The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-04-26
THE DFHfOCRATTC TTCKET

lstIEE TICK IL.
It is difficult to see how a shrewder
thing could have been accomplished
than resulted from the effort to per-
suade Senator William A. Harris to ac-
cept the Democratic nomination for
governor. No only does the strongest
man il the Democratic party of Kansas
for Senator Harris is generally so
acknowledged the ticket but the
combination that r dictated in accept
ing the nomination will doubtless be a
popular one.
The Democrats lead a forlorn hope in
Kansas. Governor Hoeh was elected
two years ago by a plurality Of over
1000. To be sure he was helped by the
tremendous popularity of President
Roosevelt, and his opponent was injured
by the unpopClarity Of Alton B. Parker,
but on the other hand, the Republican
candidates for state treasurer and some
other offices we've heavy weight on
the Republican ticket
This year there will be no presidential
election to hclD the Republicans. but
Notwithstanding that the Democrats
have the extreme little end of the game,
for Roosevelt's popularity will still
count for considerable in helping the
Republican nominees. who are yeti to be
named
A great deal vii depend on the sort
Of a campaign the Democrats make. L
the people believe they are playing
merely to get the offices they will be
turned down with little ceremony, but
if they can persuade the people of Kan
sas that they are sincere in desiring to
give the state a better government than
the Republicans can or will give, they
will get respectful hearing, and there
is a possibility that the people will
let them try running the state.
It cannot be denied that the records
of some of the present state officials
are open to attack The Republicans
will have to promise to do better next
time. an it is the sincere desire of nine
tenths of the members of all factions
that they may do better. They must
promise a vast improvement in the
treasurer's office, in the state superin-
tendent's office, in the attorney gen.
erals depar, ment and by the board of
railroad commissioners There will
probably be no attempt TO defend the
records made in these departments by
the present incumbents.
While Governor Hoch has been Sc
verely criticised for some of his acts, or
lack of action, he is generally given
credi for sincerity of purpose, and
whatever mistakes he has made may be
laid at the door of poor advisors and an
indisposition 20 stir up unnecessary
trouble. Governor Hoch may do
better during a second term than he
has in his first. but some of his Off
ciaI acts will doubtless be mercilessly
attacked by his opponents and there is
certainly Just reason for criticism.
The move OF Senator Harris in the Sc
lection of two Of his associates on the
ticket was undoubtedly a strong one.
Senator Harris himself has behind aim
a splendid record as a United States
senator AS as stated in these columns
few days ago. had he remained in the
senate he would very probably now be
the leader of his party in that body.
Hugh FarreIly also has a good record
on which to run for lieutenant governor
He is the author of the Farrelly anti
trust law, one of the best laws on the
statute books of Kansas. David Over
myers reputation for ability and integ-
rity is state wide, and there is little
doubt that if he should happen to be
come attorney general there would be
something doing"
1t behooves the Republicans to take
note Of the enemy's strength and to
match it. The Republicans next week
should exercise the wisest statesman
ship in selecting the very best material
in the party with which to meet the
/ ticket named yesterday