The Topeka state journal., 1911-03-01
DIDN'T WANT IT.
Gov. .Stubbs Plan to Unity Boards
of Regents Killed.
Insurgent Senators All Voted
Against Measure.
CAUSES MUCH TALK.
Plan Save State 100000 An
nUalIy, Said Huffman.
CAUSES MUCH TALK.
Vote to Strike Out Enacting
Clause Carries % to 9.

Every administration senator voted
against the Huffman bill providing for
the unification of the boards of re-
gents of the educational institutions.
All but five of the standpat members
joined them in the killing of the bill
and the administration landed one
vote from the minority. The final vote
of 2S to was polled against the bill
regardless of the fact that the plan
was advocated by Governor Stubbs in
his message to the legislature.
There was no particular argument
against the enactment of the law fur
ther than that the educational insti-
tutions themselves did not want it ard
that it was a bad thing generally for
the political machinery of the state.
Where there are now IS good SpokeS
in the wheel, the HUFFMAN bill would
leave but three. Every community
that houses a state educational insti-
tuition was patiently waiting for the
reading of the bill Then they greeted
it with a club. The mere fact that the
chief executive had recommended the
measure didn't cause the least hesi-
fancy. Members who have argued
long and loud for the interests of the
dear people and the redemption of
sacred promises, took nap Tuesday
afternoon and mildly voted YES
Senator Potter, the true reformer of
them all, moved to kill the enacting
clause.
Nearly three hours were spent in
consideration of the bill but the
friends of the measure furnished most
of the argument. The inSurgent fac
tion spent the afternoon in, cOmmuni-
cation with their fond constituents
and the oratorical responsibilities fell
heavily on the Democrats who are
strong for the plan. Huffman and
Glenn defended the measure: and
Senator Hodges made two strong
speeches for the passage of the bill.
Huffman declared that the board
would give more general satisfaction
than the present plan and that it
would save the state 100000 annual
ly. Hodges produced an armful of re-
ports from the various institutions and
showed that instructors were receiving
$1,000 to $4,000 year in return for
six hours of work week, with va
cation and chance to go abroad when
the weather is hot.
Friends of the measure went even
further. They declared that the pres
ent system produces competitive
boards that spend their time in the
legislative halls lobbying for fat ap-
preparations. These statements failed
to arouse excitement and for once the
entire administration force was willing
that he senate might take the plat
form. governors message and cam
paign speeches and chloroform them.
True economists were for once willing
that the doors of the state treasurer S
office might be thrown open and no
questions asked.
After the friends of the bill had
argued and pleaded for nearly three
hours. some one moved the previous
question. The insurgent members sat
up and rubbed their eyes. Even the
regulars were willing to join the
enemy, just for old time sake. The
roll call showed more political har-
mony than any vote of the present ses-
sion. Price voted with Staunard, Brady
with Brewster, Hamilton with Hunter,
Quincy with Overfield, and Travis with
Potter. 1t was the one real. true har-
mony vote of the session and deserves