The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-01-09
Two Democrats and One Re-
publican for Mayor.
w. I'll. Kemper, j. B. Billiard and
J. w. f. Hughes in Race.
COMMISSIONERS ARE SCARCE
All Present Incumbents to Run
for Reelection.
Edward Hawes, Frank New
land Mentioned for Place.

From all appearances, two Demo
Gratis and one Republican will line uI
| mayor this spring. Three candidate.
| now are in the race, although no Off
| c1al announcements have been made
| The Democrats are Mayor Billiard, w
| II. Kemper, and the Republican is j
| w. F. Hughes. Several other candi-
dates have been given newspaper space
| but all of them insist that they would
| not consider the attempt. 1t is known
that Billiard, Kemper and Hughes are
on friendly terms with the city hall
| prospects.
In all probability the most fornnid-
able candidate at this time is J. w. F.
Hughes. General Hughes for years
has been connected with city politics
on the ballot himself he was out tear
ing his hair for some other candidate.
He is given a strong backing of Re
publicans in the city. Many we'll
known Topekans, including a promi-
nent churchman have been pushing
the candidacy of the former council
man-adjutant general.
w. H. Kemper is the city's ever
ready candidate. He has been run
ming for office for several years-state,
county and city. In that time he has
improved his political condition by
systematizing his city following.
Billiard Will Not Admit 1t.
J. B. Billiard still is noncommittal on
er denies nor confirms rumors that come
to his office the MAJORITY question
1t is said that he is waiting for the final
announcements of other aSpirantS to the
office before he makes known his inten
tions. The mayor is a clever business
man and in the last few years has de-
veloped into shrewd politician. His ear
will be to the ground before he decides
to enter the arena.
General Hughes will not make his Of
ficial entrance into the race but it is
Wi
carefully. For years he was mayor of
Potwin before the town was absorbed by
Topeka He was mayor of both Potwin
and Topeka for nearly year. For ten
years he was councilman from the Sixth
ward and under the Hoch administra-
ton he served adjutant general For
thirty years he has been connected with
the national guard. he has lived In To-
peka 81 years and is a heavy taxpayer.
His candidacy will receive strong Repuh-
lican support.
1t is rumored at the city hall today that
Matt Carle, Santa Fe mechanical OF
ficial, will not be in the ring for mayor
after all. Care announced himself and
received considerable encouragement
few weeks ago. He prefers, it is said, to
has authorized no withdrawal.
John Schenck, formerly county attor-
ney, a Democrat, s. ]. Hodgins, Frank
Stahl and others have been mentioned for
mayor but they deny that they harbor
any desire to enter the city hall on me
pay rolls.
Few Out for Commissioner.
Thus far the job of city commissioner
has not appealed to many Topekans. The
four occupants of the offices will run for
reelection. In addition, Rtcharl Wilson,
an employee of the gas company, VII
liam Bolinger, Edward Halves, con-
tractor, Frank Newland and NJ. c. Hell
man are the only candidates mentioned in
city politics.
Among the commissioners for re-elec-
ton are three men who have held office
one and half termS-Tandy, Miller and
Bone. Stotts has been in only one term
and is a candidate for reelection. Miller
the city council. NJ. C. Holman was a
candidate for reelection two years ago.
He was defeated by Stotts for the place.
Under the commission form at the pTt-
maries eight candidates are nominated
for commissioner and two for mayor. Al
the election the ranks are thfnned down
to the offices of four commissioners Id
one mayor.