The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-02-06
THE on SITUATION.


and order an oil refinery,-not an ex-
perimentaI or toy establishment, but q
real factory.
1t is evident that If the state is go
ing to hit the Standard Oil company it
must hit hard. It is also quite true
that the establishment of a state re-
hnery will mean other legislation to
support 1t, such as a maximum freight
rate on oil and a declaration that pipe
lines shall be common carriers
The sentiment of Kansas is for a
state refinery to prepare for the mar
lxet the great, rich, natural oil prod
ucts of this commonwealth.
This sentiment comes not from the
oil regions alone, but from every part
of the state.
The demand is not for $4,000 ex-
pertinent, but for the real thing. When
the state few years ago decided to
make binding Irvine at the penitentiary,
it was an experiment. There was no
factory Of the kind in Kansas. There
was no natural product available, and
yet the plant was a success. The main
1 thing about it was that it destroyed
monopoly, so far as Kansas wheat
growers were concerned; 1t made the
price of Irvine reasonable and saved big
money to Kansas people.
sary to tie wheat into bundles demand
ed the states attention in a practical
way, what should be said of the item Of
coal oil which is consumed by the great
masses of population?
The Standard Oil company is the
combination which, except in a public
refinery. has universally triumphed
over states, over individuals. over in
dependent companies and ever every
effort made to curb its rapacity, or to
secure competition in oil. 1t has grown
strong not only in its control in the oil
fields, but by it's mastery over transpor-
tation by special rates and rebates.
The legislature of Kansas now in ses-
sion might as well recognize the newt
able and go ahead with the establish
ment of an oil refinery. This does not
mean the appropriation of a few thou
sand dollars, but it means that a fund
must be Immediately provided of at
least 100000, and an additional $20O,OOO
for capital and operation. Half of the
$4,000 win probably be what is known
as a revolving fund" and the main
portion of which may possibly be kept
intact, just as three-fourths of the
money appropriated in the Irvine plant
is used not for direct outlay but for
operation.
The position in the senate and the
house should not be one of retaliation
in measures. but one of action based
on the desires and wishes of the ma
jority of the people. Governor Hoch
and Speaker Stubs have probably
done more than any other two people
to foster and encourage this sentiment
for a refinery in Kansas.
Here is what was written in the
platform by the convention dominated
by Messrs. Hoch and Stubs:
That the marvellous development of the
oil, gas and other resources of this state
is not only a source of pride to every cit |
iZen, but also involves new obligations of
government and we promise to give
their importance demands" r'r-i
Here is what Mr.. Hoch said in his !
opening campaign speech at Marion |
last September:
Looming into vastly greater impor- |
lance than any issue raised by our op-
ponents is the protection and preser-
walton of our oil and gas interests. |
Our own citizens outside the regions
where this fabulous wealth Is stored 1
little realize its magnitude and impor- /
lance. But crisis confronts us. Mo-
nopoly threatens to rob our people of |
the chief benefits of this great endow-
ment and appropriate the profits to |
itself. How can we save this wealth /
to the state and its own people? I
frankly confess do not know. But
the Republican party has promised in
its state platform, to give this great |
question its most serious attention, and |
1 promise hearty cooperation in an
earnest effort to solve the pressing
problem. If the best legal talent in
the state can suggest a solution, it
will be done"
Here is what Governor Hoch said in
his message January 10:
1.-The marvellous development of the gas
and oil resources Of the state. placing
those endowed by the Creator with this
kind Of wealth, imposed a duty upon this
legislature which no former legislature
has had to meet. Monopoly threatens to
rob our people of the chief benefits of this
profits to itself. How to save this wealth
TO the state and to its people and secure
problem. If an arrogant and almost ON
nipotent monopoly is to control in any
in the house of its friends, for
monopoly is but one form of socialism
under the name Of compe-,
that is all socialism does considered
from an industrial standpoint Rather,
therefore, than permit the great mOnOp-
olies to rob US of the benefits of the vast
reservoirs of oil which have been stored
by the Creator beneath our soil, I in
ciined to waive my objection to the So
cialistic phase of this subject and recon-
of our own in our state for the preserva-
ton of our wealth and the protection of
our people
Governor Hoch said at the Kansas
Day club dinner:
IF you will take that monster the
NSxSA