The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-12-15
STARTS the ROW.
Peace Pact Between State Of
ficiaIS Is Broken.
Governor Calls on Dawson to EX-
plain Situation.
ARE FEES THE OBJECT?
Unnamed Correspondent Tells
Stubbs of Surrender"
Judge Lindsey's Course in Cher
Okee County Is Attacked.
ARE FEES THE OBJECT?

There is danger of fresh contro-
versy breaking our between the gov
ernor's office and that of Attorney
General Dawson over the enforcement
of the law in Cherokee county. This
SCATTERING of the Taft peace treaty was
forecasted Thursday in the state Jour
nal. Reports have been made to the
governor by his henchmen in Chero-
kee that Judge Lindsey. Dawson
henchman. has been cOnniving at light
sentences for convicted jointists in that
neck of the woods. Dawson has re-
ceived reports from Judge Lindsey that
convince him that the judge is doing
his duty down there and that Well
Judge Lindsey was busy winning
laurels enforcing the prohibitory law
when l was a boy breaking colts in
western Kansas" said Mr.. Dawson to-
day. 4 hesitate at this time to i'm
pugn his motives or his honesty
The governor today sent the follow
ing letter of instruction to the attor-
ney general regarding the Cherokee
situation
Hon John S. Dawson, Attorney Cen
eral.
Dear SeLeraI:-During she past few
days I have received numerous letters
enclosing newspaper clippings from
Cherokee county. with all kinds Of
charges about the dismissal of certain
cases ag linst joint keepers, brought by
in that county The following state
ment j from one of the most reliable
citizens of Cherokee county. and viii
give YOU a fair idea of the cOnserva-
tive sentiment OF the people IN that
locality:
d" Within the last few days condi-
ton has developed here. in the matter
Of Iaw-enfoIcement, that ought to have
the attention which its seriousness
makes important. The enclosed clip
ping, which is from the Columbus Daily
Advocate of December 2. 1911, will en-
a bile you to get some idea of the con-
ditiou- 1t is said here-mostly every
body talking it-that those in charge
OF the prosecution Of Joint" keepers,
in cases brought by the attorney gen
eral and his assistants, have practically
surrendered to the opposition. / have
not talked with Judge Lindsay, the as
siStant attorney general now here: but
I presume that he has some reas son for
practically dismissing more than 80
cases. or dispOsing of them in q way
that saves the defendants from serv-
ieve that ne would take this course
with nothing else in view but the fees
that may come to him; but this is the
talk ali over the county: and if there
is another side to it. such as will show
him justifia ble in the matter. it is due
To him. but more to the cause of law
enforcement. that it be given wide and
truthful publication. l. il is to stand
seven months. nj the effort to enforce
the law in Cherokee county, will avail
nothing but a reproach to the cause
of law-enforcement and good citizen
ship. It seems to me that the public
ought 20 be Informed of the exact facts;
and that positive inea sures-strenuous
if need bought to be employed,
promptly and with steady determina-
ton, to maintain the honor and digni-
ty of the state and to carry out the
purpose of the fundamental and statu-
tory provisions for its governm ent.'
With a view to getting at the bot
tom facts in this matter and giving
publicity to the truth I.shan be pleas
ed TO have yOu investigate at your
earliest convenience this situation. and
report If. writing to me the facts so !
that the public may have an oppor-
funity to know the truth in regard to
the transactions. While l have no dis
position to pass judgment on the ac- |
ton of the assistant attorney general |