The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-01-11

minutes apart, Curtis going first, while
brlsIoWs remained to talk with Secre-
tary Norton, who mas the reputation CT
not unraveling' that is possessed by
rev. Between the president and Nor
ton there is still hope that the two
Kansas statesmen may be brought to-
gether and some amicable basis for set
tlement reached
As it is well known. there are four
Federal offices to be disposed of in Kan
sas- The selection of men for these
lucrative jobs have always caused trou-
Die, and they probably will in the fu-
ture- When Senator Bristow jumped
the reservation and got on the outside
or the administration breaStwOrkS at
the last session of congress the presi-
dent turned to Senator Quits for rec
concentrations. One of these was Harry
J. Bone for another term as United
states district attorney. Mr.. Bristow
not only filed information at the White
House and department of justice
against Bone, but recommended to the
senate committee on judiciary after
the appointment was made that Bone
was personally distasteful to him, and
on that ground he would oppose his
confirmation if his name was favorably
reported. No action was taken by the
committee before adjournment last ses-
sion, even though Bone had been given
clean bill of health by the depart
ment of Justice.
Upon the reassembling of congress
the president did not again send in
the name of Mr.. Bone, because queS-
ton arose as to whether such action
was necessary. The matter is now
pending advice of the attorney general.
However, the president did send in the
nominations last month of Abram w.
smith 10 be pension agent at Topeka,
and former State Senator Fremont
Leidy to be collector of internal reve-
nues. Smith and Leidy were given re-
| cess 9DnOlnt manfS la
The Marshal Appointment.
Now comes the question of appoint
ing United States marshal for Kan
sas. The term of the present incum-
February l, next. Senator Bristow is
set in his determination to prevent con-
firmation of Bone, Smith and Leidy
until the marshalship is settled.
Both senators are frank in saying
that it seems impossible for them to
get together upon a slate for the four
positions. but Senator BriStow is will
ing to divide the patronage, each sem
ator taking two places. Senator Curtis
position is that he is placed in an aWk-
the fact that three of his recommends
lions have already been approved by
the White House. and he is committed
to them in such a way that he would
look ridiculous to forsake one of them
Senator BriStow would not object to
States attorney and the marshalship
jobs, leaving the collector of internal
revenues and pension agent to Senator
Curtis. Such an arrangement would
give Senator Bristow the two best po-
sitions and for that reason is objec-
tionable to Mr.. Curtis.
The Bristow Candidates.
Senator BristoW has recommend led
to the president the nomination of w.
L. Higgins of Emporia for United
States attorney, and has candidate
for marshal, whose name he is not
willing to make public at this time.
1t is understood there are four
avowed candidates for the marshal
ship who expect BristowS recommen-
dalton. These are J. S. Erickson,
sheriff of Wabaunsee county; Ed
Thackery, a railway mail clerk, of
Kansas City. Kan; Graham of Wich-
ita and Ollinger of Allen county The
best tip is that none of these four
aspirants will land the marshalship If
Joe Bristow names the man. 1t is un-
derstood he is conside ring a dark horse
or two. one. friend of his particularly.
but the announcement of the recon-
mendation will not be made from any
source until after the White House de-
cides upon a satisfactory settlement OF
the Kansas patronage question.
There is no one here IN Washington
able to guess on a solution which the
president might reach that would sat
iSfy both Kansas senators. He may de-
eide it satisfactorily to himself, but he
would undoubtedly suffer in doing
that.
Mr.. Taft is under much obligation
to Senator Curtis for the latter's aid
and support in legislative matters
while on the other hand, he has moth
ing but charity to hand to Mr.. Bris-
tow, who has opposed him and his
policies But Mr. Bristow has become
dominant factor in insurgency, ano
must, ike other insurgent senators, be
respected in his wishes. It's diff
| cult, problem for the president to solve
| kansas politics.
Cash Cade, former politician Of
prominence in Harper county, Kan
sas. is in Washington endeavoring tc
land the United States marshalship jot
| in Oklahoma. He is making thing:
lively for the Oklahoma politicians
and from present observations it would
| appear that he is likely to land sue
cessfully.
| Senator Curtis, for many years E
member of the house. thinks there
| should not be over 200 members in
the house of representatives.
| Its not the business of the SEN
ate to fix the membership of the
house" said the senator. but having
| had experience in both bodies, I think
1 know something of the situation IL
each.
rThe senate, with 90 members. doe:
exactly the same work as the house
with its big membership. If the house
had only 1T5 or 200 members it would
be able to do much better work, Civ
ing longer consideration to legislation
The country would fare better, 1 an
sure"
| To determine whether the govern
ment has the power to enforce its mai
carrying monopoly SO as to prevent ex
press companies from handling the
second, third and fourth class mai
matter, Congressman Vic Murdoch ha!
offered a resolution in the house ask
ling for an investigation by the judi
ciary committee of that body.
! A picturesque character about thu
capitol these days is Colonel Henri!
IHegwer, q former Kansan, now O.
Denver, Colo, who is national com