The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-02-06
Kansas Poet Who Is Making a
Novel Campaign.
VIII Use His Verses in Place of
Speeches.
HIS PRELIMINARY GUN.
Why He Entered the
Race.
Items Of Interest to Lovers Of
Books.


There is out in Sedgwick county. at
Goddard, near Wichita. a young man
by the name of Charles NJ. Gosney who
writes poetry. There is nothing strange
about that. but there is something
strange in the fact that he expects to
use it as a vehicle to secure his election
as representative from the Seventy
third Kansas district.
Mr.. Gosney was in Wichita a few
days ago. and the Beacon has the fol-
lowing to say about him and his cam
paign:
What promises to be the most novel
campaign for Office in the history of
Kansas will be that Of Charles M. Cos
ney of Goddard. who has just announc-
ed his candidacy for the Democratic
Nomination as representative from the
Seventy-t third district
Gosney was in Wichita Saturday dis
cussing campaign plans with friends.
He has decided to make the race in
verse. He is the son of a prominent
farmer in the west end of SedgWick
county and is known in this section as
the Kansas Poet" He intends to
make use of the poetic talent and to
literally ride into office And in case
of election Gosney promises to electrify
the lawmakers at the state capital
with speeches couched in his choicest
verses. Debate will lose its prosaic
monotony with GoSney in the forensic
arena, and when the member from
Medicine Lodge speaks on a bill to ap-
propriate $4,000 for the erection of a
monument to Caroline Nation, the bud
ding statesman from Goddard will re-
Nay, navl no wanton waste of shekeIs
let us have
But rather, heal the wounds of Carries
Ratchet with a salve:
FOR those who suffered from the ANA
IONS fierce rage
And set aside a sum their thirst to
'suage
poet that GOsney will make the race
He will simply use this gift as an
advertising medium. In speaking of
his candidacy to The Beacon the young
man said:
Il shall make my race on the plat
form of honesty Everybody in the
district knows me and they know my
family. If elected 1 shall do my duty
without fear. There will be no graft
ing or Doodle for me and it will not go
well with those who are crooked if
find it out. The record of the last
legislature is enough to make the hon
est voter shudder and I believe with
that record In sight every man who IA
vors an honest administration, regard
less Of party feeling, Will vote the
Democratic ticket at the next election"
Gosney is 80 years of age and is
obliged to use crutches on account of
a rheumatic affection which has rem
dered his limbs useless. While con-
Quoting his own campaign he will busy
himself, also, in composing general
campaign verses The following en-
titled Wrecked on a Golden Reef" is
Gosney's unique story of the country's
condition under the rule of the pluto
cratic Republican administration:
WRECKED ON A GOLDEN REEF.
IBy Charles NJ. Gosney, the Kansas Poet.
Dedicated to the Voters.l
A proud old father, one OF many sons,
I'll tell it to you as the story runs:
Each born entrusted with a ship of state.
When Samuels name was hoisted on the
The fathers heart was glad. He loved
Because he had respect cen for a toy.
He decl1ed him in a coat of colors rare
Red. white and blue that made his broth
ers stare.
The boy soon grew to manhood. strong
And then decreed no man should be a
The weaker ones built castles there close
with confidence in sammy's watchful
eye.
His stronger brothers looked on him with
Respected him because in him they saw
The truest. kindest of them all, and yet
a demon, If imposed upon-you bet.
Young Samuel was indeed a model son;
Old Jupiter and Mars and every one
Looked on with pride and often wondered
That yellow spot grew larger in his eye.
The weaker ones look on aghast, and
quen.
They mourn the hour that their brother
fell
The hand that once protected, strikes
blow,
Ye gods Can't thou forgive? Why an
sWer no?
Old Mother Earth is weeping DER the fall
OF her adored son-the pride Of all
Oh, God, those blood stains on his face
and hands
Is his own brothers blood. Seel There
he stands!
Celestial king, Old Sol. is bowed with
grief;
reef?
Well may you weep and wall. but why
To yonder captain standing at the wheel =?