The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-12-12
STUBS IS A GUEST.
The Governor Makes Speech at
GridirOn Club Dinner.

Washington, Dec. 12.-Poiitics. past.
present and future, was the dominant
note at the annual fall dinner of the
Gridiron club. President Taft was
there with members of his cabinet.
Vice President Sherman, senators and
representatives in congress, latent
presidential possibilities, newly elected
governors of states and men of mark
IN various positions and of all shades
of political belief and ambassa doris
and ministers plenipotentiary of for
elgn countries who were numbered
among, the clubs guests, heard with
wonder the good natured grilling ad-
ministered by the newspaper men to
their victims. With tableaux and
comedy sketch and topical song, in
clever speech and moving picture the
incidents of the last campaign were
recalled and grim forecast made of
the future
And right wittily and with MANY a.
scintillattng thrust of oratory did the
objects of this attention refort unon
their tormentors. Forgotten for the
moment were party differences: victor
and vanquished Joined hand and glove
in repelling the attack of their critics
Clearing the way for the incoming
Decracay, Uncle joe Cannon was
swept aside and in a skit embodyine a
parody upon the Mikado, he WAS SEN
fenced to decapitation. 1t was left to
him to select his executioner. Victor
MURDOCH, he declared, was "too hasty,''
while he feared Senator LaFollette
would talk him. to death. The man he
selected as CT strong arm and sure. an
old friend, was "Ko 10" Longwortll
Just In the nick of time President Taft
in the person of the Mikado, STAYED the
hand of the exccuti oner and committed
Uncle JOe'S' sentence to staying in
congress as a helpless minority and to
being chained to his seat during the
debate on the house rules The catchy
chorus of the Mikados song ran:
my smile is still serene,
As plainly may be seen;
No matter how they may jump The
track and batter the old machine.
For 1 am quite content
TO do the work that's mean.
For big American president.
American president
Governor W. r. Stubs, of Kansas.
was one Of the special guests.
Governor Stubs, along with the 9TH
er state executives present was called
on for speech. His speech, while
short, was straight from the shoulder.
and produced something of a sensation.
He told his hearers that Kansas is en-
phatically for the principles of pro-
gressive Republicanism. Incidentally,
the governor paid his respects to
Speaker Cannon, saying that while the
people of Kansas have nothing against
disapprove of his methods of control of
the house. The governor said he hoped
the speaker would come to Kansas
again; that his speeches last summer
were a great help to the cause of pre-
gressive Republicanism in the state
Although the governor spoke in a
semihumorous way, as befitte6 the oc-
casion, there was fire and enthusiasm
in his remarks that left no doubt that
he was in earnest in what he said
Although many of his auditors were of
an element friendly to the speaker, the
governors speech elected great an
plause, and evidently made a hit.
Asked afterwards as to how he enjoyed
the evening, the governor said: at
was fine, fine. I had a corking good
time
Roosevelt's popularity, the governor
is convinced. has not diminished in the
country.
1T seems to be the opinion of nearly
all with whom I have talked that If
Roosevelt had not gotten into the New
York fight the majority against Slim
son would have been tremendously
larger They justify his taking part in
the fight on this ground. contendins
that it was absolutely necessary in
order to give his party any show of
winning"