The Topeka state journal., 1906-04-25

This proposition to elect Waggener
chairman Of the convention is a Sc
rious matter. It is of more significance
than you may suspect / want to say
to you that-it is merely part of pro-
gramme to nominate Waggener for
governor, and turn this convention
over to the control of the railroads.
It is a scheme to place the reins of the
convention in the hands Of the rail-
roads. and take away from the peo-
pie the one party which really is able
to be a peoples party. It would be
the head of this convention. we
would not get 10000 votes in the
state.
Overmyer's speech was received
with applause.
We're here for business" said J.
NJ. Lewis, OF Kinsley. Let US do
what we came here to do. and noni-
nate a candidate for chairman of the
convention We will settle this ques-
ton right on the floor of the eonven-
ton
David Overmyer was nominated for
chairman. He positively refused. He
said he had retired from active par
ticipation in politics.
Just then James Orr of Atchison.
Waggener's law partner, walked into
the room, accompanied by John At
wood of Leavenworth. They were am
bassadors from Mr.. Waggener himself.
Mr.. Orr was given permission to adj
dress the caucus He said
Orr Announces Withdrawal.
Mr.. Waggener has learned that
there is some opposition to him for
chairman of this convention" A dele
gate in the rear of the room inter-
rupted with yes, a great deal of op-
position Mr.. Orr paid no attention
to the Interruption. AS soon as he
learned that he insisted that his name
be Withdrawn. Mr.. Waggener is
anxious to do everything for the good
of the Democratic party. He did not
solicit this honor of chairmanship. 1t
came to him by the almost unanimous
vote Of the committee. Now he de-
sires to show that he is unwilling to
accept the honor even if there is any
opposition at all to him. He desires
to withdraw"
Wed lick him if he didn't with
draw" said a delegate
Il don't think that a very decent
way to talk" said Mr.. Orr.
Several speeches were made, most
Of them commencing Mr. Waggener
for Withdrawing. Then motion was
passed thanking him for his action.
Some of the members of the caucus
were IN favor of going right ahead and
endorsing somebody for chairman of
the convention. But it was decided
that in view of the fact that only a
comparatively small number of dele
gates were present. that it would be
committee.
The committee met this morning to
make another guess in the matter
Put the Pressure on Harris.
There was long struggle to get w.
A Harris to accept the nomination for
governor.
w. F. sapp, chairman of the state
committee, sent a message to him
Iuesday afternoon. and urged him to
accept the nomination. Senator Harris
replied from Chicago as follows:
Have made business engagements
Tor two years, which it would ruin me
to break Profoundly grateful for. the
oIfer 10 nominate me. and would glory
IN the fight If I had my farm back.
Best wishes for the convention
The leaders were not satisfied with
this answer to their demand that Harris
accept the nomination and thew teIe-
graphed him again late last night
urging the importance of his accept
ance. The second telegram was signed
BY ". F. Sapp, J. H. Atwood, B. p
Waggener. George Click. A. NJ lack
son and about fifty others. This mes
sage was as follows:
You are the unanimous choice of
the delegates assembled here for the
convention here tomorrow. If you will
accept the nomination, we will make
the campaign for you and pay all the
bills. The people of Kansas call you
Thomas Sweeney of Lawrence. who
is not only in the banking business with
w r. Stubbs, but the manager for w
A Harris, sent the following telegram
late last night to Mr.. Harris:
Evident unanimous determination
of convention to nominate You unless
you absolutely decline The feeling Is
sincere that you and only you can de-
feat z. w Hoch. The nomination NAV
have to go to a weaker man unless YOU
permit your name to be used. The con
vention meets tomorrow at 10 and we
should hear from you early
Convention Notes.
Ex-Mayor w. ". Rose of Kansas
City IS here attending the convention.
and he is accompanied by his chief of
police. Vernon Rose. Mr.. Maxor Bose