The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-03-29
Mr.. LONG IS HERE
SuaTe and Diplomatic as of
Yore, Is the Senator.
DOdges the Primary Question
Most AdrOitIy.
SILENT ABOUT BURTON
Has Nothing to Say Concerning
That Attack.
Refuses to Commit Himself on
Taft Boom.
SILENT ABOUT BURTON

ley, Senator W. S. Fitzpatrick of Sc
dan, Senator Frederick H. Quincy of
Salina and several local political
celebrities are all here, and they are
unanimous in the statement that they
just happened in here at this time, and
have no designs upon Senator Long.
AS is usual, Senator Long is re-
served. polite and genial. He smiles.
and spliles, and is oyster still. All
along the route, from Washington to
Topeka, Senator Long has been i'm
portuned to say something for publ
cation about ]. Ralph Burton's attack
upon him. At every attack of the news
paper reporters on this position Sena-
tor Long has retired in good order and
without sacrifice of any information.
1t was the same here in Topeka
NO, I'm not talking about Burton"
said Senator Long. "It is just as well
not to say anything. Some things are
not as important as they seem. Presi-
dent Roosevelt has made no reply to
the attack except to cause to be made
public the letter concerning Burton's
pardon And I think that will be all
that the president will have to say on
the subject"
What is your idea about the pri-
mary election proposition in this
state?" was asked.
That is a matter that the people
who were on the ground and are thor
oughly familiar with will no doubt be
willing to discuss. I have nothing to
say"
the presidency"
Taft is a very able man. and is a
presidential possibility. He is coming
out here to make a speech at the OF
tawa Chautauqua, and the people of
Kansas will have chance to see him
for themselves. They have seen Fair
banks and LaFollette; now they can
see Taft"
re voI1 DerSopoII,- e. --s.o,,
"Ah-well, now said the senator.
ducking neatly from this left hand
swing for the jaw, 'I haven't expressed
myself on that NATTER
You're not for LaFoIlette are
you?''
''Well-I-thati is, you don't want
TO assume too much, you know" re-
piled Senator Long, still breaking
ground.
In view of your relations with La
Toilette, it would be assumed that YOU
were not for him.
You have a very good memory"
was the senator's diplomatic reply
Concerning his plans for the sum-
mer, Senator Long said: II expect to
be in Topeka frequently. but will have
no regular headquarters here. In
first speech. 1 Will make number of |
commencement addresses, and dur
ing the summer will speak freouent-
ly at chautauqua assemb blies and 9TH |
er meetings.
1t has been hinted some of late that
Senator Fitzpatrick of Chautauoua |
has been fixing his pins to get into the /
race Tor United States senator against /
Long. This question was checked up !
TO Mr.. Fitzpatrick himself today, and /
he said: ~'''-
That is the first have heard of it.
But you may be sure 1 have no such
Intentions or Desires
What do the people say about the
action of the legislature on the pri-
mary election law?" was asked.
Il have heard no talk about it." re-
piled Senator Fitzpatrick. "All I know
pers.''
Senator Fitzpatrick was the recoe-
nized leader of the senate ''machine''
at the last session. and he would no
doubt be able to get a lot of backing
from that faction Of the party. He
would certainly line I'D a solid Third |
district in his behalf-and the Third
district has the reputation of standing
hitched better than any other district
in the state.
Senator Fred Dumont Smith is another
who just dropped in today He was
loosely accosted by Harry Richter who
said:
Well what's your graft? What's
your lay? What are you doing here IN
other words?''
I've quit grating" said Senator
Smith solemnly- For two weeks I've |
been earning an honest living practising
law in the districts court of southwest ]
ern Kansas"
And you come here to Topeka to
practice law in southwestern Kansas,
do you?'' retoined Richter.
Senator Smith said some weeks ago
that the issues of the next campaign '
would be made up within the following 6
SO days. Today he caid:
The issue of the campaign will he ]
the primary election law. That is GER :
tain. The people want direct primary
They want the convention system from
top to bottom wiped out of existence.
That's what the people want The pol 9
ticians don't want this, either in west Z
ern or eastern Kansas But you take =
the average man on the street and he +
s down on the conventions, and that is $
rue in western Kansas just as much as +
n eastern Kansas" t
DO the people want the Stubbs pri- I
nary?" was asked. I
Not necessarily the Stubbs primary a
aid Smith. but any primary law that n
will do away with conventions. 1 see \
hat Fitzpatrick is up here continued
smith. land he will probably devote the
est of his life to fighting Stubbs. In
ny opinion that isn't necessary. Stubs r.
$ out of it already S
While Senator Fitzpatrick repre- o
ented the senate machine" and Sen "
tor Smith was hugging the top rail a
T the senate fence. Senator Frederick n
]. Quincy of Saline county was one of 81
ne out-and-out advocates of the pee ts