The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-02-23
Boom Started to Champion
Hodges for Governor.
BROWN is PRESIDENT.
Lawrence Man at Head of the
Organization.
Senator Reed Carries the Ban.
Queters by Storm.
Excellent Speeches Made by the
Young Men.

The Democrats came to town in
large numbers Wednesday to celebrate
the anniversary of the birth of George
Washington. and they stayed over
night to enjoy one of the best state
banquets in the history of the party in
Kansas. About six hundred guests
were present in the Masonic banquet
hall at night when Rev. w H. Scriv-
ner pronounced the invocation. The
speeches were enthusiastically received
and the unterrif1ed disciples of Thomas
Jefferson had splendid time and in
cfdentally made out large sections of
a winning state ticket for 1912
The Hodges boom for United States
senator was crushed by the sentiment
in favor of his making another race
for governor. James Orr of Atchison
and w. L. Brown of Kingman, mem
bers of the present legislature, also
had supporters who wanted them to
make the gubernatorial campaign. w.
P. FEEDER of Barton county was pushed
for lieutenant governor and J. L. Ma
pier of Newton and w. H L. PepperilI
of Concordia were talked of for Sec
retary of state. A. B. Carney Of Cloud
county had a following that wanted
him to run for superintendent of pub
lie instruction. All the candidates
mentioned, except Mr. PepperilI are
memb bers of the present legislature.
The guests entered the big banquet
room at o'clock and it was IL when
Senator Reed of Missouri finished his
eloquent speech.
Mayor Billiard of Topeka made the
address of welcome, during which he
pointed with pride to the fact that a
Democratic mayor was able to well
come the Democrats to this city for
their annual banquet He alluded
jestingly to the fact that he could
offer them nothing to drink The
mayor received an ovation.
After the dinner the business meet
ing of the banquet club was held and
Burt Brown of Lawrence was elected
president, and c. FL. Beronius. ]. H.
Ulsh, H. c.. Lindsey, S. M. Strother and
Frank B. Simms, all Of Topeka, as
members of the executive committee
This committee will select its secre-
tary.
The speech of Sam Hale of Lacrosse
nominating Mr.. Brown for president.
was feature of the banquet, for Mr..
Hale felt; out the sentiment of the club
regarding presidential timber for 1917
The Kansas Democrats lean toward
Champ Clark of Missouri if applause
is any indication of real feeling. They
cneered little when Governor Har-
mons name was mentioned by the
speaker. Mayor GaynorS name won
better round and Governor Wilson of
New Jersey had many friends in the
hail. but at the mention of Champ
Clark,s name in connection with the
next presidential nomination set the
house wild and they cheered for sew
eral seconds.
Senator James A. Reed, of Missouri.
the speaker of the evening, came in
late on account of his train being be-
hind time. The banquet was in pro-
gress when the visitor entered the
room and the guests gave him hearty
round af applause.
1f IA o1r1h
chosen as follows;
First districts. Myers of Leaven-
worth.
Second-T. w. Morgan of Ottawa.
Third-John w. Tapham of Chanute.
Fourth-Harrison Parkman of En-
poria.
Fifth-A. B. Carney of Concordia.
Sixth-Miles H. Mulroy of Hayes.
Seventh-F'rank Fields of Reno.
Eightf-Jess L. Napier of Newton.
If enthusiasm and confidence and a
grand time are any indications OF suc-
cess at the polls at the next election,
then the Democrats of Kansas have a
bright future. Their annual Washing
toms birthday banquet for 1911 was an
occasion to date history from. And
looking down in benign fashion upon
the diners from its frame OF hags on
the north wall of the banquet room
over the speakers table was a large
picture of that Nebraskan, William J.
Bryan.
The Speeches.
The Democrats have always had a
high standard for their speeches and
the program last night was up to the
mark. The young speakers were warm
ly received and Senator Reed was CIV
en- an ovation when he arose to make
the address of the evening. The Mis-
sourian made a most eloquent and in
spring speech
J. w. Howe. of Abilene. the retiring
president, was first on the program
after the address of welcome. He said
| in part: I'VE are not discouraged, for
the great common people have begun
| to see the light. They are beginning
to realize that they neglected their duty
| too long, for every dav the inconSist-
encies of the Republican party are
/ showing bigger and bigger. They now
know that the assuming of false names
was but subterfuge used to deceive
! the people. Likewise they are aware
| thu the talk of tariff reform was but
a scheme to continue in power, the
| boastful talk of economy but a myth
to use just before election. This
awakening of the American people was
shown last fall when the Democrats
/ elected a congress and more governors
/ than ever before.
/ eWere I to give you my opinion on
the course to pursue to reap the ad-
i yantages won last year. it would be
! only this: Only by complete harmony
/ and united action can we win. So when
/ the ticket for 1912 is chosen, let US all
! mt forth the best efforts we can and
work for the election of the entire
| ticket It is our only hone and if you
| have the welfare of your party at
heart you will do it,