The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-01-16
WILL HIT A SNAC.
State Publication of School
Books Before Senate.
Evident That Legislators Do
Not Favor Measure.
MIGHT GO PART WAY.
Small Sum May Be Appropriated
''for Investigations"
MIGHT GO PART WAY
Powerful Influences at Work to
Prevent Favorable Action.

L
There is a harmony of opinion pleas
ing to contemplate in the complete
concurrence of the minority members
of the senate with respect to the bill
providing for the state publication of
school text books introduced by the
Half Dozen" during Fridays session.
Harmony in any case is pleasing and
| especially so among a number of
Democratic politicians. But from a
casual inquiry into the matter it is
predicted that harShly discordant
note on the subject will probably be
sounded among the majority members.
In the governors recent message it
is pretty clearly indicated that the
present administration is not pining
for an opportunity to rush the state
into the school book publishing BUSH
ness just at this time, though it NAV
be done later. In fact, it is believed
that such a proposition will meet with
a reception, the temperature of which
will be CONCEALED to the point of ex-
IRENE frigidity, though many promi-
nent people are enthusiastically in
favor of the proposition.
The bill as presented by the mi
nority members involves the dppro-
priation of about 100000 to start the
school book works into operation, and
it is known that there are those in the
senate who look upon this amount as
considerable sum of money for the
state to pay out for making the expert
ment. For that is what many of the
legislators regard this project-an ex-
perrin ent-and some appear to be of
the opinion that the state can use the
money in its treasury for some other
purpose which might confer greater
benefits.
1t is admitted that the state may
find it desira BILE and profitable to take
upon itself the publication of the
school text books at some future time,
but in view of the doubt that appears
IN iGt fn ha of
the undertaking in the states that
have adopted the plan, it is con-
sidered advisable to wait a bit and
obtain additional and more reliable
expanding in the neighborhood Of
half million heavy dollars to try it
out. The proposition is materially
opposed by the school book publish
erS who WELD considerable influence
in legislation.
One proposition that will probably
meet with favor would be for this ses-
sion of the legislature to appropriate
small sum necessary for the secur-
ing at first hand of such information
as is needed from the states that now
publish their own school books and
from other sources and this informa-
ton can be laid before future ses-
sion for final action on the matter.
From present indications the har-
mony bill of the half dozen" will
have to wait for a more propitious
doubt that the people of the state
would favor state publication
The bill at present before the SEN
ate will probably be referred to the
committee on state affairs, since it is
of such statewide import and in
wolves SO large an appropriation. in
stead of being referred to the COM
mittee on education.
Legislation affecting the railroads
has claimed no small part of the pub
lies interest throughout the state in
the past few years and it will doubt
less continue a vital subject for some
time to come. Upon the members of
the senate committee on railroads will
devoIve important duties during the
present session and President FNitz-
gerald has endeavored to make the
committee a representative one in
making his selection of members.
Senator Hunter, the chairman, is
resident of Sumner county, and is en-
gagged in milling and the buying and
shipping of grain. He is thus brought
interests as we'll as with merchants
and shippers. The three western job
bling cities are each represented on the
committee of Senators Stewart of
Wichita, Carey of Hutchinson and
Quincy of Salina. Senators Fowler
and Leidy are extensive farmers IN
the grain producing sections of the
state: Senators Porter, Travis and
sections where the large manufactur-
ing interests are concentrated and
Senators Stavely and Ganse are law
yers of experience and large practice,
who will be qualified to attend to the
legal phase of any proposed railroad
legislation.
Senator'S Quincy, Stewart and
Hodges were members of the senate
committee on railroads during the
last session of the legislature and Sen
ator Porter was on that committee
during the session preceding 1907
with such a committee to pass upon
legislation affecting the railroads: the
people may feel assured that all in
terests concerned will be fairly dealt
with.
The senator from Wichita lost dress
s,,it in the hotel fire. What us has
wichita man for such a wardrobe any
way?
owing to the pleasant smile that gen
erallv iIIumines the countenance or SEN
ator Clad Hamilton. his colleagues may
be forgiven for mistaking his CHRISTIAN
name for "GIad.'
Senator Anderson's equal suffrage Dill
NAV not arouse any enthusiasm among
the legislators, bug it ought &c MAKE
him solid with the suffragettes.
Senator Moore declines to accept any
beardless cartoon as likeness OF MINI
self notwithstanding it may be Labelled
with his name. His constituents would
never forgive him if he did
TODAY'S MARKET REPORTS.