The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-01-30
Senator Thompson Has Broken
With President Wilson,
His Demands for Patronage
Disturb Kansas Democrats.
HODGES MATTER WAS STARTER
State Delegation Favored the
Ex-Governor.
President, Too, Takes Liking to
Former State Executive.

Washington, d. c., Jan. 30.-Rumor
has it that Senator William Howard
Thompson of Kansas has broke" with
President Wilson over patronage mat
tiers.
There is considerable reason to be-
lieve the rumor Is well founded. and
that Thompson's case is likened a great
deal to that of Senator ]. r. Burtof's.
when the latter "fell OUT with Presi-
dent Roosevelt over dispensing federal
jobs in Kansas.
Burton had his troubles with the old
Leland wing of the Republican party
who successfully defeated his candi-
dates for office. A wide breach be-
tween the senator and the White House
came when Roosevelt called into con-
gressiOnal delegation, M. A. Low, Will
liam Allen White. and other Republican
leaders Of the state to decide all i'm
pOrtant appointments.
1t is declared that a similar situation
now confronts Senator Thompson. His
determination to override the wishes
OF his party leaders in Kansas in pat
ronage matters has caused breach not
only at home but in Washington that
will. his friends say, be extremely diff
ficult for him to overcome.
Disregartled Party Leaders.
The charges made against Senator
Thompson is that he has almost wholly
disregarded his patronage promises to
party workers who made 1t possible for
his election as senator. That he has
grossly interfered with the patronage
rightfulW belonging to the Democratic
congressman of the state. and in con-
sequence. stirred up dissension between
the members and their political man.
ayers.
His every appointment has been
made. it is claimed, as a barter for
reelection to the senate. In his zeal
to succeed himself. Senator Thomp-
son has exacted from candidates a
positive pledge of loyalty in the next
senatorial contest. Failure to secure
this promise from certain candidates
has precipitated a row of no small
proportion in the rank and file.
Like Senator Buttons recommen-
dations. many of those made by Mr..
Thompson have been severely
knocked on" by old-line Democrats.
Quite naturally the White House has
become irritated over the Kansas pa
| tronage war. The result is. that Her.
derson S. Martin, National Commit
| teeman Sapp and E. E. Murphy,
committee, together with the Demo-
| cratic members of congress, have
freely been consulted for some months
past regarding Kansas appointments.
| Wilson Wants Harmony.
1t is understood that President
| wilson mas frankly stated TO Kansas
Democrats that it is his desire to
make only such appointments that
will be generally satisfactory to The
people of Kansas. He wants harmony
and says his selections will be to that
end.
| Thus it would seem that the ap-
pointive power of the young senator
from Garden City is waning
The split between Senator Thomp-
son and the White House dates back
S. Martin of Marion was appointed
vice governor of the Philippine islands
at $15.500 year. Mr.. Martins selec-
ton was made as a personal one OF
the president and Mr.. Thompson was
not consulted in the matter. His first
knowledge of the selection was only
after Mr.. Martin came to Washington
at the presidents call and accepted
the proffer. This is said to have
embarrassed the senator at home
and naturally he grew sore, and has
been sore ever since.
The Hodges incident is pointed tt
as additional evidence that there
exists differences between the junior
senator and the White House. The
president, it is said. looks very favor.
ably upon the candidacy of the for.
mer governor for appointment as 9
member of the new federal trades
commission. But Senator Thompson
of Hodges and insists upon naming
Prof. Waters Of the Kansas Agricul.
tural college. for the place, if one OF
these appointments is to come tt
/ Kansas.