The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-04-12
THE BURTON CASE.

Not only is the influence of Senator
Burton gone, but his occupation. He
is not now senator except in name.
Kansas is not only Inundated but
has in the senate only one-half the
representation of little Rhode Island or
sparsely settled Nevada. How shame
ful and slight the figure the state has
exhibited while Burton was permitted
by the proprieties to sit and vote in
the highest legislative body in the
world!
How long will this thing continue?
Why should the senate not declare
the seat vacant2 1t never can be
filled by the present incumbent.
Is the senate holding back because
of any sentiment in the Kansas dele
cation? Is the body waiting for some
expression from that source? And are
the personal ambitions of so many in
the house from Kansas that they are
afraid to express their patriotic feel
ings and urge the senate to relieve
their state from the. disgrace of a
felon representing it?
The vacancy can be filled at once.
There is a law covering it.
VIII the Kansas delegation be a
party to continued shame for the
state?
1t is said of the Kansas office hold
ers that none die and few resign.
Burton viii not resign. viii Kansas
be resigned?
The feeling in Washington is I'M
doubtedly reflected by the following
editorial in the Washington Post un-
der the heading. Now viii the Sen
ate Act2'
Renewing the assurances of our
high consideration, and otherwise in
PRODUCING the subject we have in mind
with all the anectionate diplomatic
overtures customary in such cases, We
beg once more to call the attention
of the statesmen at the north end of
the capitol to the very painful case of
one ]. r. Burton, senior senator from
Kansas. Some days ago we offered for
the consideration of the senate a SEN
timent, not to say a suggestion, in this
connection. Now we repeat that mod
est nudge. convinced that subsequent
events have invested it with new and
special energy.
"Burton's appeal has been rejected
by the court before which he was pros
ecuted. He is under sentence of six
months Imprisonment in the peniten-
tiary, to say nothing of fine of 50, 500.
His conviction is an accomplished fact.
In the eyes of the law he is a felon.
And, though he may eventually escape
punishment-such are the possibilities
OF sharp practice and shrewd manipn-
lation-his moral status is sufficiently
defined and his unftness for member
ship in the United States senate -e-
moved from the domain of doubt and
controversy. His future standing will
depend upon the standards of those
with whom he associates and the cir
cles which he may aspire to invade;
but the standards which the American
people have set up for the senate and
the senators, presumably, have set VI
for themselves. can hardly be adjust
ed to Mr.. Burtons continued member
ship in that body, nor is it sconceiv-
able that the matter should have the
Indulgence Of a moments hesitation.
1T would have looked better, have
met more frankly and respectfully tbs
country's just expectations. had tbs
senate taken action upon the heels OF
the courts original utterance. Tn:
people, however, treasured by prompt
measures at this time. viii be only
too glad to assume that the delay was
animated by the best and highest mo-
tivss."