The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-02-11
The LAST STRAW
Action of Standard Intensifies
the Feeling.
Legislators Say They Won't Be
BulIdOzed.

If anything was needed to 'clinch" a
victory for a state oil refinery, it was
probably the action of the Standard Oil
company in refusing to buy any more
Kansas oil.
Members of the house who have here
tofore been opposed to a state refinery
are coming OUT in favor of a state re-
hnery because they will not stand the
bulldozing tactics of the Standard.
''If the Standard thinks that Kansas
people are not lighters" said a. G..
Mead of Mitchell, one of the strongest
opponents of the state refinery in the
house, they are badly mistaken. But
at the same time, know that the
Standard is a fighter, too. and it will
stand by its bluff. 1 realize that the
people Of my county are largely in ia
vor of a state oil refinery, and sup
pose the same condition exists through
out the state
Mr. Mead this morning received a
telegram from one of his close friends
at home, urging him to get right on the
state refinery proposition, and inform
ing him that a big petition was on it's
way, asking him to support the state
refinery.
]. S. Simmons. of Lane. said this
morning: L was not much of a state
refinery man until I read of the action
of the Standard in refusing to buy our
oil. I am beginning to think that
state refinery would be pretty good
thing, after ALL
A. K. AldIA, speaker pro lSiu u lllG
house said: I don't know just what
effect this move of the Standard will
have on the house, but I think there is
no doubt that the state refinery bill
will pass"
G. D. Jones, of Norton, says: IF the
Standard thought that this move would
scare out the Kansas legislature, it will
have to guess again. 1t will have the
opposite effect. The legislature will tell
the Standard to get out of the state
and stay out. We will run the business
ourselves. I don't think that the ap-
will have to be increased. -.
Standard Oil bluff. They do not intend
to leave the state. 1t win simply have
the effect of making unanimous the
sentiment for a state refinery
coax the average Kansan. but you
can't drive him. This action by the
Standard will bring the members of
the legislature into line for state oil
w. A. Elstun says: 'It will bring
over the doubtful members, and
strengthen the oil refinery cause
A. NJ. Sourbeer says: This thing is
making friends for the state refinery
faster than anything that has hap
nened vet. The legislature will not
let even the Standard Oil company
bulldoZe it,"
A. Fl. Lupfer says: 'I do not think
the Standards action will have the ef-
feet of terrifying the members. This
seems disposed to listen to
the voice of the people, and the people
of Kansas want this question to be
given a thorough trial, regardless OF
what kind of a bluff the Standard may
put up"
There seems to be a great rush to
ee+ into the bandwagon of leadership. I
The State Journal announced that W.
A. Elstun of Elk made the Inouon III
t11a house Friday to refer the oil re-
6nerv frre question to the committee of the
whole house. c. o. Nelson of Neosho
nd q. D. Jones of Norton also claim
the honor The probability IS that an
tbree members were on the floor. and
1ooI, made the motion.