The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1903-02-24
SENSATION
CONCERNING
MERRICK
Oklahoma Legislature Is
Greatly Norked Up.
MEMBER DEMANDS PLACE
Charge Is Denied and Matter
viii be Investigated.
MEMBER DEMANDS PLACE

Guthrie, o. t, Feb. 23.-Members of the
legislature and lobby are agog today over
the latest sensation in connection with
the Oklahoma sanitarium. This time it
is member of the lower house. Repre-
sentative ~ames J. Merrick, of Lincoln
county, who is implicated. Merrick is
also a member of the joint legislative com
mittee to investigate the sanitarium. Last
week, d. F. Smith of this city. formerly
Of Cashion. approached Governor Fergu-
son and insited that he, (Merrick) be ap-
pointed superintendent of the Oklahoma
sanitarium; also that his wife be made
matron of the institution. Merrick it is
alleged, stated that he had long been
in the party service; that he had not
been rewarded; that il was time some
thing was done for him, and If the ap-
pointments were not made, he would
cause trouble for the governor over the
sanitarium. as he was in a position to do
so. Also that the governor, should he
accede TO his request would have to make
the agreement in writing, otherwise he
would not believe the statements of the
governor. These are some Of the things
told the governor by Smith and which
have caused an unusual amount of talk
in the legislative halls and hotel lobbies.
This conversation with Smith conveyed
to the governor the idea that if Merrick's
request were not granted, a report ad-.
verse TO the sanitarium, one which would
reflect seriously on Governor Ferguson's
administration, would be returned, also
that If the appointments were agreed
upon, Alexanders Fort Supply asylum
bill would be killed in the house, and
satisfactory report, one commencing Gov
ernor Fersuson's administration, would
be returned by the investigating commit
tee.
Governor Ferguson was much incensed
over Merrick's request. but decided that
he would let the matter rest until he
could secure more evidence that Merrick
was after Doodle. The story got out on
the streets and when the governor was
approached relative to the matter. he ad-
mitted that Smith had made statements
20 him concerning the appointments. Gov
ernor Ferguson denounced and severely
criticized Merrick. In conversation today
the governor said in part:
This is boodling of the rankest type.
Merricl, is an official and such actions
upon the part of legislators cannot be
countenanced. There was some question
IN my mind at first whether or not Mer-
ricl1s meaning was not misinterpreted.
but additional matters have come up to-
day which make il almost certain that
Il is true. I have referred the matter,
by letter. TO the joint committee to in
vestigate the sanitarium. ! do not know
that the members of this committee have
power o act. but l do esire that they
know the exact conditions as far as I am
concerned. The matter should be investi-
gated and if the house does not do it,
tho council should"
Judge Merrick late this afternoon met
Speaker Bowles on the street and denied
that he had ever made proposition
Smith TO the governor. Speaker Bowles
said:
"8Tr. Merrick has just denied to me the
report from start to finish and under
these circumstances l win not at this
time take any action. I believe in hear
ing both sides before condemn a man.
This asylum investigation is in the hands
Of a committee in whom I have the great
est confidence and shall not change my
mind until / am thoroughly convinced the
members now under fire have been guilty
of the delinquencies imputed to him and
when so convinced shall act at once. No
man shall use the high Office of an Okla
homa legislator to further personal spleen
or personal gain if i'm my position as
speaker it can he prevented.
In view OF Merrick's denial and some
things that are not clear to me at this
timeI do not believe 1t wise to take any
action now
II is believed that Governor Ferguson
viii ask the speaker to appoint COM
rrittee Of three members to look into the
matter and submit a report.
It iS~understood that Judge Merrick has
prepared a statement of his side of the
case which he will ask to be placed on
the records of the house.
This explanation. it is said in return
criticises Governor Ferguson for his al
legged hasty action i'm scoring Merrick
without first hearing from him personally
on the subject. Merrick may present
his statement tomorrow.
The matter has now reached stage
where it is 2 question Of veracity between
Smith and Merrick. An investigation
may develor something new. but at the
present time opinion remains divided
among the legislators