The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-03-31
in SHIRT SLEEVES
Senator Thompson of Kansas
Cannot Work With Coat On.
Distribution of Patronage
Proves BurdenSOme Task.

Washington, March 31.-Judge
Thompson, the Junior United States
senator from Kansas, believes in shirt
| sleeve diplomacy" Most any day he
| can be found in his office working in
his shirt sleeves. During a visit of the
Journal, the senator was reminded that
he had set a precedent in senatorial
| circles by discarding his coat.
Well said Senator Thompson,
when 1 am real busy 1 must have my
And the senator was mighty busy at
the time. He was engaged in examining
| an immense pile of applicable for fed
eral jobs, numbering not less than a
thousand.
Asked how he liked the job of senator
so far as dispensing patronage was con-
cerned he replied:
"Of course this feature OF my duties
as senator is not at all pleasant to me,
but since this duty has been shouldered
upon me. 1 intend to select men for
office who will serve the people of Kan
sas and the nation in the best possible
manner. Those whom 1 recommend for
office must necessarily be men of the
highest type of character and eff
ciency.''
1t has been expected all along since
the change of administration that the
progressive Republican senators would
share in way some power in the dis
pensation of patronage a s it was under
stood they would aid considerably in
contamination of Democratic policies.
Senator Thompson was asked if there
was any agreement or understanding
between himself and Senator Bristow
regarding patronage. He said there
had not been. He stated that Senator
Bristow had come to him and admitted
that he had no power whatever in the
matter, but that should occasion arise
he (Bristow) would advise the junior
senator of any objection he may have
to an appointment before it was con-
sidered for confirmation In other
words, Bristow desires to settle all diff
ferences in appointments with Thomp-
son before they are submitted in eXecu-
tive session of the senate for confirma-
ton or withdrawal
Must Show Good Cause.
AS a matter of established rule in
the senate, Bristow has the privilege of
forestalling action on any one or more
appointments recommended by Thomp-
son on personal grounds. But, since
the senate will be Democratic by a ma
jority of six Bristow, in opposing any
Thompson appointments must neces-
sarily make good his case, or he will
easily fail in any effort to oppose.
Senator Thompson's first appoint
ment since taking his seat was that of
Captain j. H. Shields. for the postmas-
tership at Wichita, to succeed w. c.
President Taft for reappointment. con-
firmation of which failed in the last
session of congress. ~
Judging from the number of tele
grams and letters received from poll
ticianS and business men of Wichita
this appointment has met with uni
versal approval. Even Postmaster Ed
wards congratulated Senator Thompson
on the selection of Shields Here is a
copy of his telegram:
"Sena tor Thompson-Congra tulations
on your recommendation of Captain
Shields as my successor. He is a worthy
and honored Democratic gentleman
and will honor the trust committed to
him. I shall take pleasure in present
ing him with of the governments
best regulated postoffices. backed with
competent employees and a generous
constituency when duly appointed and
confirmed.
"W. c. EDWARDS"
The United States court of claims
paused one day last week in its con-
sideration of cases to hear euIogies of
John O. Thompson, of Kansas. who was
assistant attorney general in the court
at the time of his death in Chica go |
while on his way home last February. |
court were presented by Frederick |
Faust. acting assistant attorney gem
eraI, and were ordered spread on the |
courts records. Mrs. Thompson was |
present in court.
A number of those who had worked |
with Mr.. Thompson postmaster at
Sherwin Junction, Kan.
L. w TFAVIS. |