The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-01-25
NOT A SWAN SONG.
Frank Ryan Would Be Swallow and
Return.

Editor State Journal: In writing my
"30'' to an active public career COW
ering period of IA consecutive years,
do so with the most kindly feeling
toward every man, woman and child
in the state.
The people of Kansas have been
mighty kind to me and / would in
deed be ungrateful, to say the least, II
I did not at this time voice my sin
cere thanks and appreciation for the
many honors which they have con-
ferred upon me during all these years.
l liken a term In the public service
to that as an enlistment as a private
in the U. s. Army which to my mind
is one of the greatest advantages ac-
corded a young American starting out
in the world. AS the young American
soldier acquires knowledge through
the perfect discipline of the service
which could not be obtained else
where but in the army, so does the
public man, coming in contact Win
big questions acquire knowledge Oh
the big business of this country which
would be impossible to learn any
other place but in the service of the
public. The knowledge gained dur
ing the past fourteen years f1rst as
enworth where learned the practical
way of handling a city's business, and
a six years schooling as clerk OF the
district court which gave me a broad-
er view of the public business OF the
county, and six years experience as
member of the state railroad and pup
lie utilities commission which mas
given me a thorough knowledge of the
public business of the state makes me
feel that my time has been very prof.
itably spent.
During the past six years I took an
active part in shaping the destinfes
of the great common carriers and pub
lie service corporations of the state e
Inn n T1rlde
knowledge that my humble services
helped to secure valuable concessions
from these corporations for the peo-
pie. 20
public act during these years having
at all times tried to give both sides
square deal. ,,.
that the peoples rlShts snoulu a. ai
ficer in dealing with the public service
of the state ana the salo
should also be accorded
fair treatment at the hands of the
public officers; and the citizens should
those corporations to DO
business in the state in conformity
with our laws
ton I entertain the same friendly feel
ing toward both parties and factions.
Every office 1 sought from the peo-
pie of my home county and state, as
a
by handsome majorities until like all
others who continue in the game as
I finally met my Water
loo" Unlike the fellow who when he
gets defeated sets up the cry of fraud,
I am big enough to say that I was
and fairly defeated, and it
was a fair fight; and I am still a Re-
publican. But like the pugilist, who
is finally knocked out, and campaign
ing for office in Kansas is exactly like
engaging in prize fight, and I know
what I am talking about, want an
other chance want to come back
and L am coming back I am glad to
be temporarily relieved from the re-
sponsibilities of public office and have
the friendliest feeling for the gentle
man who succeeds me and wish him
all the luck in the world; and will
make him fight in two years to keep
his place. 1t is my intention to en-
gage in business. 1 have had several
offers, but am in no hurry,
and will take my time as 1 intend to
make the business 1 engage in a sue
cess. This is not a Swan song and
[ don't intend that it shall be taken
as such in any sense of the word. But
rather it should be properly termed a
song of the Swallow because the
swallow always returns
FRANK J. RYAN.