The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-01-03
CALOERHEAD HERE
Holds Conference With Curtis
Upon His Arrival
(.
Receptive Candidate for Senator
But Is Silent.

Congressman w. A. Calderhead OF
| the Fifth district asfsved in Topeka
this morning, and will be at-least re-
ceptive candidate for the office of Unit
ed States senator.
One of his first moves was to have q
conference with Congressman Charles
Curtis, which led the politicians to sus-
pect that Calderhead's candidacy is to
be in the interests of Curtis.
When asked at noon today to make q
statement covering his intentions about
entering the senatorial fight, Congress-
man Calderhead said:
II should like very much to be United
States senator But [ want to see
whether there is anybody who wants
me for that position. I have made no
announcement of my candidacy"
The candidacy of Mr.. CalGcrhead is
a direct slap at J. l.. Bristow Both are
from the Fifth district, and Calderhead
can not get into the fight at this stage
in the game without having his action
interpreted to mean war on Gristow.
War on Bristow means alliance with
Curtis at the present stage of the
game.
The candidates for United States
senator are a little Shy about commit
ting themselves on the scheme to or
ganize the house of representatives
without a Republican caucus; IN other
words allowing the Democrats to par
ticipate in the organization. The friends
of Curtis are all fighting the scheme.
Some of Curtis enemies are quietly
favoring it.
Senator A w. Benson said: 'I
haven't thought about the proposition
el-ough to commit myself"
w. R. Stubbs said: 81 don't want
to discuss that matter
Charles Curtis said: 81 am for
caucus. early and often"
p. P. Campbell said: Il favor the
caucus"
J. L. Bristow said: Il have assum-
ed from the start that the matter will
be settled in caucus. but 1 am willisg
to anything a majority of the Repub-
licans of the house want"
Victor Murdoch said: ''I favor the
caucus plan"
Senator Fred Dumont Smith arrived
in town today. and was the center of
interest at the Copeland lobby. He
was kept busy explaining whether he
meant business by his anti-railroad
statement published Wednesday.
'I certainly meant exactly what 1
said; there is no bluff about it," de-
clared Senator Smith. 81 have been
thinking about this matter for a good
many months. but I announced it at
this time because l thought it would
do the most good now. 1 believe that
it will do considerable toward shutting
off opposition to some of these bills
which are proposed.
What do you favor on the primary
election law proposition?'' was asked.
'I have studied the primary laws of
every state which has such a law"
said Senator Smith, land I am of the
opinion that no satisfactory law has
been passed. / believe the plan is i'm
practical. I do believe. however, that
there should be a law authorizing each
county to instruct its representative on
the election of United States senator"
Senator Smith wants to be chair
man of the railroad committee of the
senate
Lieutenant Governor d. ]. Hanna
of Hill City arrived in Topeka this
m orning. Lieutenant Governor-elect
will arrive Saturday. The
two will then get together and talk
about the selection of committees for
the senate. Mr.. Hanna said:
"While will have to make the ap-
pointments, want Mr.. Fitzgerald to
have his away about the make up of
the com nmittees. He will have to bear
the responsibility for the work of the
senate, and it is right that he should
select the committees"