The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-02-09
STARTS A STORY.
w. ]. Rickenbacher Opens Cam.
paign With Roorback.
Says Commercial Club Is in the
Campaign.
BADDERS DENIES 1T.
Explains That the Organization
Is Non-POlitical.
Col. Hughes Denies the Story
That He'll Quit.

The coming city campaign has en-
tered the Campaign roorback" stage.
w. j. Rickenbacher, chairman of the
Fifth ward McNeal contingent, made
the ridiculous charge today that the
Topeka Commercial club was entering
politics. He said that the club was nor
supporting McNeal and he claims that
George Badders, secretary of the
Commercial club, has expressed him
self against the McNeal campaign.
Secretary Badders of the club de-
MES the Rickenbacher charge and
many of the Commercial club men,
bers are reused at this sort of a thrust
from Rickenbacher.
No Politics Says Badders.
In defending the Commercial club
and himself against the charges of
W. ]. Rickenbacher, George Badders,
secretary, said this afternoon:
i desire to say in behalf of the To-
peka Commercial club that the idea
of politics entering into the clubs
work has never been dreamed of We
are organized for different purpose
we are here to further the interests
of Topeka and not the interests of any
political party or candidate.
"Since the club was organized moth
ing of a political nature has been sug-
gested or followed out. There is no
movement on to support any candidate
this spring.
Three of the candidates for mayor
are members of the Commercial cluI
and they have always donated to pub
lie institutions. They are Samuel E
Lux, Mayor Billiard and J. w. F
Hughes. But this doesn't mean that the
Commercial club will support any one
man.
II have my personal choice for mayor
it is true. Probably everyone has IA
vorite. But what L think personally
on the coming campaign has nothing tc
do with the ideas of the Topeka Com
mercial club. Here in these offices and
in this work we lay aside politics anC
work for the good of Topeka.
Il deny empnatically the charges
made by Mr.. Rickenbacher They ara
untrue and uncalled for and they are &
reflection on the true ideals of the
club
Organization Has Begun.
The organization of the "drys'' il
the city-with a general approval OF
Tom McNeal for mayor-has progress
ed to such an extent that in the First
and Second wards-the big strongholds
of Mayor Billard-the churches have
obtained a big following in enthusiastic
meetings.
Chairmen have been elected in every
warG-this was done some time ago
the chairman. The people are pledgine
themselves to vote for the dry can
didates-and Tom McNeaI has beer
given the leading support.
At meeting last night-for instance-ir
the Fifth ward rising vote was taker
on the candidates for mayor. Two voted
for Hughes. two for Lux. none for Billiard
and the rest of the so per cent voted fol
McNeal.
Tom McNea1 was there and he made
the first speech of the campaign. He
argued that Billiard as mayor did not
represent the true prohibition spirit OF
Topeka and Kansas and said that the re
election of the mayor would be nothing
less than a national calamity for pro
hibition.
'.The whole world would hear of this
defeat of the prohibition interests through
the Observation-Disclosures" said McNeal.
The Topeka Temperance Union is doing
considerable work in supporting the dry
ticket. although they state that they have
no favorite for mayor at this time.
A tom McNea1'' club will be organized
in the city by the business and church
men soon. This club will not work in con
nection with any other organization bui
viii push the McNeal candidacy only
Hughes Will Not Quit.
A report was circulated in city politica
circles today that J. w. F. Hughes ha6
decided to withdraw from the race.
This is untrue" explained Genera
Hughes. IT will not withdraw and never
have any intentions of leaving this fight
1 was the first man to come out for mayor
and I will stay in the race until the las
vote is counted. 1 want to be mayor o.
Topeka and believe can handle tn,
office to the satisfaction of the people.
have no reason or thoughts of with
drawing Colonel Hughes says he ha
not, nor will he make any promises.