The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-07-22

In support of my candidacy and the right ask for
your votes make the following statements
In the conduct and administration of the office of
Clerk have simply followed the long established rule
and custom of collecting fees which at the
time took the office and which has been the custom
since the organization of the county This rule
has been followed by every Clerk of the District Court
in Shawnee county and probably by every clerk in the
state
been accounted for to the penny by L. G. Bea and w.
R. Falkner, accountants; the money is in the banks
and is additionally secured by John H. MuIvane as my
bondsman.
further wish to impress upon the people of this
county among whom have resided for the past Al
years. that there simply honest difference of opn
ion in the Interpretation of the various laws governing
the clerk and the amount of his compensation.
Sec 291s, G. s. 1899, provides salary of $4,000 for
the clerk together with onehaf of all fees collected by
him that sum- This law has never been repealed;
but re-enacted by the Legislature of 1909 being
Sec. 1868, G. S. 1909, Fees and Salary Act
In 1901 there was special law passed for the clerk
and the sheriff of Shawnee county, being Chap. 213
laws of 1901 which allowed the clerk the of $4,000
for clerk hire and the sheriff 900 to be paid out of
the countys half, interpreted by lawyers for
Prior to this time the clerk had to pay his clerk
hire. This $4,000 is paid out of fees earned and not
though the clerk had paid out that sum, still he
could get nothing from the county This special law of
1901 allowed the clerk cent for his
vices therefore the laws of 1899 reenacted in 1909
the only laws under which the clerk is entitled to
compensation for his own services.
The real difference is Shall the clerk receive So 900
and one-half of all fees earned that amount, to-
gether with $4,000 for clerk hire actually paid out; or,
shall he only receive $4,000 for his services?
/ striving to conduct my campaign in a clean,
dgnified and straightforward and not by I'M
derminng my opponent, or casting insinuaton upon
any man. My only ambition and desire is to main
tain my reputation for upright conduct in a
community where expect to live my life, reputation
which has never before been impugned, and in which
have always taken pride respectfully invite you
make inquiry of such John R. Mulvane, presi-
dent of the Bank of Topeka in whose employ for
years; F. w. Freeman and F. M Bonebrake, president
and cashier of the Merchants National Bank, and all
other business in Shawnee county.
The construction and Interpretation of the various
laws above referred to is pending before Judge George
H. Whitcomb where it will be tried and determined.
Owing to the fact that Judge Whitcomb is away for
his summer vacation the cannot be tried before
the middle of August.
favor the members of the legislature supporting
bill placing all p2bc officials fair and
tive salary with adequate allowance for clerk hire
AS who has given efficient administration,
satisfactory, believe to all patrons of the office,
earnestly ask your help and solicit your vote at the
primary August g.
(Signed) RICHARD L. THOMAS.
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