The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-11-02

considerable perplexity. The party
went into the campaign racked by In
ternal battles. The contest for nominal
tions in the primary had been bitter,
and left large wounds which were slow
to heal. The nomination of Taft as the
Republican candidate for the presi-
dency, while it was approved publicly
by most of the political leaders of the
party in Kansas was not given very
enthusiastic welcome by the rank and
file. Sherman, the Republican candi-
date for the vice presidency, was not at
all popular with the Republicans Oh
Kansas. The actions of the Republican
congress on the one hand had set
Gompers on the war path, While the
action of the Republican legislature on
the other had antagonized the big rail-
road corporations. The active enforce
ment of the antitrust law by Attorney
General Jackson, while popular with
the people, had made enemies out OF
the big business interests attacked
The further fact that the RepuDhcans
of Kansas were decidedly out OF mar
mony with the national committee on
the question of bank guaranty was also
a disturbing element There was mucn
grumbling among the negro voters VINO
are ordinarily Republicans, over the
Brownsville affair.
In short, it was big task which the
Republican state committee hao pc
IL
ments and hold the normal Republican
strength in line. Whether the com
mittee has succeeded remains to be
seen.
on the other hand, the Democrats
of Kansas had succeeded in fixing up
their internal troubles which nave
affected them in some previous cam
paiens. They elected man Tor CHAIR
man who was able to pull the un-
friendly factions of the party togetner'
NIT nd
the party has had for years The
Democrats have had no lack of money,
and have conducted a more energetic
and enthusiastic campaign than they
have been able to conduct in Kansas
for many years.
when the campaign opened, it
seemed as though Bryan had a com
handing lead in Kansas. and that ne
stood the best show of getting the
state. This Bryan sentiment seemed
to be growing during september, put
it received a check when Taft made
his tour through the state. Taft
visit drew record breaking crowds. and
served to restore the confidence OF the
Republicans. Indications are that
Taft has not lost any ground since his
visit to Kansas. but probably mas Deen
gaining strength.
Because of Stubs strong attitude
on reform legislation and progressive
policies generally, it was thought early
in the campaign that he would prop
ably run ahead of Taft Mr.. Botkin
was not taken very seriously as can
dfdate. though it was generally admit
ted that he was an honest man.
There has been throughout the cam
paign considerable doubt about the
legislature, chiefly on account of the
bitterness of the United States sena-
torial fight in the Republican party.
1t was feared that friends of Long
would prefer to elect a Democratic
legislature rather than see Bristow
sent to the United States senate. This
fear has continued throughout the
campaign, in spite of the public dec
larations of Senator Long. Morton AL
baugh. w. Y. Morgan and others of
that faction that they wanted their
friends to support the Republican can
didates for the legislature.
The recent agitation started by the
Democrats concerning the new tax
law has made the legislature still
more doubtful, and has probably hurt
Stubs chances somewhat. In spite
of the fact that thestax law is most
excellent and necessary measure. and
one which is almost sure to remain on