The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-09-23
Newest Statesman of the Sum-
flower State
UNHEARD OF 2 YEARS AGO
Then He Won Fame by Campaign by
Telephone-ls Known to Every.
body Simply as stuhbs--ls
Slated for Senate.

produces an especially picturesque states
man. or course, all the time and forever
1t has odd and interesting people, but at
intervals comes a figure to overtop the
rest fors while.
This time it is Stubbs-Walter Roscoe
stubhs. Quaker. 6 feet in his stockings,
broad, redheaded, with smile that can
light up an auditorium to the topmost
gallery and a voice that can keep pace
with the smile. He is a member of the
Kansas house of representatives, was
speaker of the last session, is a candidate
for United States senator-but his fame
does not rest on things of that sort
Stubbs-no one in Kansas ever refers
to him as Mr.. Stubbs-was unheard of
two years ago. He had been busy build
! ing railroads and took no interest in pol
itics.
He had several hundred men working
for him, and his work trains were scat
tered from the Rocky mountains to Chi
cago. His contracts ran into millions,
and he was kept busy looking after them.
Then one day there was a political re-
bellon against the republican governor,
and party of men met to discuss means
of defeating him for denomination. Among
them was Stubs.
We'll just go to the people, he said,
land here is my contribution"
He threw $500 on the table. Such gift
was unprecedented, and 1t made him
leader at once. He established headquar
tiers and engaged the services of a bright
young man as telephone caller.
Than ha ,aoau hia aannnaign All daV
long, day after day, he called up farmers
and township managers in every part Of
Kansas.
They like it," was his explanation.
"Who pays any attention to a letter? But
a long distance call from Topeka can't be
ignored. The farmers will think 1t means
something"
They did. Day after day the long dis
lance lines were busy carrying Stubbs'
messages to the most remote parts OF the
state. With the many farmers lines 1t
is possible to reach almost anybody Of
consequence in a few minutes.
Telephone Bills High.
The bills for telephone tolls ran up into
hundreds of dollars, but Stubs did not
stop. He talked and talked, received re-
ports and opinions, and when the oonven-
ton met he had majority of the dele
gates for his candidate, the present gov
ernor e. w. Hoch.
Stubs was the chairman of the con-
vention. He had never presided over q
body of 800 men before, and he was plain
ly embarrassed as he took the platform
Instead of making the usual speech, he
said:
We'll, we are here for business; what
do you want to do?'
The legislature met, and Stubs. who
had run for the lower house and had
been elected, was chosen speaker. The
same directness that had characterized
his convention work was seen in the
management of the houses affairs, and
heh was clearly the leader.
After the legislature adjourned. howev-
err things rather got away from him. He
was busy with some big contracts, and
before he knew it the convention this
year was organized against him.
He tried his best to control it, but vain
ly, and ticket was nominated that did
not suit Stubs. Since then ne has taken
the role of question asker.
He called a meeting at Topeka, and all
those who were with him In the fight
gathered to discuss campaign plans.
I'm give $780," said he again, and laid
his check on the table,
Others added to the amount until
fund was raised that would run another
campaign.
The republican platform In Kansas was
silent on the ant-pass proposition, also
on the two-cent fare matter, also on the
assessment of railroads. Stubs formu-
lated some questions to ask of the candl-
dates for the legislature and the state Of
fcers to determine their positions on
these subjects.
Every candidate has been aulzzed. Some
of them have ignored the questions. some
have answered equivocally, but most OF
them have given answers that they are
In accord with the reform movement
headed by Stubbs. When the Legislature
meets these will be organized, and Stubs
is likely to have working force that will
make him a power in the legislature, II 1t
is not sufficient to carry him to the sem
ate.
Laughed at His Mistake.
Stubs went into picture store in Kan
sas City few weeks ago and looked with
interest at some oil paintings
How much?" he asked
Those are very fine replied the deal
er. I'VE are asking 5000 each for Them
'"And how much for framing?"
"Well. they ought to have frames that
would cost $50 each, though we can frame
them for $35."
II am surprised" said Stubbs. az
thought they would be about s. each,
frames and ALL"
He laughed heartily at his mistake.
but these are by the best artists" ex-
He then launched into long argument
to show that the pictures were worth the
money
"Oh, well, didn't mean anything at all
wrong" said Stubs, with another laugh.
Just frame up three of 'em the best you
can and send 'em to me at Lawrence,
Kan. My names Stubbs."
Once he was competing with several
other contractors for a 100000 Job of
railway building. The contractors met
in Chicago to consult with the president
OF the road.
All went to the presidents office ono
morning and talked the matter over Fin
ally the wearied official said
Gentlemen, l am going to lunch You
will have to let this go until tomorrow"
OF course they left, and all went down
in the elevator together. AS they came to
vator.
Have to see a man." he explained.
Good morning"
AS the elevator returned he entered,
and in minute he was back in the rail-
way presidents office. The official
looked up surprised.
"I Thought he began.
Eyes, / know" said Stubs. with his
smile "You don't care to meet us all at
once. Let's talk 1t over together"
They talked 1t over. Stubs went out
with the president to lunch. Likewise he
landed the contract.
Stubbs may enter the United States
Senate to succeed Senator Benson. II he
does, the Senate will sit up and take no.
tice very early in his career
When the meat trust troubles were up
last winter he called on President Roose-
no nf tt< I'M