The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-08-26
B0TKIN CASE
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lagement His remarks indicted that
the prosecution would not look unfa-
vorably on a complete change in the
management of the institution.
Pen Out of Politics.
1.-The penitentiary ought to be taken
out of politics, just as the law con-
| templates said McKeever. "A gem
eral cleaning up is needed. To restore
the discipline that is needed, a high
grade, competent and efficient man
should be found, even though it be-
came necessary to go beyond the
bounds of the state to find that per-
SON.
Joseph Lafferty of Kansas City
opened the argument for the defense
shortly after o'clock He was fol-
lowed by Judge A. NJ. Jackson of Win
field Senator I. M. Mahin of Smith
Center will close the case for the de-
PENDANT. McKeever will probably de-
vote As minutes to his closing argu-
ment and the debate will close at 5
S. NJ Brewster, attorney general,
will not participate in the arguments.
Lansing, Kan, Aug. 26.-Two hours
of rapid cross fire between S. M.
Brewster and Warden J. d. Botkin
concluded the taking of testimony in
the fight to remove the Democratic
prison official from office. Testifying
in his own behalf, Botkin was sub
ject to a blistering cross examina-
ton after numerous explanations of
his direct statements. Arguments IN
the case were heard in Topeka today.
Mem berS of the commission have in
Dictated that decision will not be
announced until some time in Septem-
Der.
In his direct testimony, Botkin ex-
planned nearly every phase of his Of
ficial acts as prison warden. He was
cool and deliberate and carefully
stated each point at issue. Under
cross examination, however, the war
den slipped trifle. Once he lost his
temper and threatened to leave the
witness stand unless the investigating
committee afforded him protection
against the attorney generals insinua-
lions. Many of the crimes charged
against his record Botkin justified
with established precedent. When le-
gal issues were involved, Botkin stated
pretend to understand the fine points.
of the legal game. Concerning the
discharge of employees for political
reasons, Botkin qualified several of his
statements in direct examination but
insisted that no jobs had been dis
tributed for purely political reasons.
Didn't you know you couldn't re-
move employees without cause?"
urged Brewster
mo. Not for nearly eight months
or year after 1 came here"
You wrote Jones that under the
peculiar conditions existing in Kansas
nation. What were those condi-
tions?'
"A change in the state administra-
ton that made me warden and made
incumbent upon me the reorganiza-
ton of the prison"
He Did Not Like Them.
Later in his cross-examination Bot
kin said he did not personally like the
conduct or appearance or manners of
certain prison employees and assert
ed these were reasons for their dis
charge
Cross examination into the Stall
maker and Clifford cases caused Bot
kin worry and distress. Concerning
the escape of B. J. Clifford, follow
ing trip to Kansas City in company
with the warden, Brewster asked:
Now, isn't it true that when you
took Clifford to Kansas City you ex-
pected him to escape?"
Botkin jumped from his chair and
beat on the table with his fist
No, sir. No, sir" he declared in