The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-12-20
POLITICAL GOSSIP.
Mr.. Davis of KiOwa, One of the
House Leaders, Is Here.
Takes Middle Ground on Leg
islative Questions.
NEW CANDIDATE OUT.
L. III. Westerman May Be in Rae ]
for Speaker.
Ellsworth Man Gives Out His
Platform.
NEW CANDIDATE OUT.

j. w. Davis of K1owa, who was re-
elected to the legislature this year
without opposition. was in Topeka to-
day TO secure quarters during the COM
ing session. Mr. Davis was a leader in
the last session, winning the place by
his brains and aggressive personality.
He should be a prominent figure in the
next house from the start. He belongs
| to the regular branch of the Repuo
lean party, and will likely be the
choice of that wing for speaker, al
though while in Topeka he declined to
say that he was candidate.
Mr.. Davis does not believe in mem
bers-elect announcing their position
on legislation beforehand except in re-
gard to local matters. my position on
state issues and platform pledges will
be governed in a measure by the text
of the bills after they are presented to
the house, he said. For instance,
opposed the utilities bill last session,
but I may favor it this year If it is
presented in what I deem practical
form. It is so with other measures
regarded as important. If the bills are
drafted in spirit of compromise be-
| tween the radical and conservative
they ought to receive the support of
every representative who has the good
of his state and party at heart. / can
not tell at this time what my position
will be- / am tied to no faction or po-
| litioal leader. have no particular
choice at this time for speaker and
coul only guess on the winner"
A new candidate for speaker Of the
next house looms up in the person of
L. H. Westerman of Ellsworth county.
Mr.. Westerman was elected without
| opposition in a county that gave the
| Democratic nominee for governor
majority of three hundred He is re-
garded as a strong and popular man in
| his section of the state If election re-
turns count for anything. Mr.. Wester-
man has a platform that covers every
| phase of the present political situation
| as follows: s
1. L believe that the criminal insane
| should be kept in custody. I favor the
New York law as to the insane.
2. Corporations should not be favor
ed in the matter of taxation. The
power in the matter of taxation should
| be invested in a public utilities COM
mission The regulation of corpora
tons is much more the duty Of state
than of the general government.
8. The playing of politics should be
deprecated. Measures having for their
object the betterment of conditions
should be considered in the largest
statesmen and, not demagogues.
4. I am in favor, of raising the tax
| limit for building bridges, and for road
purposes. Favor the use of the King
/ QTdS, WHICH, WnGH properly uS0Q, Will
make good roads in Kansas.
5. 1 favor such amendment of the
| inheritance law as will exempt from
taxation the direct heirs of property
coming to them by lawful inheritance.
| 6. l am in favor of all state officers
being elected for term of four years.
| Z. am in favor of the proposed
public utilities commission law.
| s. I am in favor of a heavy Jail or
penitentiary sentence in addition to a
1 - 80.
| weights and measures law. We know
| there have been cases in our state
whereby some firms have cheated the
people of Kansas. out of $4,000 in one
year on short weights, and were only
| fined $500 with no Jail sentence. Don t
YOU think this was a good business
proposition for the short weight swind-
! lers?
| 9. I favor further limitations on
bonded Indebtedness and public ex-
penditures SO as to reduce taxation.
10. 1 am in favor of uniform laws,
municipal, state and national, as far
as practicable
IL am in favor of direct legislation,
| the so-called initiative and referendum,
available at our general elections, and
| the recall for all public officers.
| IL. I favor the continuation of our
good roads policy, and it's extension
eventually to all parts of the state.
Is. 1 am in favor of the restriction
of the present course of study in our
| schools within more practical bounds,
| but, at the same time. affording proper
| statewide facilities for that higher ed
ucation necessary in the professions.
| IA. A friendly understanding and
businesslike cooperation should exist
between the people and the public SER
vice corporations. especially the rail-
roads, for mutual advantages.
Is. I favor the physical valuation OF
the property of all public service cor
! porations as a basis for taxation and
for the making of reasonable rates OF
/. charges
+: 16. I favor publicity of campaign ex-
penses. and reduction of the number