The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-01-27
GOV. H0CH AND MAYOR ROSE.

Governor Hoch is pursuing a very
vigorous policy with respect to secur-
ing the enforcement of the prohibitory
law in Kansas city. Kas.. for which
ne is to be commended. Possibly the
example Of Governor. Folk, just across
the line in Missouri. in cleaning up the
larger Kansas city and securing a
vigorous enforcement of the law
there, may have spurred the Kansas
governor into taking heroic action on
this side Of the state line. Whatever
has been the incentive, Governor Hoch
acts like a man who means business
in Kansas City. Kas.
Not only has Governor Hoch ap-
pointed an assistant attorney general
to prosecute the jointists in Wyandotte
county. but he has also begun actions
against derelict officials. Especially
strong has been his effort to GUST Mayor
Rose from office for failure to enforce
the law. He has even sent Attorney
General Coleman down there to look
after the matter personally.
But what about the violations of law
that have been going on in the state
house right under Governor Hoch' s
nose. within fifty feet of the attorney
generals Office, and to investigate
which the legislature gave Governor
Hoch S15,0O02 In the last election the
enforcement of the law against graft
ing in the state treasury was certainly
just as much of an issue as the en-
! forcement Of prohibition in Wyandotte
county. The charges were made-and
proven-that the law had been vio-
lated in the state treasury. The
friends of the violators disputed the
proof. Governor Hoch, on the stump,
promised that if elected he would make
an investigation into the charges and if
he found them true, speedy and certain
justice would follow.
On the strength of that promise, and
because of the resignation in escrow, -
T. t Kelly was reelected treasurer,
and the people turned to Governor
HOch to redeem his promise.
Tt was just a year to a day after
Governor Hoch was sworn in before
his investigation was completed. but he
undoubtedly knew as the work pro-
crossed something of what was being
found. Not only were the charges
made in the compaign completely sus-
tanned, but the accountant pointed out
wherein T. T. Kelly has been violating
the law since.
The statute of limitations cannot be
pleaded on a number of fragrant Of
fenses of Kelly. There is the Com
anche county embezzlement for in
stance. Likewise his action in deposit
ing more than half a million dollars
into the defunct First National bank
for the accommodation of c. J. Dew
lin. Also depositing state money in
Wichita, Hutchinson and Kansas City
| banks. Also loaning sums of money to
various Of. his hackers and friends and
carrying their checks as cash. Like
wise that $4,000 deal concerning his
bond. These do not involve any of the
missing school fund COUPONS at all.
Why. then, does not Governor Hoch
prosecute Kelly, as he demands that
Mayor Rose of Kansas City shall prose-
cute jointists? All the state knows
that Governor Hoch has knowledge of
Kelly's misdeeds- excuse can he
offer? Mayor Rose could say that his
| people desired the law violated and
that he was elected because he favored
/ letting the joints run. Governor Hoch
cannot say that, for the people wish to
have the law enforced, and they hold
/ Governor Hoch's promise that justice
shall be done in the treasury matter.
/ In all sincerity. is not Governor Hoch
! cOndemning himself in trying to Gust
Mayor Rose for acting toward the
jointists just as the governor is acting
toward T. T. Kelly, except that Rose
is justified by the sentiment of his com
munity?
Governor Hoch has known in gen
/ eral for months what this Morris re-
port would show He has had the
! completed report in his hands for
nearly three weeks, yet he has done
nothing.
The State Journal does not wish to
unduly censure Governor Hoch. II
would much prefer to commend than
condemn, and it certainly will COM
mend wherever it sees that commenda-
ton is justifable, but it believes that
the following. from the Lawrence Jour
nal, which has always been most
friendly to the governor. is correct;
1.-THE Journal believes that Governor
HOch will either make or break him
self in this treasury investigation. II
he dallies around and fails to make
good, he will be beaten If he is
nominated and reelected. The people
of Kansas are not in a temper for fur
! Their parley. The governor owes it to
his constituents to have the attorney
/ general or some other good attorney
| take the cases to the courts. It is not
fair to ask or allow men to reimburse
the state for supposed money lost un-
less the state has first. through its legal
channels, proved its right to reimburse
! ment."
THE SENATE PILLORIED.
There is 81 much arrro,-s1 and roo/,er