The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-05-10
Diplomatic Relations Between
Kansas and Missouri Strained.
Gov. Major Declines to Honor
Gov. Capper's Requisition.
NOTE WRITING STAGE REACHED
Threats of Retaliation Made at
the State Capitol.
Trouble Started Over Case of a
Wife Deserter.

Kansas and Missouri official depart
ments are on the verge of severing
diplomatic relations. The strained
relations reached the note writing
stage today when Governor Major of
Missouri refused to honor requisition
for an alleged Kansas wife deserter
Now there is the possibility that Kan
sas may retaliate unless the Missouri
governor changes his attitude.
Real harsh things were said about
the Missouri state departments today
when notice came that Governor Ma
jor had held up a requisition for the
return of Scott B. Murray to this state
on a charge of wife desertion. In the
note it was asserted that the Missouri
governor would not honor applications
for the return of wife deserters Eek
cept in aggravated cases." The stand
was taken following the granting of
several acquisitions by governors of
both states
1t was a real schock to Kansas Off
Gals today to read the ultimatum
from the Missouri executive. 1t stated
briefly, but most emphatically that
Kansas wife deserters who sought a,
haven of rest in Missouri might stay
there unless there was a showing OF
unusual necessity for the mans return
1t was then stated that Kansas would
be required to make further show
ing before Governor Major would con-
sent to return Murray to Kansas. Not
only did the decree from Missouri af-
feet the Murray case, but the state
ment affects many other cases.
New Deal Is On.
While none of the officials in the
office of the governor or attorney
general would today discuss the new
would at least reply to the decree from
Missouri and that the note sending
stage would be reached at once. AS
recently as April rs, this year, the
Missouri governor granted requisi-
ton for a Kansas man who was ar
rested in Missouri on wife desertion
charge. Several other Kansas requisi-
lions for wife deserters have been
honored by Governor Major within the
last year. On the other hand Kansas
has honored acquisitions for Missouri
wife deserters who took refuge IN this
state.
Should Governor Major insist on his
decree that acquisitions in desertion
cases will be granted only upon show
-irfgs that unusual offenses had been
committed, Kansas officials foresee
much trouble. They quietly asserted
today that such a stand would mean
a haven for Kansas wife deserters in
Missouri and all manner of expense
ana trouble in extradition proceed
ings. While none of the officials
would discuss the matter, it was sug-
gested that Kansas might be forced to
retaliate by holding up acquisitions
from the Missouri governor.
Judge c. w. Smith, executive clerk
in the office of Governor Capper, was
optimistic about the matter. He be-
1ieved the trouble would be bridged
without serious difficulty. He was
even inclined to the opinion that there
was yet strong chance that Governor
Major would see the error of his way
and grant the removal of Murray to
this state.
Murray is wanted in Pottawatomie
county, where he is alleged to have
deserted his wife and child. A court
decree provided that Murray pay SIS
a month for the support of his family
for period of two years. The money,
it is claimed, was not paid. Suisse
quent to the order from the Potta-
watomie county court, Murray is al
legged to have gone to Marshall county
where he secured a divorce from his
wife. 1t is also asserted that Murray
was wanted by state officials in Mar
shall county for criminal offenses. In
short Murray's career in Kansas Is
badly checkered, according to reports,
and if Missouri officials persist in
their refusal to deny his return to this
state, there is the prospect of an I'M
usual mix-up in diplomatic relations
between the two states.