The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-11-21
Had Almost Made a Deal With
''Insurrectionists."
BACK TO THE FOLD.
When He Returned Chas. f.
Scott Got the Place.
Secretary Denton Replies to
Square Dealers Charge.

Grant Hornaday's bank, there may be
released for publication without dam
age to anyone an interesting story
about a famous deal in Kansas poll
tics in which Hornaday figured, and
in which certain politicians received,
eight years ago. tip that there was
doubt about the strength of Horna-
days financial position.
1t happened about 1900 when there
were two factions in the Republican
party, as now, but with different lead
ers. Frank Grimes, Tom Kelly and
others were leaders of "insurrection''
party, and Mort Albaugh, Dave Null
vane and their friends were the lead
ers of the regulars" Grant Horn
aday had been lined up with the reg
ulars," and had secured the job of
chairman of the state board of char
tiles.
This was in the good old days of no
civil service and belon gs-
the-spoils. The job of chairman of the
state board of charities was trem-
endOusly powerful one. The ''insur-
rection" crowd wanted to bring Horna-
day into their camp. They went to
him and offered him their support for
congressman at large. He agreed to
desert the regulars" with whom he
had been working, and give the insur-
rectiOn faction the support of his pow
erful office in exchange for the job of
congressman at large.
As soon as the old friends of Horna-
day heard what he had done, they
commenced to pound him to stay in
line. Hornaday stood pat. But final
ly they sent to see him a certain
prominent member of their crowd who
was also a national bank examiner
and whose name is best suppressed be-
cause he is still much of a factor of
banking circles. This man went to
Hornaday, it is said, and used argu-
ments with him which served to con-
vince him that it was his duty to stay
at F't. Scott and run his bank, instead
of getting into the race for congress-
man at large. 1t was broadly hinted
at the time among the members of
the inner circle that the bank examin-
er had him at his mercy. At any rate,
Hornaday withdrew from the race for
congressman at large, and the in
surrectionists' got Charles F. Scott of
lola to take his place.
Secretary of State c. e. Denton SAYS
that the square dealers are entirely
mistaken about his objects in sending
out for information concerning the
cost of the operation of the primary
election law in Kansas. On his return
to his office today after several days
absence, Mr.. Denton gave out this
statement:
Much has been said concerning the
cost Of the primary election law.
have heard this cost estimated from as
low as $4,000 to as high as 100000
and as the taxpayers of the state must
foot the bill believe they have a per
feet right to know just what the actual
cost is, and with no other thought or
purpose than to furnish the general
public with this information, 1 pre-
pared a list of questions which [ hoped
would secure the desired result These
questions were mailed to the county
clerks throughout the state.
Il was greatly surprised upon nv
return to Topeka today to learn that
some one had discovered in connection
with these questions, a deep laid plot
to undermine and possibly repeal the
primary law, and that much publicity
had been given this great discovery
through the newspapers.
while preparing the questions
above mentioned, a good friend Of
mine Tom McNeal, state printer, and
an ardent supporter of the primary
election law, came into my office and
I asked him what he thought of my
idea in securing this information He
at once, and without any hesitation
whatever said: L believe it is
Must the thing to do. Everyone.
Especially the taxpayers of the
state. has a right to know what this
law has cost and certainly any reliable
information that you can secure upon
the subject will be beneficial and prop
er Thus encouraged, I proceeded
with the matter and if there is anv
conspiracy. any hidden motive, I and
the gentleman just referred to are the
only ones to blame in the matter. I.
al prlnclpal and he as accessory he
cause he heartily approved of the pro
Position.
This is absolutely all there is to this
great discovery, and while realize that
once wrong impression is created N
can rarely ever be entirely Corrected or
annulled, hope that all of the news
papers who care to be fair will give
as great publicity to this Statement Of
facts as they did to the first renort
concerning the matter which renort
was wholly and entirely without foun-
dation."
c. E Morris. of Westmoreland ron
resentative-elect from West PottaUa
tonne county, is seeking opinions on a
new mortgage bill he is asked to intro
duce. The bill provides for ASSESSING
thereof, instead of on purchasers or
holders as at present. 1t is claimed
by those favoring the bill that the taxes
are evaded on most mortgages by pur-
chaSeS, transferring the MORTGAGES to
parties outside the state, and that
reduction in interest could be made by
the money loaner, and taxes collected
ed as the holder is often a nonresident
There are two good sides to the oues-
jtion. Mr.. Morris succeeds the late DR.
of Onaga, Pottawatomie
county.
Onaga Republican: If Harry Haga-
man will consent to run for the office
pointing power cannot find a more COM
petent man. 1t would also be a very
fitting recognition of Pottawatomie
county. Mr.. Hagaman has shown his
ability for the office of bank commits
sioner by two years of very satisfactory