The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-08-11


hold public office. Furthermore this
editor is not attempting to organize or
disorganize any administration.
II The State Journal was in poll
tics, or II it's publisher was politi-
clan and a vote hunter. the paper
probably would not court trouble and
distaste in mixing in city affairs. 1t
would be discreet and diplomatic and
solicit voting followers by fatherinR
and overlooking matters of adminis-
tration In the capital city.
The State Journal is entirely fear
less and conscientious In it's publica-
ton of charges against the police de-
partment. 1t printed these accusa-
tions because they came from such
men as Judge mcfarland and Jay
House. 1t printed them because 1t felt
tn D.. the city of Topeka should know
everything in connection with its
means OF home and business protec-
ton.
Right here and now The State Jour
nal gives credit to Mayor Corwine for
any lack of knowledge he may have
had of conditions in the police depart
ment Going into office wlthc',t an
Intimate knowledge OF the personne,
Of the police de rtment. certainly he
was not expce'- to be re of inside
conditions at headquarters. The State
Journal assumes and believes that he
made his appointments for the best In
terests of the city of Topeka.
Now about the charges. Are they
true?
Mayor Corwine undoubtedly believes
Chief Hannah is fitted for his posi-
ton. He retains Hannah following his
Investigation. He retains other Off
GERS who were implicated. Further
more he has discharged officers whom
he considers incompetent-includ
among them men who made charges.
The mayor is responsible for Chief
Humans actions. The mayors politi-
cal future depends upon his success as
mayor of Topeka. If he is ambitious
in public life, he cannot go forward IL
he makes a failure as mayor of To-
peka. Therefore it is assumed that he
believes that Chief Hannah is the
proper man to head his police depart
ment. II he fails to discharge Ha1nan
and Hannah embarrasses him as may
or he has made a vital mistake. The
mayor knows this. The State Journal
knows it. The mayor. not The State
Journal. is responsible. The men who
have made the charges arc not respon-
sible.
Therefore. the State Journal leaves
the case in the hands of the mayor and
the citizens of Topeka.
This newspaper has taken no hands
in the row. 1t has printed the details
of the trouble because as a newspaper
it is the only means of the peoples in
formation. 1t simply carries out its
duty to the public. This paper is not
in politics and it has no voting bait
dangling before the public by remain
ing silent and subdued. 1t is a matter
OF vital interest to the citizens of To-
peka and deserves recognition. IT'S
true that The State Journal has print
ed articles that might be construed as
criticism of the mayor for his silence
in refusing to make a statement con-
corning the police CONSERVATION. The
State Journal still thinks that the
mayor should enlighten the public. 1t
believes that If he is convinced that
there is nothing the matter at the po-
lice department he should break his
silence.
However, the mayor has conducted
an investigation. He has questioned
each police officer. He has taken ac-
ton against few of them. The fact
that this investigation has been car
ried on and that he keeps his chief in
power indicates that he is satisfied
with his administration and that all is
well.
Again The State Journal wishes to
state-the case rests with Mayor Cor
wine and the citizens OF Topeka.
| Meanwhile the columns of The
state Journal are open to Mayor Cor
wine-or any one who has a legiti-
mate statement or complaint in con-
nectfon with all matters of public in