The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-01-03

governors private office discussing
certain things which would come up
when Harvey should assume control of
the state government.
/. Say said Leedy. 81 think that it
wouldn't be a bad thing to let it sort
of leak out that I might want to be a
colonel of one of the volunteer regi-
ments. I am interested to know how
some of the fellows will take it,
Leedy had political friends and po-
litical enemies in his own party: just
as do all officeholders of high estate.
1t is the invariable rule.
'All right said Harvey.
m going to do it, said Leedy. 81
just would like to know how some of
those fellows that hate me will take
How will you do it?" asked Har-
vey.
Suppose I just call in Little" said
Leedy, land have him let it drop in a
casual way to the newspaper reporters
that Governor Leedy may be a colonel
of one of the volunteer regiments.
That will get her started"
Sure said Harvey. He knew how
the newspaper sleuths would seize on
the item.
versatile Ed did his part in a mastery
fashion. The newspaper men we're all
neatly tipped off on the story and it
was plain enough for them to know
that it was pratical certainty.
And the next morning the newspa-
pers carried scare heads and pictures
of Leedy. with a long account of his
political career. The news was herald
ed far and wide.
And then things began to happen in
Leedy's office. Two of the most prom
inent POpulists in the state, who were
Leedy's very close friends. swept down
upon him and insisted that he give
up the idea. They told him it was not
the thing for him to do; that 1t was
his place to remain at the helm of the
state as governor to which he had been
elected by the people. They made 4
great plea, but that didn't induce Leedy
to give up the idea.
But his enemies did. One of them
is said to have remarked-and this en-
envy was of high importance in the
Populist organizations: Il hope for heav-
ems sake that he does resign and is
appointed colonel, and hope he gets
killed.
Oh. they hated each other in the
Populist days, just as we hate each
other at the present day. Human ma
ture is always alike in that respect
| and especially when politics is con-
cerned.
The net result of the thing was that
Leedy's friends in great numbers urged
| him to stay in the governors chair,
while his enemies were frank in their
! declarations of hope that he would give
| it up and go into the army. They in
| Dictated that in that way they would
get him out of politics.
| OF course, the words of the enemies
got to the ears of Leedy. And be it
! known that John w. Leedy has grit.
! He was one of the nervieSt governors
| that ever sat in the Kansas executive
| chair. I4eedy is brave. He strikes right
| from the shoulder. He would have made
| a good soldier, for he has the soldier
! qualities. He never could be bluffed
| Cy Leland declares that Leedy was one
of the four governors of Kansas who
| had sand" No need to mention the
| other three here.
heard how his friends wished to eonsigI
| him to a Spanish grave. His fighting
hang about what they said: how the!
said it, or to whom. but what made hi:
eyes flash was the desire of his enemie:
| to get rid of him; to get him out of theil
way. He kept his own counsel for sew
| eral days.
d vey's house rang and upon answering i
Harvey found that one of Leedy's clerks
was at the other end. Mr.. Leedy,'' salt
is down here at the National hotel ant
wishes to see you as soon as you can ge
down"
and Leedy was still in bed.
II Harvey he said, I've made up m.
mind that I'm not going to go I'm go
ing to stay and remain governor. Tn
going to stay right here and fight thos
fellows-and I'm going to fight 'em hard.
"All right said Harvey. He knew
from the way Leedy said it that he mean
exactly what he had said.
That will suit me-" continued Harvey
and now l have favor to ask of you.
I'm grant it." said Leedy. Spit
OUT
Il want to co. said Harvey.
'AIl right" said Leedy. I'll make 20
a lieutenant colonel"
But in the wind-up Harvey was mad
a major. Leedy had in mind some on
| else for lieutenant colonel and told Har
| vey of it 'IH make you a major
| though" said Leedy.
| Major suits me just as we'll as any
thing else, said Harvey. I'm no goo
for major or colonel anyway until L lear
| something about the war business
/ And Leedy appointed Harvey major.