The Washington times., 1908-01-16
BATTLE FOR POWER
BETWEEN SENATORS
Burkett and Brown in
Fight for Nebraska
Leadership.
Feud Cuts Off Friendship
Cemented in Reform
Campaign.

There has suddenly developed over q
patronage difference, a feud between the
two Senators from Nebraska which is
liable to have a most important rela-
ton TO future political developments in
that State, as well as 10 the political
fortunes Of the two Senators.
It seems that in the minds Of Senators
and others who have been watching the
development Of the feud there is some
uncertainty whether the twain OF Ne
braskans have cut the last cable bind
ing them together. 1t is reported that
the two have passed with somewhat
OstentatiOus air Of not being able to rec
ognize one another. Just now they are
preparing to measure strength with The
White House in order 10 decide who is
going TO be boss.
There is an impression that Senator
Burkett has the advantage in pull at
the White House, but that his colleague
viii turn up with the stronger backing
in the home State. Altogether the stu
alton is complicated most remarkably.
Involves Important Issues.
1t involves Presidential politics and
the tendencies Of the delegation froa
Nebraska TO the Republican national
convention; the future Of Senator Bur
.kett. who is now candidate for re-
election, is directly concerned; and,
FINALLY, the general question of whether
the new idea" in politics shall continue
10 prevail in Nebraska, or whether the
State shall return to the frank and
avOwed rule of the railroad politicians
who so long controlled it. is likely to be
raised.
Burkett and Brown are an interesting
pair Of young TeformeTs. BuTkett came
10 the Senate as the first Senatorial
fruits OF the long fight against domi-
nation of bis State by the combination
of Union Pacific and Burlington rail-
road interests.
There was about a decade during
which. following the pretty definite re-
uemptiOn Of the State from POpuliSm
the corporations held uudisputed sway.
Their control became SO rank that in
time the Republicans TeVOlted and the
railroads We're defeated. Burkett came
10 the Senate. and Brown was made at
torney general of the State. He carried
on a long and remarkable litigation
against the railroads, forcing them 10
pay up an immense amount of back
taxes and 10 obey the new regulation
laws For reward he was elected TO
the Senate.
Worked for Each Other.
He and Burkett had been intimate
friends; Brown supported Burkett for
the Senate, and in turn Burkett sup
ported Brown. They are both good poll
ticians, and it seemed as If. in combi-
nation, they would be strong enough to
hold things down for an indefinite time
at home.
Senator Brown took mis- seat only a
few weeks ago, at the opening Of this
session. Soon afterward there was
rumor u difference concerning the
question Of making up the Nebraska
delegation TO the Republican national
convention.
II was said in Nebraska circles that
there was opposition at home to Sena-
Tor 8urkett going as a delegate-dt-
large, and that Burkett was DISPOSED.
10y way Of avoiding an unnecessary con-
test. TO give up the notion OF being a
delegate; but he wanted II understood
II he did So that other OfdcehoIders q
The first class should likewise be left
on the delegation so that there should
be no invidious distinctions.
Senator Brown was not disposed 10
agree To this, according to the story.
He wanted n be a delegate at large
and was confident he could be elected
Ntthout trouble.
Parting of the Was.
Just how much weight this disagree
meut may have had is only TO be con-
jectured. The split came over the Sc
lection Of an internal revenue collector
for Nebraska. Burkett was committed
TO Ross Hammond, of Fremont, who
was perhaps the foremost supporter of
Burkett for the Senate; Brown was de-
termired to have w. =. Rose, Of Lin
coin, who was chairman Of the
state committee, the campalen when
Brown was chosen Senator Neither
would yield and the appointment was
hung up
While their friends fully expected that
the Senators would reach an amicable
agreement about the appointment, Sen
atOr Brown ended possibility Of com
promise by going. alone. 10 the White
House and submitting his Endorsements
Tor Rose. The move was unexpected
By his colleague. Two DAYS later Mr..
Burkett went up and submitted his IN
doTsemert Of Hammond. The fight Was
On, with the President as umpire, the
alliterauve partnership of Burkett ard
Brown split, a Presidential delegation
involved, and the succession to Bur-
kett Immediately concerned. Tt Is eN-
pected that no appointment win now be
possible till after the national conven-
ton