The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-10-22

1
ready to give up the office anyway:
The proof against him is absolute and
he is not running any additional risks
What the Governor Says.
IT. It. Kelly's resignation" from an
office to which he has not been elect
| ed and for which he will be defea ted
according to present indications, was
considerably discussed at the state
| house today. Governor Bailey gave
| out the following concerning it:
1.-The quickest way for Mr.. Kelly to
vindicate himself in the Garden City
i deal is to produce the man who gave
him the coupons and to whom he paid
the money, if any such man exists. He
can clear the matter UP in that way
/ in tWenty-four hours easier than he
can in any other way in a year."
The general opinion among those
who have been following the matter
is that the resignation" was prepared
for the purpose of giving the Kelly
evidence presented is so conclusive
that Kelly is an embezzler that the
is nothing for his supporters to do but
to admit it, and to detract attention
from that point Kelly resigns from
an office to which he has not yet been
elected, conditional upon his being
found guilty of a shortage by a new
set of accountants, in which event he
would have to give up the office any
way. This, it is hoped by Kelly's 8
friends, will turn public attention from
the proof already produced of Kelly'S
guilt
Coleman to Clay Center.
Attorney General Coleman went
home to Clay Center Friday evening
to remain until Monday. In the mean
time he is allowing the Kelly matter
to drag along without action. He has
been trying for several days to find
something on which a defense for kel-
ly might be based. but without sue
cess. 1t is becoming more and more
apparent that Mr.. Coleman does not
intend to move in the Kelly matter
until he is forced to do so.
Want His Name Of.
The Jewell City Republican this
week publishes a petition to the Re
publican state committee, asking that
pressure be brought to bear to re-
move T. T. Kelly's name from the state
ticket" The petition is signed by the
leading citizens of Jewell, although
the paper states that it was just cir
culated half way down one street two
blocks long. Among other signatures
on it is that of F. w. Bevington, chair
man of the Republican county central
committee of Jewell county.
The committee could repudiate KEEL
ly Immediately, if it is brave enough
to do it.
Keny's Resignation"
Mr.. Kelly's letter concerning his
resignation is directed to H. P. Dillon
of Topeka, one of his bondsmen. 1t
Topeka. Kan. Oct. 81. 1904.
Mr.. H. P. Dillon, Topeka, Kan.
Dear Sir: After Governor Bailey
was defeated for denomination, he ap-
pointed a state accountant thing
which he had persistently refused to
do up to that time. This accountant,
after months of entirely ex-parte in
vesugatfon, comes forward just before
the election, with a number of wage
%s,,fr Il
with no matter which may be called
4 specific charge against me as treas
lrer- The accountants report is made
without giving me chance to be
heard or to explain, and it is made so
ate that full and impartial inveStiga- (
ion cannot be made before election.
Under all these circumstances am
forced to the belief that the said ac-
;ountant was appointed not for the
purpose of protecting the people, nor
or any other honorable motive, but
or the purpose of comprising my po- /
itical defeat and of injuring the Re-
publican tickets-state, legislative and
county.
Nevertheless, the report has been
made. And it has been made with
enough of ingenuity and plausfbility to
'aise a doubt in the minds of some
Toters. The people are properly SEN
md many are easily frightened, as my
and political enemies well
Know.
There is no shortage in the state
reasury; there has been none. I court
speedy, full, impartial Investigation
II my office. Such an investigation
will necessarily occupy several months,
IS many millions of dollars have pass
ID through my hands. T.
Under these circumstances what
guaranty can I give of the falsity of
he charges, the truth of my state
nents and the soundness and integrity
# my position more than to hand you
herewith my resignation of the office
II treasurer for the term for which I
onhdently expect to be elected. I re-
uest that you cause a full, complete
nd searching investigation to be made
nto the affairs of my Office by some
rm of disinterested expert account
nts- If such investigation shall show
hat there is or has been any shortage
n the treasurer's accounts or fund for
yhich 1 was responsible or which with
iltgence 1 might have avoided, then
equest you to file such resignation !
With the governor of the state. I am :
onhdent that there is and that there
as been no shortage; / am certain
hat there is and has been no shortage :
or which l was or am in any way
1orally blamable: and I am confident I
hat the great mass of the voters be- :
eve in fair play. Il
II take this step. not because fear |
Great before the people, but to assure
he Repub blicanS of Kansas that put l
arty before self. There are Repub-
cans whose minds have been poison {
d by the false charges my enemies
ave made against me. These men
1ay be disposed to vote against me,
nd so that they may have no provo
alton to vote for a Democrat for the .
flee of treasurer of the state of Kan
as, now place my resignation in {
scrow- The condition of the escrow
that if my accounts be found to be
hort, or my administration of the Of {
ce of treasurer dishonest in any re-
Dect, the resignation shall be deliver !
d to the governor and by him accept {
d. If by these expert accountants or {
judicial determination, be acquitted
{ the charges, the resignation is to be {
aturned to me-