The Topeka state journal., 1911-09-27
Kansas Senator Takes Up Chal-
Ienge of Secretary.
CURTIS PRAISES HIM.
Pledges Cabinet Officers His
Support in Alaskan Matter.
Break Caused by Attack on
"DemagOgic PrOgressives."

Hutchinson, Kan. Sept. 27.-Near the
close of what had been a nonpartisan
celebration of the fiftieth anniversary
of the birth of Kansas as a state, with
President Taft as the principal speak
er, political incident f1ared up here
and gave thrill to the thousands Of
Kansans who packed the grandstand
at the fair grounds.
Walter L. Fisher, secretary of the
interior in President Taft's cabinet,
just back from Alaska, made a three
minute speech, in which he said some
things about the difference between
real progressives Of the middle of
the road type like Mr.. Taft" and
who opposed every practical progress
sive policy put FORTH
Senator Joseph L. Bristow, ranking
second only to Senator IaFollette, OF
Wisconsin, among the progressives of
the west. followed Secretary Fisher and
quickly caught up his challenge
I'VE in Kansas" he said, ARE al
ways willing to grant that the other
fellow is honest in his views: and we
expect him to grant that we are hon
est in ours I want to say to Presi-
dent Taft and to Secretary Fisher right
now that in working out the problems
that confront us, we of Kansas Will
have our part and have our say to the
end and that there shall be equal JUS
tice to all and special privilege to
none"
Crowd Cheers Both.
Both Secretary Fisher and Senator
Bristow were wildly applauded- The
thrOng seemed to appreciate the verbal
passage at arms and the practical serv-
ing Of notice by the Junior Kansas
senator that while he was participating
freely and gladly in the welcome to
President Taft in this state, there was
to be no let up in the factional fight
as soon as he had left the borders OF
the commonwealth.
The president himself had made alb
solutely no reference to politics. His
address was purely historical and in it
he had taken occasion to pay a tribute
to the independence in thought and ac-
ton of the Kansas people, saying that
no matter how much one might differ
with their views. there could be moth
ing but admiration for their courage in
carrying these views forward to a logi-
cal conclusion.
Mr. Taft had been introduced by Gov
ernor Stubbs, a progressive among the
progressives, as the president of the
greatest nation ever conceived in a
human brain"
The governor added that Kansas was
the greatest state "on the face of the
globe that the United States was the
greatest country God ever allowed to
be operated" and that the president
of the United States had more power
and more majesty than any king OF
potentate of ancient or modern times.
And now. ladies and gentlemen" ;"
the governor concluded. "Bin Taft is
going to speak to you. want you to
give him the most royal reception a
president ever received on earth
Governor Stubbs, waving handker-
chief, led in the cheering that followed
his Introduction. When the president
had concluded, Governor Mann. of Vir-
ginia, made brief address. Then came
Secretary Fisher.
Plans Relief for Alaska.
Mr.. Fisher reached Hutchinson and
had a long conference with the pres
ident regarding Alaska affairs. The
secretary, it is said, is convinced that