The Topeka state journal., 1908-02-11
POLITICAL GOSSIP
Mayor George Hanna, Chairman
OF State Committee, Quits.
WAS THE LAST STAND.
Remnants Of Once Powerful Or.
gan1zatiOn Slow to Surrender.
Leaders Will Affiliate With the
Republicans.

VIII Al1IlIdC6 WIN the |
Republicans.
The Populist party Of Clay county
"n1ch Is about all there is left of the
fopuhst party of Kansas, surrendered
Monday afternoon to the new democ-
racy. whatever that may be, and de-
cided to go out of business as a party.
This probably marks the end of Pop
ulism In Kansas. The fragments Of the
party are scheduled to hold a state
convention. but there may not be
enough fragments left to even go
through the usual formalities.
George w. Hanna. mayor of CLAY
center, and chairman Of the Populist
state central committee, did not attend
the meeting, and it is understood that
ne, Mckee Otis, and other Populist
leaders Will line up with the progressive
republicans in the future
IN spite OF the fact that the meeting
adopted Bryan resolutions, it is under
stood that many of the Populists of
Clay county are for Taft. Most of the
Clay county Populists voted for Roose-
velt, and they believe that Taft will
carry out Rooseve1t's policies
1t was voted that I'VE believe it to be
our duty to join forces with the new
Democracy which means the funeral
kneH of the Populist party in Clay coun-
ty. DR.. G. w. Trfce who voted for Debs
Tor president and Under Sheriff s. J.
Higgins who voted for Roosevelt, were
chairman and secretary of the meeting
respectively. Ex-Congressman Vincent
WAS sponsor Of the resolution which
was seconded by ex-County Attorney
Miller who was backed by ex-County
Officials Gates, Ryan, Carson and
Drumm. all Of whom have been at the
oy-ft> ~, -
of Populists.
The meeting was attended by fully
$50 voters. Clay county gave 413 votes
for Watson and 400 for Parker, Roose-
velt carrying the county by fully 1900
majority in 1904.
The Democrats will hold their state
convention at Hutchinson on Feb
ruary 21, at which time they will elect
delegates to the national convention.
the Democratic candidate for COVER
nor. OF course they can't do the lat
ter officially, but they will talk things
over. and pick out list of candidates
to choose one at the primary in Au-
gust.
1t seems to be the general under
standing that Harris will not allow
race. This will leave the way open for
a new man.
George Hodges, state senator from
Olathe will be q leading candidate If
he will run. So will Judge w. S. Glass
of MarysviIle and ]. D. Botkin of Win
field.
The Democrats have new candi-
date for governor. 1t Is w. H. Ryan.
chairman of the Democratic state
committee, and formerly state senator
from Crawford county.
The Democrats owe much to Ryan for
the way he conducted the Harris cam
paign for governor. and they figure
would make a Slogan which couidn,e
be beat.
The Pittsburg Kansan prints big
double column half tone picture of
Ryan, with this Endorsement:
This is a great year for favorite
sons and every state and county has
some favorite son whose virtues and
accomplishments they are extollins.
Apropos, Crawford county has a favor
son to believe would be the proper
man to head the Democratic ticket for
governor. w. H. Ryan of Girard, ex-
senator and the man of all others
grand campaign two years ago for
governor Is just the man to nominate
this year. In the last campaign Mr..
Ryan visited every county in the state
and personally supervised all Of Colo
mel Harris appointments. Mr.. Ryan is
self made man. in the usual accept
ance Of the term. He was born about
five miles from Omaha. Neb.. near
what is now South Omaha. His name
and pushing qualities. with that of the
other Nebraskan. would make a strong
ticket. Bryan and Ryan are good
names to tie to-"
The following Is clipped from the
Gfrard Independent News:
w. H. Ryan, chairman of the DEM
ocratic state central committee, is be-
ing doomed for the Democratic nomi-
nee for governor. He would make a
strong candidate.-Galena Tines
1.-THE above compliment comes from
Cherokee county where Ryan is well
known. He has served his second term
as mayor in a strong Republican town
AS an officer he has done his duty and
has many friends, not only among the
Democrats. but Republicans as well, as
the records show he has complied with
the old soldier law by naming four in
in his present administration
It is likely that w. H. Ryans boom
will simmer down into candidacy for
the office of lieutenant governor. Ryan
would be especially fitted for that job
because of his service in the state SEN
ate.
will probably be given the nomination
for attorney general If he will take it.
The chances are, however, that he will
prefer to run for county attorney of
Shawnee county for he can probably
be elected to the latter Office without
such very serious fight.
Yesterday was a political field day
for Kansas Republicans at Kansas
City. Many Of the big guns were there
to see Taft, and talk over political
matters The machine" and square
DEAL leader We'd with each other in
delivering the solid Kansas delegation
to Mr.. Taft.
Halt dozen of the machine lead
ers. including Morgan, Albaugh, Null
yane and Moore, were received by
Taft at 11:30 in the morning by spec
iaI arrangement. made by Senator
Long. That was tally one for the ma
chine.
But when w. r. Stubbs called on
Taft, the big Republican secretary of