The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-11-26
BE THANKFUL. BROAD, FAIR

BE THANKFUL. BROAD, FAIR
The surely unfortunate and plainly
narrow attitude of certain public in
huences in Topeka toward the acts of
the state administration. makes an i'm
preston on the outsider that this city
lacks both the broad spirit of fairness
and an atmosphere of impartiality
which should naturally prevail in the
city which is the capital of all the peo-
pie of Kansas.
Why should the governor Of the state
be belittled on so many occasions? 1t
Is humiliating for this paper to thus
tacitly admit that Topeka has too often
done these things. 1t is strange but
true, that no matter how carefully and
conscientiously a situation has been
canVassed and a conclusion reached
public adverse criticism has been ut
tered. Sincerity of procedure has not
been credited, even though fairly evil
dent, and shameless to admit, the criti-
cism has been discounted in advance as
sure to follow. no matter which horn of
the dilemma the administration seized
and it must take one OF the horns, not
both
Governor Bailey must have felt more
than once, no matter which he followed
OF two courses. one of which he must
take, he would be condemned, by these
same influences referred to below. One
Of these late cases is so glaring that the
reader will instantly remember it with
out further reference.
Let it be stopped. It is not decent and
is shamelessly unfair. These are plain
words and are suggested this Thanks
giving morning by an article which is
reprinted below.
This paper can probably say these
words without being misjudged because
it has never asked anything from the
state administration and does not want
anything from it-except good govern
ment
We happen to know, and the informa-
ton is not exclusive. that Gov. Bailey
has been unwarrantedly abused more
than once; that his conduct has been
attributed to that man Leland" a name
which is a red rag to some bulls, when
Leland had nothing to do with the ac-
lions and sometimes even urged an op-
pOsite course.
The State Journal has disagreed with
the administration and is likely to do
so from time to time. but If the COVER
nor is sincere and does what seems best
to him we hope we can be just to him
and not blame him If he does and blame
him If he doesn't.
Governor Bailey, fortunately. has a
happy disposition. These things bother
him less than they do his friends.
He is kind. tolerant. and charitable.
Those who know the governor well
say that when he makes up his mind
that a certain action Is the right one,
he does 1t and is ready to serenely take
the consequences, and that he worries
little except when the future shows he
made a mistake unwittingly. The
capital city owes it to all governors to
make their life here a pleasant one.
When you think of it. does It not seem
reasonable to believe that they are
anxious to give the state their best
services and most conscientious per-
Torrance? Do we always act that
way?
Don't we too frequently make a gov
ernor think it is a nightmare to be in
Office, instead of the pleasant dream it
really ought to be?
Governor Bailey often speaks proud
ly of Topeka and her people. He ad-
mires the beauty of the town and not
a few of her citizens. That shows his
generous spirit and the fact that some
public influences do not represent the
prevailing sentiment, which is really
all right in this community, but not
always the noisiest nor always most
in evidence
This is a longer Thanksgiving dis
course than was contemplated. but will
the reader not analyze himself and 9th
ers and see if any of these lines are
pertinent, and reform or help others to
reform.
1t is q good time to be thankful and
determine to do better and broader
things.
Here is the article which is written
by the mayor of Leavenworth in good
spirit and is worthy of attention:
''Leavenworth, Kan, Nov 25, 1908.
IT. ]. Anderson, Secretary Commercial
Club, Topeka, Kan.
Dear Sir:
Il am in receipt of your letter. dated
November 23d. inviting me as a mem
Der of the Republican state central
committee to become the guest of your
Commercial club when the committee
meets in Topeka on January 18th, 1904
and requesting that 1 indicate the hotel
at which desire to be quartered
Il take it for granted that this invi-
tation and the acceptance of proffered
hospitality would be preliminary TO
a request that Topeka be designated as
can state convention. Under these cir
cumstances I very much regret my in
ability to accept your invitation.
las a member of the Republican COM
mittee, my preference as to a place for
holding our state convention would
ordinarily be Topeka, but the spirit of
unfair craftsmanship which is voiced by