The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-01-22
GILMORES REJOINDER.
Resents InputatiOns in Conduct
as Penitentiary Director.

Several items have appeared in this
paper recently covering political matters
between John S. Gilmore. editor of the
Fredonia Citizen, and Warden Jewett OF
the state penitentiary. The articles
were good natured and good humored.
No reflection on the integrity of either
was intended John Gilmore and z. B.
JeWett are well known in Kansas as
gentlemen of established integrity. Each
was taking rap at the other. Gil
more stated that IeWett was extrava-
CANT in the use of his time for politics,
and the latter retorted briefly that Gill
more had made a record as director of
the penitentiary.' This was understood
as rejoinder that Gilmore was not per-
feet, but not meant as a charge of dis
honesty. Mr.. Gilmore. one of the best
and most honorable men in the state,
has taken the matter seriously and
writes letter in which he says, in part:
To the Editor of the State Journal:
The Wilson County Citizen recently
criticised E. B. Jewett, warden of the
penitentiary, for his denunciation of a
fourth-clasS postmaster and some rural
route carriers in Sumner county for
doing little work for Chester I. Long
for United States senator, though
Jewett, holding an infinitely higher
position and one Of four times greater
salary, has for six or eight months
been absenting himself from his i'm
portant official post most of the time
to advance the interests of Governor
Stanley for senator. The article also
spoke of Stanley's sarcastic references
to Longs poStmasters'' and suggested
that a governor who had made so
many appointments which dovetailed in
to his candidacy for senator might
consistently not allude to any con
gressman's postmasters- The opinion
was expressed that Jewett, however,
was blunt and candid and thought to
be honest.
The Topeka Journal reported Jewett
IN reply as calling the citizens COM
ments a rap at Governor Stanley"
then quoting the f1attering ASSUMPTION
as to his own bIuntness, candor and
honesty, he added: Il would like to re-
turn the compliment by saying the
same thing about John Gilmore; but
If remember rightly he was formerly
a director of the penitentiary and made
something of a record in that capacity
so much SO that when he offered his
resignation to Governor Stanley it was
accepted so quick he was led to believe
Stanley was something of a politician y
This misreDreseuts plain facts and
shamefully fal5ifies me by implication.
John Gilmore did not resign as direc-
tor of the penitentiary. nor was he
asked to resign, nor was a hint ever
given by anyone that he should do 50.
nor was he remOVed-but he served out
his term to the end, being the only Off
Ger of the Institution who did serve the
full statutory term for which he had
been appointed by the governor.
The purported insinuation of Jewett
that the writer made something Of a
record as director of the penitentiary'
rejecting on his official honesty, is
without a shadow CT warrant. He does
not know of a single act or transaction
upon which to base an imDutation or
suspicion of dishonesty, venality or any
questionable thing on our part in the
exercise of the functions of a director
He is hereby challenged and invited to
come out in plain language, prove his
nsiruation. tell all he has knowledge of
which might tend to give it weight or
credit. or be regarded a libeler by indi-
reetion in his statement recently print
ed in the State Journal
Personal feeling as to myself aside,
there IS the report of the Kansas state
penitentiary for the years 1902, lately
given out to a few people, which mem
bers OF the legislature might take note
of in time. Warden Jewett. whose con-
scientious conception of duty at 81 500
per year keeps him away from his Of
fee half of the time, does not get
enough compensation. In said report.
| in recommending appropriations for the