The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-01-24
he DOESN'T CARE.
Senator Mcmillan Discusses Civic
League Membership.
Republican Politicians in Or
ganizatiOn Not Alarming.
NEED OF LOWER RATES
One Of Most Important Questions
Before People.
Expects the League to Be
Strictly NOnpartisan.
SEED OF LOWER RATES

Senator Harry Mcmillan who is ac-
tive in the new Civic league move
ment, although a Democrat, is not in
clfned to object because certain Re
publican politicians who were with
the railroads in the Republican state
convention a year ago are now appar-
emily for railroad regulation and took
a prominent part in the recent rate
convention at Wichita. Instead he is
inclined to accept their new profess
sions in good faith.
Senator Mcmillan was a delegate to
the Wichita convention from Ottawa
county. AS the former state senator
from the Ottawa-Saline district, he
was probably the first Kansas legis-
lator to refuse to ride on railroad
passes. When passes were sent to
him he returned them. A year ago
Senator Mcmillan was president of the
State Federation of Commercial IN
terests which worked for a railroad
commission that could not be con-
trolled by the railroads. and which
also did much to secure the new rail-
road law. The recent Wichita rate
convention placed him on the eXecu-
tive committee of the Civic league to
represent the Fifth district. In speak
ing of the convention Senator Nc
MILAN said:
Il have attended most of the rail-
way rate conventions that have been
held in this state for a number of
years. The one at Wichita in point of
numbers enthusiasm and high stand
ing of its membership was in all re-
spects conceded to be the greatest
ever held in the state, and its in
f1uence on public sentiment and future
legislation cannot fail to be far reach
ing and important
4 Will admit, however, that my
first impression was, that 1 had fallen
into Republican state convention,
present, including many prominent
Republicans who heretofore had not
been actively identified with this rail-
way reform movement.
"Of the eight hundred delegates
present the great majority were Re-
publicans, but there was also a gOodly
number of Democrats and POpulists.
While it must be admitted that certain
prominent Republicans who have not
been very active in the work up to this
time dominated the convention, and
men were put to the front who in the
recent past either avoided or opposed
this movement still the addresses de-
Iivered by the statesmen, the reSOlu-
lions adopted and the general tone of
the convention were all the advanced
advocate of railway legislation could
desire.
Doubt has been expressed as to the
sincerity of some of these gentlemen,
who were so vehement in their pro-
fession of their new born faith. But
| it appears to me. no matter what
1 their record in the past, that they
have burned the bridges behind them
and must heneefOrth stand or fall
with this issue.
Then regarding this question of
sincerity. we must remember that st.
Paul tells US before his conversion he
stood by and held the raiment of those
who stoned to death the martyr
Stephen, and history informs us that
many of those who dragged Garrison
through the streets of Boston with a
rope around his neck afterwards be-
! came strong anti-slaVery men. L adj
nit at first I was surprised to find
many of these gentlemen so en-
thusiastic, but I believe they are sin
cere, and I will do my utmost to CO.
/ operate with them in the good work
This great gathering is evidence, that
the people are thoroughly aroused
/ and will be satisfied with nothing less
/ than state and national legislation,
that shall absolutely control and regu-
/ late the operation of railways and in
sure reasonable rates to the general
public
1T was unfortunate and gave some
color to the charge of partisanship
4 that Judge Dale, who made the race
for governor last year on the same is
| sues largely that the convention in
| dOrsed, and Mr. Overmyer, the most
prominent and consistent advocate of
/ railway return III l4lC SldlC5 were
overlooked or ignored. There would
have been no doubt in the public mind
of the sincerity of either of these gen
! tlemen.
sThe resolutions declaring against
free transportation, a two-cent passen-
ger rate, publicity of railroad ac-
/ counts and for a law preventing over
/ capitalization of railroads are ali ad-
mfrable and are to be Dlanks in the
next Republican state platform. AT
least I understand Governor HOeh
says they should be.
! ttWhile a great deal was said regard
/ ing the abolition of rebates and dis
| ordinations all of which was very
good it was thought by many delegates,
/ especially the wheat raisers that not
| sufficient stress was laid upon the ques-
] ton Of lower rates. It is q notorious