Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1904-04-01
KANSAS DISGRACED.. BURTON CONVICTED.

when CnaS. +. OCOtl \tuSH d ola'e oSho'0A/
refused to support ]. R. Burton for United
States senator, and gave as his reason that
"when Kansas goes kicking out in the grass of
the front yard for her evening paper, she III pick
it up and read that Burton has disgraced her, ="
Mr.. Scott proved himself true prophet-for
that is just what Burton has done. He has
been convicted of bribery by the federal court
at St, Louis. 1t was proven that Burton did
use his influence with the postal department to
protect the Rato Grain and Securities Company,
a get-rich-quick concern at St. Louis. He ad-
rnitted having received money to the extent OF
So, 900 from the concern, but claimed that he
received it only as attorney for the company,
and denied having used his influence with the
postal authorities to prevent fraud orders from
issuing against the concern. But the evidence
was against Burton, and jury composed OF
prominent men of St. Louis and surrounding
country found him guilty.
Senator Burton has not occupied his seat in
the senate since his indictment by the grand
Jury, and he will probably not return to his seat
until his case is finally disposed of, and maybe
not then.
We did not believe that Burton would be
convicted, although we did not doubt his guilt,
for the country has witnessed SO many so-caled
trials of men in high places which resulted in
whitewashing the criminals. For this reason,
Burton's conviction is surprise. But many
prominent men-senators, congressman and
others-appear to have anticipated the convic-
ton, and express no surprise whatever. The
fact is, Burton has never enjoyed tie confidence
and respect of these men. His reputation pre-
ceded him to Washington, and nothing but
grating and trickery was expected OF him. OF
course, the people of Kansas knew Burton,
and, although some protested to believe in him,
they knew, down deep in their hearts, that he
was not to be trusted. In reality, his dealings
with the get-rich-quick schemers were no sur
prise to the people of Kansas. He is disrep-
utable in every sense of the word, and his
election to the senate was surprise to all de-
cent people.
Burton was convicted OIL six counts, and the
court can give him, on each count, two years
in the penitentiary or fine him $40, 900, or both
imprison and fine him; but it is not likely that
the court will pronounce so severe sentence.
immediately after the jury's verdict was an
nounced, Burton's attorneys filed motion for
a new trial. In the event that new trial is
denied, the case will be appealed to higher
court Then, in the event that the judgment
of the lower court is affirmed, the senate wild
declare Burton's seat vacant, and of course,
his pay will stop.
Some politicians affect to believe that if Bur-
ton can succeed in securing reversal of judg-
ment, the tide of popular favor will turn his
way again, and he will again ride Oh the top
wave; but the more conservative men do not
take hopeful view of the case. They believe
Burton is guilty, and that he should suffer the
consequences.
Kansas is disgraced. But we are not sur
prised-nobody is surprised.
write fO11ouc.