be his trade. When II years Of
age he served two years 10 a tailor the
trade Of his father. and subsequently
was bound for five years TO another tailor
as an improver. After this he was bound
for six months to a cutter. thus COM
plotting his general apprenticeship Of
seven years and six months. He worked
IN London and other parts of England for
several years and was fine workman.
in 1863 he came to Canada and after
spending some months there he came to
the states and joined the Union army.
in which he served till the close Of the
war.
in 1863 Captain Harris came to Kansas
and settled in the tailoring business at
Shetopa- Having to take a soda pop
plant on a debt, he came here i'm Il AMI
started a little factory his main bust
ness however. being tailoring. He ac-
cumulatcd considerable property in the
second ward and at one time owned sew
eral farms. After going through the
Grasshcppor age and other calamities he
was stil a comparatively wealthy man.
hut the boom caught and wrecked him
Being then advanced in life he could not
recUperate and is stll a poor man. hon
est as the day is long. and with char
acter for personal honor and integrity
that can never be questioned by any man
living.
Personally. George Harris is whole
souleG Englishman lie is genial in his
manners and absolutely correct in his
habits. which accounts for his vigor at
such an advanced age. He is known by
practically every well acquainted man in
town. and 10 know aim is To like him. He
Is probably the oldest labor union man
In Wichita having Joined the White
Horse Club one o. the oldest tailor or
CARNATIONS fer the perpcuation Of Iiv-