The Washington times., 1905-06-11

Topeka June 10--Do politics and
bodily cleanliness &C together?
The Populists OF Kansas. when they
were in power. seemed to think so, for
connected with every State office in the
capitol building was a handsomely ap-
pointed bathroom.
The tubs are of genuine porcelain,
while the washstands are of the pureSt
white marble.
These monuments of approximity TO
godliness are still in the statehcuse. Ey-
cry day janitor cleans them of the
dust that has accumulated in them dur
ins the preceding twenty-four hours
and takes look to see that the bath
towels, which were hung there before he
taken charge" are in place
He knows that these towels are on the
proper hooks. because experience has
taught him that the Republican State
officer or clerk is yet 10 be found who
has or who Will use one of those tubs.
But they are always ready for use,
md. perhaps, some day, some one Will
have the courage to say: "well. here
goes, whether 1 need it or not"
Bath Tubs in Politics
But these bath tubs played rather an
important part in Governor Leedy's $
campaign for governor. It Will be re-
membered that William Joel Stone, of
Missouri, now United States Senator
from Missouri, in order to impress his
rural constituents with his thorough
democracy said in his speech as candi-
date for governor:
When l get up TO Jefferson City I
want all Of you TO come there and see
NE If you do, you can put your feet
upon my mahogany desk and spit ter
baccy' juice on the floor as much as
you want"
Governor Leedy went Senator Stone
one better. He went from county to
county and not only gave his pernis-
sion to allow his callers at the capitol
to put their feet upon the gubernatorial
table, but he added:
When any of you come up to To-
Deka, drop into the governors office
and you can take Il free bath in nay
new bath tub
That this promise bore fruit was dem
oustrated Il few weeks after the inau-
euration q man from the interior of
the State dropped into the governors S
office.
Governor" he said. you remember
what you said IN your speeches about
that bath tub IN your Office Well,
I'm mere and l want that bath"
Governor Leedy didn't hesitate. He
vas n good politician.
Certainly, ne Sdld, Win stS niucn case
as If tiIe request were made daily.
Just step IN mere and go ahead
The man locked the door and for forty
i've Eiinutes there came sounds from the
smaller room ike that made by a school
OF porpoises scampcrlng for the deep
Sc2.
rsins,iiy he appeared flushed, happy.
and llany shades lighter.
Joan I4cedy." he said, Il sure am
obliged TO YOU. A bath like that can't
hurt no man, specially when the wealth
er Is as warm as Ii is today"
Tubs for Court Officials.
But tie Pops" were by no means
selfish Net only did they provide
their State officers with porcelain tubs,
but the members of the supreme court
were looked after as well.
One large bathroom was fitted up for
the entire court. Unlike the tubs in the
offices downstairs, this one has been
used, and used where II was probably
needed. as Judge William r. Smith OF
the present bench. can testify.
Not that the eminent jurist found time
TO i:nmerse himself IN this public tub,
but II was he who discovered the lone
bather.
1t was one Saturday night. Judge
Smith had returned TO his chambers to
do same important work. He was in