The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-05-28

Concy-Harrison Fight . Draw
No Endorsement.

Cyrus Leland OF Troy today threw
a monkey wrench In the machinery
set for the endorsement OF Command
er J. N. Harrison for communicative
chief Of the national g. A. r., and the
Kansas veterans today upset all en-
dorsements ana probably finally elm
mated both Colonel Harrison and
Captain H. Coney from tho race.
1eland's strategic move followed the
reading Of resolutions endorsing HAr-
rison. He moved to amend by SUBJ
shutting the name OF Coney. At the
end OF q rcd hot fifteen minute fight,
friends Of both candidates united in
sending all endorsements to the scrap
heap.
The fresh outbreak Of the Coney-
Harrison fight was not unexpected.
Both men have aspfred to election as
chief OF the national
G. A. r. Colonel Harrison. because
ment commander ana his activity in
securing the completion Of Memorial
hall. was regarded by many veterans
as the logical candidate. But Captain
Coney also had claims that were not
to be denied. And after that fifteen
ably effectually eliminated from the
race.
No sooner had resolutions endors-
ing Harrison's candidacy been sub
mitted than Cyrus Leland was on his
feet with blood in his eyes. his old
fighting spirit aroused and his forces
organized for battle.
II move to amend those resolu-
ttOnS, shouted the former Republi-
can national committeeman and po-
litica1 leader, land I move that we
substitute the name of Captain p. H.
Coney for that Of Commander Harri-
son.
A half dozen Of Conveys friends
| wero on their feet to second the mo-
ton.
Down in the audience Captain Ne
delhoffer was trying to ask a question.
II want to know If this is a polit-
ical convention and whether we came
| here to promote any ones ambition
FLOR any job: or whether we are Just
here to run our own business? % asked
Nedelhoffer when he secured recognf-
ton.
No one answered the question.
I'VE don't want a row." explained
Charles Harris of Emporia, as he
tried to salve for birthstone in the
proceedings. Lets table this resolu-
ton and stop trouble" he pleaded.
There were yells from all parts of
the hall. Eyes. yes" shouted some
of the veterans. And mo-" Newer"
Forget it," were the words hurled
back at the thermometers. Colonel
Harrison, who was presiding at the
, meeting, tried to restore peace and
quiet. He beat upon the oak table
! with his gavel. But the old soldiers
continued to express their sentiments.
Harris tried again.
Someone amended his motion. Harris
| was wroth. Harris raised a point of
order, sat down and started to speak
again. D.
| Sit down." someone shouted 'sVote.' =
shouted half a hundred more warriors
of 81. A veteran started to make a
speech. There were more yells.
What will you do with this resolu-
| tion?' asked the chairman, as he
pounded on the table and yelled at the
| delegates.
| Then someone Strengthened out the
motion. 1t was made clear that the
veterans wanted to table only that part
| Of the resolution which tended to en-
dorse the candidacy of either Coney or
Harrison. In the meantime the Har-
rison following had counseled. They
| swung it behind Harris motion and
the effort to endorse either. candidate
for commander-in-chief was in the dis
card.
| Among veterans attending the en-
campment, it is generally believed
that the action of the old soldiers in
today's business session eliminates
both Harrison and Coney from the
ization. 1t is probable that the Kan
date at the national encampment this
Gates that neither faction Is willing to