The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-03-27


To one who reads the country
papers of Kansas, one Of the most re-
rnarkable things about them is their
present attitude toward W. R. Stubs
from that of two years ago. Immedi-
ately succeeding the Republican state
convention of 1904, which Mr.. Stubs
ran. the Republican papers of Kansas
were, as a rule, full of praise Of him.
Today they are just about as full Of
denunciation.
While the State Journal has told some
unpleasant truths about Mr. Stubs
and has criticised him severely, It
doubts If he deserves this apparent
sudden reversal of public opinion
toward him. For there are some good
qualities about Mr.. Stubs. He is no
worse than he was two years ago
and he may be considerably better.
Yet the change in sentiment towards
the state chairman and speaker of the
house is unmistakable, and an analysis
of the situation shows the cause.
The principles that Mr. Stubs is
advocating today are those every loyal
citizen ought to be able to endorse.
why, then, are so many people against
him ? The answer can be told in one
word: Inconsistency.
Mr. Stubs has spent his lifetime in
working for the railroads and he has
made a fortune out OF them. He is
one OF the weaIthiest men in Kansas.
yet only few months ago he sud
denly awoke to the fact that the rail-
roads are not giving the people a
square deal. and now he is posing as
the original and only True railroad
regulator in Kansas.
Mr.. Stubs first grievance in poll
tics was that the legislature Of 1903
did not elect as its speaker George J.
Barker. a recognized railroad politician;
now he gags at the very mention of
candidate who may be favorable to
the railroads.
Today Mr. Stubs is advocating in
his speeches the calling Of a special
session of the legislature for the ex-
press purpose of passing an anti-pass
law But one year and three weeks
ago he helped to kill the Pringle anti
pass bill, the best measure of the kind
ever onered-when. as speaker Of the
house, a word from him would have
passed it in the house.
Mr.. Stubs was in complete control
of the last Republican state conven-
ton, and he gave his support to the
nomination of those candidates de-
sired by the railroads from governor
down including the railroad commits
sioners; yet now he is very pronounced
against the railroads In politics.
Two years ago Mr.. Stubs refused TO
say word against the denomination
OF T. T. Kelly for state treasurer. His
influence would have prevented The
nomination Of Kelly, yet he mas been
devoting his time for weeks to trying
10 defeat Henry Allen in the Second
district fight on the ground that Mr..
Allen belongs to a corrupt school Of
politics Had Mr.. Stubs done one
tenth as much against Kelly and his
gang as he has done against Allen. the
state Of Kansas would be better on
than 1t Is
Two years ago Reno county was car
ried against Bailey. It is alleged, by
the use Of money furnished by the
railroads. It was done by the friends
OF Mr.. Stubs. W. 7. Morgan bore the
brunt Of the fight on the Bailey side.
Later Mr.. Morgan was elected to The
legislature, where he consistently
worked for railroad legislation far
more than did Mr.. Stubs. who had
tremendous power by reason OF his 10
sitlon as speaker. Yet notwitnstand-