Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1908-08-01

Kansas.
Troy, Kans., July 1.-THE richest
heritage any man can possess is a
good name. To have the love, con-
fidence and respect and friendship of
neighbors with whom you have lived
for nearly a half century is an honor
greater than the governorship of any
state.
Troy is one of the Oldest towns in
Kansas. The archives of the State
Historical Society at Topeka eloquent
ly tell the story of the heroism and
sacrifices of the early settlers of Doni-
phan county in their battles for free
dom and free Kansas. Scores of these
old patriarchS are still here enjoying
the rosy sunset of useful life. AS
talked with these old and middle-aged
men they spoke of their residence here
for forty and fifty years as a mere
span-a link in the chain of Kansas
history which was welded with love
of country, pride of state, and a pa
triotism that inspires and ennobles.
On the 4th of August the Republic
ans of Kansas will select as their can
didate for Governor, Cyrus Leland, Jr,
of Troy. The writer has known Mr.
Leland nearly twenty years, but to get
an estimate of the man from the
neighbors with whom he has lived for
half century, l came to this good
old town to chat and visit with them,
and to ascertain if there was a human
interest side to this man who has
been SO frequently depicted as a
boss" who rides roughshod over peo-
pie, and as an ''oppressor of the poor
filters and crank-turners of personal
newspaper organs.
If it is true (and it is) that the best
estimate of a mans character may be
obtained from his neighbors, then,
certainly, the judgment of those who
have lived with Cy Leland for fifty
years, known of his ideal home life,
his devotion to his wife and children,
his unquestioned honesty and integ-
rity. his countless helpful kindnesses
to the poor and those in need, his sup
port of churches and educational in
situations, his loyal service to his coun-
try in war, his useful life as a citizen
and his unselfish and patriotic devo-
ton to the Republican party and to
its candidates from Lincoln to Taft
these men, his old neighbors-ought
to be qualified to speak
A book could be filled with the
countless instances of Mr.. Leland's
kindnesses and help to the poor and
needy of Doniphan county. No worthy
man or woman ever appealed to him
in vain for help and assistance Dur
ing all these years the Leland store
in Troy has been the headquarters for
all who suffered from sickness. crop
failures oiSf0
and get flour, meat and groceries," he
would say to them, land pay me when
you can"
The old account books of the Leland
store running back forty years, and
stacked away under the counter, tell
an eloquent story of this mans good
heart, as do the hundreds of old un-
paid notes given twenty-five and thirty
years ago for the necessaries of life
by the struggling farmers of Doniphan
county Dozens of the fine farms of
this vicinity were saved to their pres
ent owners from the mortgage shark
through the kindly help of Mr. Leland,
who would always advance money to
save a worthy settlers home.
The countless good deeds of this man
running almost through the average
span of life, are known to all the peo-
pie of Doniphan county, in whose
homes joy and happiness reign because
OF the belief that their old friend and
neighbor will be the next Governor
of Kansas
The Rev. w. H. Morris, pastor of |
the NJ E. church, said to me: In |
every respect Mr.. Leland is one of the
truest men and best citizens 1 have |
ever known. The record of his long
life here is one of honesty, integrity. |
good citizenship and ST Ring manhood. |
He has been so good and kind to the
worthy poor and uc.-rtunate people l
OF Doniphan county. In misfortune
and sickness he was always the friend
to whom this people appealed for aid.
Without money and without price. pro- /
VISIONS and groceries would be sent /
to those in need, and if the case was
one OF real charity, Mr. Leland would
direct his clerks to make no charge.
Ii the people of Kansas knew the hu-
man side of this man ,.s his neighbors