The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1911-09-29
FISHER HAS A TILT.
TAFT LISTENS AS SENATOR AND
SECRETARY CROSS SWORDS AT
HUTCHINSON, KAN.
MAKES A VERY RASH REMARK
And Is Promptly Called by the Kan.
san-Solon Takes Up Challenge
and Stirs Throng With
Hot Reply.

Hutchinson, Kansas. = Near the
close of what had been a nom
partisan celebration of the fiftieth an
niversary of the birth of Kansas as
a state, with President Taft as the
principal speaker, a political incident
flared up here and gave thrill to the
thousands of Kansans who packed the
grandstand at the state fair grounds.
Walter L. Fisher, secretary of the
interior in President Taft's cabinet,
just back from Alaska, made three
minute speech in which he said some
things about the difference between
real progressives of the "middle-of-
the-road' type like Mr.. Taft" and
''hypocritical, demagogic progressives
who opposed every practical progress
sive policy put FORTH
Senator Joseph L. Bristow, ranking
second only to Senator La Toilette of
Wisconsin among the progressives of
the senate, followed Secretary Fisher
and quickly caught up his challenge.
I'VE in Kansas" he said, "are al
ways willing to grant that the other
fellow is honest in his views and we
expect him to grant that we are hon.
est in ours. 1 want to say to Presi-
dent Taft and to Secretary Fisher
right now, that in working out the
problems that confront us, we of Kan
sas will have our part and have our
say to the end that there shall be
equal justice to all and special privi-
lege to none"
Throng Catches Meaning.
Both Secretary Fisher and Senator
Bristow were widely applauded. The
throng seemed to appreciate the ver-
bal passage at arms and the practical
service of notice by the junior Kansas
senator, that while he was participant
ing freely and gladly in the welcome
to President Taft in this state, there
was to be no letup in the factional
fight as soon as he had left the bor-
ders of the commonwealth.
The president himself previously
had made absolutely no reference to
politics. His address was purely his
torical and in it he paid tribute to
the independence in thought and ac-
ton of the Kansas people, saying that
no matter how much one might differ
with their views, there could be moth
ing but admiration for their courage
in carrying these views forward to a
logical conclusion.
Mr.. Taft was introduced by Gov
ernor Stubs, a progressive among
the progressives, and the governor,
waving handkerchief, led In the
cheering that followed. When the
president had concluded, Governor
Mann of Virginia made brief ad-
dress. Then came Secretary Fisher.
Mr.. Fisher reached Hutchinson and
had a long conference with the presi-
dent regarding Alaskan affairs. When
he arose and faced the big crowd, Mr..
Fisher was silent for fully minute
before making his little speech.
Senator Bristow was introduced by
Governor Stubs and was loudly
cheered as he made his reply to Sec
rotary Fisher and as he did so, he
glared directly at the cabinet officer.
Senator Curtis of Kansas, classed as
a conservative, was next to speak and
he took advantage of the somewhat
strained situation to pay tribute to
Secretary Fisher. Mr.. Curtis conclud-
ed with the assertion that the people
of Kansas believed Mr.. Taft broad
enough and big enough to be the presi-
dent of all the people"
Taft All Day in Hutchinson.
President Taft spent the entire day
in Hutchinson, leaving for Topeka.
The semi-centennial celebration was
held at the state fair grounds, and
the president was greeted by an i'm
mense throng.
President Taft lunched with Govern
ors Stubs of Kansas, Mann of Vir-
ginia and Colquitt ofsTexas. He dined
at the Country club.
In laying the cornerstone of the
new city building here, President
Taft announced himself as in favor of
fixing the responsibility of municipal
administration upon one man, or upon
a very small body of men. Mr.. Taft
came close to openly advocating the
commission form of government.
Governor Colquitt of Texas had a
conference with President Taft here
regarding the situation along the Tex
as-Mexican border. Governor Colquitt
said it would be necessary to put adj
ditional rangers, or state officers,
along the border. President Taft
promised that the United States would
bear the expense of the extra guards.