The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-04-15

Wagstaff in closing up that town was
made doubly difficult.
'I am quite willing to agree with
Mr.. McNabney that he had a lot to
do with the election of Wagstan in
his first race for county attorney ana
in his defeat in his fight for re-elec-
tion. The whisky element voted for
him when he was elected because they
thought they could use him. They
voted against him for reelection be-
cause he did his duty. Mr.. McNab-
wholesale dealer in groceries, ETC.,
stood.
But I disagree with Mr. McNabney
in his charges that Tom Wagstan did
not accomplish anything, and think
ca put the brand on this man by
some pretty high authority. In the
first place, the press of Kansas, when
there was no politics in Wagstaff's ac-
ton, put the lie to every word Mr.. Nc
l.abney has written. Wagstaff's fame
spread over the state until his advice
was sought by other county attorneys,
the assistant attorney generals and he
was asked to address the Kansas Day
club at Topeka.
Because he failed to do his duty?
Because he temporized with the joint
lists? No, because he filled the jails
and cleaned up Montgomery county.
1.-THE Kansas City Star said:
Still Booming Wagstaff.
'If Thomas E. Wagstaff of Independ-
toast 1.-The President" at the BAN
quet of the Kansas Day club in To-
peka, will not consent to run for attor-
new general, he can be drafted. What
has been done can be done again. Wag-
staff has made fine record fighting
the joints down in Montgomery county
and seems to be a good deal of a man
all around. If he has any ambition 20
identify himself with the new move
ment in more useful and conspicuous
office ATTORNEY
Kansas would give him the finest kind
of a chance to show hat stuff he IS
made Of
Governor Hoch became a steadfast
friend of the young Montgomery coun-
ty attorney as a result of the record ne
then made, and he expressed just what
he felt when he said recently that he
loved Torn Wagstaff.'
Stubbs Doomed ''Wag' for Attorney
General.
Governor Stubbs was then speaker
Of the house Of representatives and lit
tie suspected that it would fall to mis-
lot to smile like Goliath of old when
1t would be announced to him in 1910
that Tom Wagstaff would oppose him
In the race for governor for second
term. At that time Mr.. Stubbs said:
sc" The most popular man in the state
Of Kansas today is Tom Wagstaff, at
tcrney for Montgomery county. hear
Of him wherever 1 go. You can't go
anywhere IN the STATE you NOIl L IiSetA
The people siEg his praises. They have
confidence in him. There is a popular
5emand for his nomination for the Of
fee of attorney general of the state |
ind I will not be surprised If he is |
nominated against his protest All Tom |
Wagstaff has to do is tc say the word |
and he can be the next attorney gen. |
sral. The people want him.
Comment on the above is unneces- |
sary. Wagstaff is the same today he |
vas then He has not been weakened |
~ any sin of omission or commits sior
n Office since then"
(Here Mr.. James inserts letters of
from c. c. Coleman, then
lttorney general, and of inquiry from
Tohn Marshall. attorney for the tenn
,erance union0
''Tom Wagstaff is not yet SO years
Id Practically all the public work
le has done and his splendid record
vas made before he was 80 years old.
% have won the reputation he enjoys,
o have earned the recognition of such
nen as I have quoted. is sufficient
efutation of the statements of Mr.
dcNabney, whose loyalty to the liquor
interests seems to have been greater
han his loyalty to his alleged Law
league.
''H. C. JAMES.
''Independence Kan, April IL, 10"