The St. Louis Republic., 1903-04-26
BUELL. L hATTFEMS

Two political ambitions have been nipped
in the bud by the legislative boodling in
vestiEations. If these two ambitions had
been realized. Lieutenant Governor John \.
Lee would have been Governor OF Missouri
and Senator Frank H. Farris Attorney
General after the next general election
Leo had started his campaign, and an
nounced that it was from the people He
firmly believed that he could secure the
nomination. He spent money on the theory
probably more money than any other as
pirant for the nomination has ever spent in
this state. Autographs of Lee adorn-or
did adorn-the walls OF nearly every hes
telry in the country towns Of Missouri
Travelling men who were his friends took
these pictures with them on their trips
Others secured addresses of business men
and politicians for the use OF the Ieuten-
ant Governor. Oftentimes the Office OF Mr.
Lee was filled with cardboard rolls which
were used as enclosures for his literature.
Religious journals were used by the Lieu
tenant Governor in his ambitions When he
delivered an address on the influence Of
Christianity upon government the speech
was reprinted in full in one of the most
prominent church papers OF the country and
mailed from his office TO msn on his lists.
He subscribed 10 country papers by the
score. He followed closely their comments
on his candidacy. He clipped them for fu-
ture reference. Personal letters were writ
ten to the editors. Nothing was undone
which would keep his name before the pub
lic
All of which cost money. No man has ever
accused Lee of being a money-lOver, even
though he is a comparatively poor man.
He did have an alI-absorbing ambition TO
be Governor-which explains many of his
seemingly contradictory moves during the
last two years
FARRIs PURSUED
DIFFERENT METHODS.
The methods Of Frank Farris have been
entirely different. His candidacy has not
been definitely announced. though he has
discussed Il with nearly all of his friends
His record in the last session. his victory
over his opponents in the last campaign.
the blind devotion which he inspired in
certain following. all combined to make him
believe that he could win the attorney gen.
eralship by the same methods which he has
4 followed ali his life.
N-While Lee made the better element his
The sporting set knew him one of them.
fIe had the bluff good will to gain the ad-
Iniration Of the fellows who would get cut
on primary election day TO work like Tro-
jaus for him. while the better element
stayed at home for fear OF the rain
In other words Farris is an Indian in
politics. In the last campaign he COM
bined with Republican politicians TO secure
his own election. while defeating thi &c
Democratic nominees for the House in his
own district. While III St. Louis he was
friendly with the Fontana element in the
House OF Delegates and secured and gave
pointers on how 10 organize combine Of
Republicans and Democrats. He depended
upon practical politics to carry him
through emergencies
LEES VIGOROUS ATTACK
ON LOBBY DICTATION.
Two years ago Lieutenant Governor Lee.
as the President OF the Senate. was imDce-
Gated for the appointment Of his commit
ices 1t has developed that the Criminal
Jurisprudence Committee was 4 baking
powder committee above everything eiss.
Representative {. c. Dickinson. now a State
Senator. denounced the chairman Of the
senate Railroad Committee in terms whicn
reflected nc credit upon Lees appointment
All together. Lees committee OF two yeats
form bodies.
Already the Lieutenant Governor has fur
niShed evid.nce against members OF the
Criminal Jurisprudence Committee. chGrg-
ing them with doing business wi5h the leg
isIative agent OF the Royal Baking Powder |
Company.
Criticisms which were hesped upoa the i
Lieutenant Governor for his official acts CT !
two years ago and his ambition 20 be Gov
ernor explain in a great measure his ac-
tons during the last session. The fight on
Frank Farris and The lobby convinced Lse
tbqt 30 te popular an attitude must be
4esruck against this element
Never strong with the working politicians. |
Lee appealed TO the public through the |
only netiium which he knew-the rcWsps- |
pcrS The fight against lobby dictatlon had |
assumed the form OF a struggle for the 1
President Pre- ten and Secretary OF the /
Senate Frank FarTis wished 10 be |
elected as temporary presiding officer Lee !
had told him ths; he would do nothing per- |
sonal against him. though he could not help /
him.
HOW FARRIs CAME To
WRITE ALUM LETTER
Jointly with Earris Cornelius Roach of |
Carthage wished a reelection as Secretary I
OF the Senate. He had served in this ca |
pacity for years and has been a thoroughly /
efficient eTnploye- The only opposition TO i
him developed through his friendship for \
william H. Phelps. legislative agent for the
ffaIroads Ford Combs appeared as his op-
Z ponent and Was chsmpioned by Harry B. /
kEawes. president Of the Jefferson Club
When the fight over these two places was |
the hottest, Lee came out in public letter /
against Farris and Roach and advocating