The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-02-04
ALLEN PLEA May
Mean A VICTORY
FOR The CON-CON
Governors Appearance Before
House Is Effective.
Looks as Tho Resolution Will
Be Passed Today.
DEFEAT MARTIN AMENDMENT
Member From Reno Lost in
Fight To Defeat Plan.
Governor Before Legislature on
Constitutional Ideas.
NO BOLSHEVIKISM IN STATE
More Constructive Than De-
structiYe Judgment Here.
Urges That Voters Be Given the
Ballot on Convention.
Governor Before Legislature on
Constitutional Ideas.
NO BOLSHEVIKISM IN STATE
More Constructive Than De-
structive Judgment Here.
Urges That Voters Be Given the
Ballot on Convention.

At a late hour this afternoon the
house defeated the Martin amendment
to the Allen constitutional convention
resolution, which provided that one
third of the membership of the con-
vcntion might compel a separate vote
on any provision in the constitution.
There was no division in the house
and the action taken would indicate
that the committee of the whole might
conclude the debate this afternoon
and recommend the resolution for
final passage.
Governor Henry J. Allen went be-
fore the joint session of the state legis-
lature today with a discussion of every
phase of his detailed winter program.
He summarized his demand for legis-
lative action in an appeal for submis-
sionTo the voters of a resolution pro-
viding for the calling of a constitu-
tional convention.
From farm tenantry to taxation,
from county. city and state govern
ment to highway building. Governor
Allen discussed the big issues before
the state in the present legislative ses-
sion. Around each appeal he built an
appeal for a convention that would re-
draft the constitution of the forefa-
theirs and give to Kansas a charter in
conditions
Battering his opponents, Governor
Allen declared they need not fear the
people or this judgment. He cited ac-
tion in other states and urged Kansas
lawmakers to give the people chance
TO say what they want.
Il do not know what the people
will say" declared the governor. II
do not care what they say But de-
clare that they have a right to express
themselves. Go all over the country
and you will find that the people are
not afraid to rewrite their constitu-
tions or slow to accept their response
bilities."
Governor Allen spoke fifty minutes
in support of his constitutional con-
vention demand. The house lobbies
and galleries were crowded. There
was no bitterness or feeling in the
governors appeal At the conclusion
of his talk he offered to answer ques-
tions. There were no questions from
the house and senate members.
Allen Out of Debate.
Much of the fireworks scheduled for
the afternoon session was taken from
the program when the house this af-
ternoon reconsidered its former action
and released Governor Allen from par
ticipation in the debate. Senate mem
bers were also released and the joint
session was at an end. The house i'm
mediately went into committee of the
whole for consideration of the resolu-
ton.
Gilman of Leavenworth moved to
place an embargo on the legislative
executive debate. Gilman is a sup
porter of the resolution. Geddes of
Butler, representing the opposition,
seconded the motion. Foster of Ness
wanted the show TO go on. The house,
tho. voted in support of the Gilman
motion.
Immediately Martin of Reno re-
newed his fight on the resolution. He
offered an amendment to the original
resolution providing that one-third of
the membership. of the convention
might compel a separate vote on any
provision in the new constitution.
Martin in Answer.
Martin answered many phases of
the argument advanced py Governor
Allen. He declared that the plan of
the state executive, would tend to final
defeat of any proposed constitution.
He met the farm tenantry demand
with a declaration that the town man
needed aid as well as the farmer He
favored aid for both, he said
THE trouble in Kansas right row.
said Martin. lis too much govern
ment, not. too little government The
governor told you only 40 per cent of
the voters gave heed to one question
submitted to them. Then, how in the
name of Heaven do you expect them
to give intelligent expression to ESQ
questions involved IN a new conStltu-
ton. Yet the people whom the gov
ernor says were unable to comprehend
the one issue, were the people who
elected him governor and sent you and
me to the legislature.
II contend that the present plan
for a constitutional convention is revo-
lutionary. I am not afraid to trust
the people. But I am afraid to trust
the agitator. the disturber and the
men who go up and down this state
arousing unrest. Take the initiative
and the referendum. Only a few
years ago every farmer was told when
his crops failed or it didn't rain or
the price of wheat slumped that what
he needed was the initiative and refer
endun. Do you propose to put that
provision in your new constitution
Then. am against it. Do you pro-
pose TO foster on the state perpetual
era of unrest that breeds distrust and
revolution?
People Not Competent.
'sI .et me say that 1 contend the peo-
ple of this state are not competent to
initiate laws and you know it in your
own souls. You know they would tear