The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-04-27
FUNSTON.

We Kansans are sometimes accused
Of Dragging on ourselves and giving I'M
due advertising to those of our fellows
who happen to get into the public eye.
This may sometimes be true, but the
State Journal contends that Kansans
usually have a right to brag.
But Kansas has waited for the rest
of the world to discover the big task
General Funston accomplished in
bringing order out Of chaos. An emer-
gency arose and Funston was the man
who rose to meet 1t. Kansas has learn
ed to expect great things Of Fred Fun
ston, and it takes them now as mat
ter Of course when they come. It is
gratified. however, to note that the en-
tire country recognizes that Funston
did a great work at San Francisco.
From all over the nation comes com
mendation of the manner in which he
grappled with the situation when
everything was chaos. The Washing
ton Post, one Of the most conservative
papers IN the country in it's praise of
men. says this:
Now that system has come out OF
chaos at San Francisco, and individual
initiative has given way to organization,
it is possible to view the work of Briga-
der General Frederick Funston with
out prejudging results. The details of
the work performed by General Fun
ston are not yet known, but they can
not materially change the opinion that
has been formed by the country as to
his services. Probably he made mis-
takes in little things, and in the face OF
an overwhelming crisis, without prece-
dent to guide him, he may have failed
to grasp every phase of the task before
him. But the great fact remains that
in an appalling emergency man arose
qualified to deal with 1t. He perform
ed his duty coolly. with the energy,
daring, and persistence of a soldier. He
displayed great ability in making in
slant provision for contingencies which
subsequently, arose. He exercised
plenty of Initiative. without transcend
ing his authority or playing the part OF
a petty tyrant.
Doubtless the clear proof of Cen
eral Funston's great services during the
catastrophe will lead to a demand that
he should be appropriately rewarded.
General Funston will be fortunate If he
is not exalted by hysterical people into
a popular hero He has been forced
to act in that role once, and we doubt
that he enjoys it. But hero must
come out of such a tremendous drama
as was enacted at San Francisco, and
General Funston is probably the man.
I'VE hope that good sense will be
exercised in recognizing General Fun
ston's great work. It will be a ridicu-
lous conclusion if popular frenzy exag-
gerate the work Of this soldier into
something that must be rewarded by
such honors as are given only to the
savior of a nation. A reaction would
follow. and the hero idolized during
the freshness of his fame might md
himself wondering at the fickleness Of
his erstwhile panegyrists. In order to
avoid this situation. it is to be hoped
that the country will be as calm and
sensible in its treatment Of General
Funston as he was in his mastery
handling of a panic-stricken city.
"GenefaI Funston deserves well Of
the American people. They know a
soldier when they see one in action,
and they love to reward him. The peo-
ME will not be satisfied, and they
should not be. until General Funston s
services are properly recognized. But
it should be borne in mind that he is
already greatly rewarded in having
been given the opportunity to show his
mettle to the world, and to illustrate in
striking fashion the superb qualities OF
the United States army. Whatever
bonors. are conferred upon him will be
mere recognition of the honor that he
has won for himself