The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-04-13
ROYCE AFTER 1T.
Believed He Has His Eye on
Feeders Seat.
Not First Time He Has Been
Mentioned.
WOULDN'T TAKE PLACE
Was Then Campaign Manager
for Mr.. Reeder.
His Action in Withdrawing From
the Committee.
WOULDN'T TAKE PLACE

Some of the Sixth district politicians
are predicting that John Q. Royce viii
be the Republican nominee for con
gress in the Sixth district in 1908.
This belief is given considerable
foundation by the action of Mr.. Royce
in refusing to accept a reelection as
chairman of the Sixth district congress
sional committee. and by his complete
withdrawal from membership in the
committee, with which he has been
connected for almost a quarter of a
century.
It is not the first time that Mr..
Royce has been mentioned as a pos
sible candidate for congress. At the
time of the Norton convention four
years ago it is said that Royce could
have had the nomination if he had
been willing to take it. But at that
time Royce was looked upon as
Reeder's campaign manager. He felt
that it would be an act of treachery
to go back on Reeder. and get into the
race himself He therefore put a
stop to the efforts in his behalf.
Even at this time, though things are
possibly not quite as cordial between
Reeder and Royce as they once were,
it is doubtful whether Royce will be
a candidate if Reeder runs for another
nomination. 1t seems to be the i'm
preston of a good many Sixth district
people, however, that this is Reeder's
last round of the track, and that he
will not be a candidate in 1908 The
sentiment which has been gradually
growing against him may within two
years develop to a degree of strength
which Will necessitate his withdrawal
from the race.
In such a case, 1t can be set down
with a good deal of certainty at this
time that John Q. Royce will be one
0f the candidates FOR
When Mr.. Royce himself is asked
to state his reasons for withdrawal
from the commanding position in Sixth
district congressional business which
he has held for so many years, he
says
4 Withdrew because I was tired; be-
cause had served long enough. It was
time for someone else to take hold and
run things I wanted to quit two years
ago, but conditions were such that I de-
cided TO stay with it. Some of Reeder's
enemies thought they could take the
committee away from Reeder, and I
wanted to do my part TO show them
they couldn't do it. Reeder is now in
control of the committee good and
strong. He has no truer friend in the
Sixth district than Capt William H.
Mitchell"
Mr.. Royce is still .Reeder,s friend, but
If things should transpire to eliminate
Reeder from the race Royce would
probably get practically all of the
Reeder support This would make it
easy for him to step from the office of
bank commissioner, which he viii hold
until 1908, into Mr.. Reeder's seat in
Washington.
For some time Reeder has looked with
suspicion upon John Royce, and two
years ago he openly fought him for the
craftsmanship of the committee. Royce
showed that he had a better control Of
the Sixth district than did Reeder him
self by beating the man Reeder wanted.
This fight marks the place where the
ways of Royce and Reeder commenced
| to part. Reeder had grown jealous of
frightened by the talk Of Royce sor
congress.
Up to two years. ago, Royce had been