The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-12-29
HARRISON MAY GO
RumOr That e. s. Marshal
Will Be Asked to Resign.
Friends Of Government Official.
Are Not Surprised.

Following out the Democratic pol
icy of seeking patronage. United States
Marshal Jack Harrison is to be
asked to resign, according to well
founded rumor in Topeka this after
noon. In fact it is even asserted that
a letter has been sent to Harrison by
Attorney General McReynolds asking
that the well known Kansas man for
ward his resignation to washington.
Friends of Harrison in Topeka ex-
pressed but little surprise when it was
stated this afternoon that the present
United States marshal and only ap-
pointee to whom United States Sena-
tor Joseph L. Bristow could look to
with pride, was to be asked to hand
over his job. In fact Harrison has
recently confided to his friends, it is
claimed that he would not be sur
prised if he were asked for his reslg,
nation in view of the policies pursued
by the federal department in removing
appointees in other states.
Whether Harrison viii comply with
the federal attorney generals request
and send his resignation to Washing
ton is a matter of speculation Har-
rison is not in Topeka today and until
he returns home Tuesday will prob
ably reveal no light on the situation.
If he declines to resign, it is possible
that q successor may be arbitrarily
appointed and confirmation sought by
the senate. Harrison was appointed
in July, 1911, and has nearly u
months of his term yet to serve. NO
charges have been filed against Har-
rison, it is asserted, and SO far as gov
ernment records show, the present
United States marshal has made an
exemplary official.
At present o. T. Wood Of Liberal,
Seward county, is slated for the office
which Harrison holds. II Harrison
should follow out the McReynoIds
suggestion and resign. it is stated that
Wood would at once be appointed as
marshal and his confirmation checked
nm to the senate. United States Sem
ator william H. Thompson Is said to
favor the appointment of Wood ana
! according to reports will urge his ap-
pointment and confirmation as soon as
Harrison's job is available.
Senator Thompson returned 10
Kansas last Saturday. At that time
1t was rumored in Topeka that dar-
rison's job was hanging in the balance.
But Senator Thompson did not discuss
the United States marShalSh1p with MS
friends in the few minutes he spent IN
Tnneka The Junior senator Is this
week engaged in the trial OF lawsuit
in Stevens county.
But the mere effort of the Demo
Gratis to remove Harrison from oifice
is not the only trouble in Washing
ton. it is said. Harrison came to To-
peka from Salina, Senator Bristow
home town. He had spent years in
the federal service and was regarded
as one of the most competent and ef-
ficient men in the west. and was TOT
several years chief postoffice inspec-
+, tor in Denver division. So Harrison
record is clear. But in securing Har-
rison's resignation. the Bristow op-
; position see an opportunity to pay OIL
some long past due debts.
1t was Senator Bristow who held up
| combinations in the closing hours
! of the Taft administration 1t was
| Senator Bristow who stood out per-
/ .,atenflv against the confirmation OF
! Harry j. Bone as district attorney,
when his stand meant the naming OF
q Democrat The United States mar
shalship was the only appointment of
-; note which Bristow had secured in the
/ patronage distribution in Kansas.
4 Now, it is claimed. Harrison will be
used as the pawn in paying off the
Bristow debt and will be asked to sur
render his office as soon as con-
kvenient