The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-07-17

turned to Mcpherson at 11:5O a. m. to-
day to arrange his affairs at McPher-
son, and he will then return to To-
peka to take up the work provided by
law for the attorney for the board OF
railroad commissioners
Mr.. Grattan is native of Ohio, but
has lived at Mcpherson for 81 years,
and has been practicing law all the
time. He is regarded as one of the
leading lawyers of the state, and serv-
ed two terms in 1899 and 1901 in the
Kansas legislature. He was also promi-
nently mentioned as a candidate for
congress in the old Seventh district at
the time Victor Murdock was nomina-
ted He is member of the Presby ter
ian church, and has high standing
in his community for integrity and
ability. AS a lawyer, Grattan is a fight
er of the bulldog type.
This appointment came as a com
plete surprise to. me-" said Mr.. Grat-
tan this morning to q State Journal re-
porter. Il did not apply for the place,
and it never occurred to me that 1
might be selected until the governor
called me up by telephone and offered
the appointment. have never done
any work in connection with the rail-
road freight rate litigation, but shall
at once set to work to familiarize my
self with the subject. That will be my
chief study for some time.
My experience in politics is limited.
I so far forgot myself once as to be a
member of the legislature for couple
of terms. but that is ALL
Mr.. Grattan has not been active in
politics recently, but is looked upon as
q man who is not aligned with any Of
the factions in the Republican party.
Il don't know to what faction Mr.
Grattan belongs" said Governor Hoch
this morning. II do not even know
whether or not he is the attorney for
any railroad company at Mcpherson.
But am confident that he is man of
the highest integrity, who would not
be Influenced by such things. I believe
that the appointment is good one.
Mr.. Grattan did not apply for the
place, and nobody recommended him
to me. I simply studied the thing ou.,
and finally decided that Mr.. Grattan
was the right sort of man. l have
known his record as a lawyer, but have
never been intimately acquainted with
him. My knowledge of his work has
been all at long range. I called up Mr..
Burkholder of Mcpherson, a man whom
] know personally as a friend of those
things of benefit to the people, and at
the same time not fanatic and asked
him about Grattan. He confirmed ev-
erything l believed to be true. Then I
offered the place to Grattan
There has been onfv one apDlicant
for this appointment in to see me +
have been left free to do exactly as
pleased That is something rather
unusual in politics, l believe When I
am dead and gone, it is possible that
people will remember this as one of
the things which has been somewhat
characteristic of my administration. |
1 may make mistakes. but 1 think |
man is less liable. to make mistakes if |
he is allowed to exercise his very best
Judgment than if he is being bounded
by politicians and job hunters.
"Of course 1 have received letters
recommending a number of men. but
only one candidate has been in to see
me, and not single railroad attor- |
ney or representative of any raiIroad |
has talked to me about the appoint-
ment And this is a job paying So
500 year. and one of the most pow |
srful offices. so far as railroads are
concerned. in the state of Kansas"