Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1906-06-14
COBURN DECLINES
~ win Not Accept the Appoint
ment Of United States Senator
from Kansas.
GOV. HOCH NAMES BENSON
WlAe Judge Announces His Intention
60 Take the Omce-ReasOns Civ
en- ~ Mr.. COburn for
8BR Refusing.

Topeka, June 11.-F. d. Coburn hal
Aeclined the United States senatorshil
sendered him by Governor Hoch, and
the place has been offered A. W. Ben
son, of Ottawa. Mr.. Coburn's declina'
Eicn was as much Of q surprise to the
politicians as was the tender Of the
place TO him when Senator Burton re-
signed. It was generally believed that
b would accept, but Gov. Hoch had
been prepared in case Of a declination
20 offer II to another candidate
consequently, when Mr.. Coburn In
formed the governor that he could
not accept, the governor telephoned
60 Mr. Benson and offered 1t to
MIN Mr.. Benson asked to 10 al
lowed to consider the offer until Mon
day, and promised to be here on that
day and give his answer. Mr. Coburn's
letter to Gov. Hoch declining the place
follows:
governor q. W. Hoch,
"My dear governor:-This Is &C.
acknowledgement of the honor you have
proffered me in the form of an ap-
pcintment to the United States senate
TO fiji the existing vacancy. Consider
ing all the circumstances Of Its maxi
lng, and 1t was unsought and unexpect-
"a, It is a compliment such as comes to
few, and therefore, extraordinary, grilt-
ffying-of which you scarcely need be
assured. Such a generous expression
Of your confidence given, uEquali-
nedly, will always be to me source
Of profound pleasure.
"As was my duty, have carefully
deIiberated upon every aspect of the
situation and, acting upon my knowl-
edge Of It and Of myself rather than the
urgency Of yourself and many friends,
mutual and otherwise, can reach TO
conclusion except the one indicated
from the first. Namely, that | must
not accept
'T am extremely fond Of the work
and the position with which the people
Of Kansas have entrusted me for so
many years, and II continued in their
service at all, no other can be SO ac-
ceptable.
''There are many reasons, entirely
clear to me, but needless to enumer-
ate, why should not accept the sena-
tofship, and one, all sufficient, Is that
doing so must inevitably involve me in
political activity and combinations, II
not factional strife, directly on account
OF myself, or indirectly on account Of
others, for which am without inclina-
ei0n, aptitude or strength.
Il shall be deeply panied II my de-
cision shall seem ungracious, or In any
wise cause you inconvenience or enl-
barrassment.
with sentiments Of esteem and
gratitude | am,as for so many years,
your friend.
4 Ed. COBURN.
Mr.. Coburn's principal reason for de-
Ginning the place seemed u be his re-
iuctance to give up the work which he
has been doing as secretary Of the
board Of agriculture for thirteen years.
Judge Benson Accepts.
Ottawa, Kan, June 11.-Judge AL
kfed Watson Benson, who Saturday
was offered the appointment Of United
Ntates senator to succeed Joseph r.
Burton, stated Sunday that he would
accept the position. He will officially
notify Gov Hoch Monday Of his &C.
csptance.
Topeka, Kan, June lin an inter-
view at Ottawa Sunday Judge Ben
son said:
Il do not see why should not ad-
NIT at this time that have decided 10
accept Gov. Hoch's offer / shall go
70 Topeka Monday morning and for
Anally inform Gov Hoch that l &C.
cept the appointment.
Il presume that | shall be candl-
date for reelection to the senate be-
fore the state legislature next winter,
ny inclination is to ask the people
% send me back II my services are
satisfactory. The whole thing comes
A. surprise to me, as l had never for
! moment considered my appointment
10 the senate a possibility"
After formally accepting the appoint.
mont Mr.. Benson will leave for Wash
1ngton this week to take his seat In
Anotksf'FIghtwlth Bambnata.
Durban, Natal, June 11.-Natalian
forces under Coils. Mckenzie and Bar
hor have had severe fight with rebels
n the Nome valley. The rebels were
aeleated, $50 Of them being killed, In
Guiding the important chief Mehtoka-
2ulu. The Natalians lost Capt. McFar-
Jane, Of the Transvaal rifles, and
EEsut Marsden killed and several
faopers wounded 1t is reported that
chief Bambaata was wounded In the
Etht The rebels aed demoralized.
wireless 10 Connect East and West.