The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-01-02
Fate of Hutchinson Member 2.
u. C. Mystifies State House.
Allen Silent But Reed sDoped"
as Strong Candidate.
BACKED BY ORGANIZATION"
Higgins to Industrial Court
Another Reported Plan.
Kinke1, Center of Interest, Was
Appointed by Hodges.

Uncertainty as to the destiny of
John NJ. KinkeI as member OF the
public utilities commission is a matter
of probably greatest concern in politi-
cal and public utilities circles just at
this time. The fact that Governor
Allen is said to have recently stated
that he would make no appointments
until after the special session of the
legislature, has failed to remove the
strain. Kinkels term expires this
month.
OF the appointments which may be
made by Governor Allen during the
remainder of his term, perhaps none
will be of greater concern than the
course which he will pursue in hand
ling the public utilities commission
problem. Should the governor name
1 a successor to the Hutchinson man, he
will have carried out his threat of
year ago to overhaul the commission.
should he appoint Kinkel to succeed
| nlmself he will give the state a real
living example of turning the other
cheek to the opposition in politics.
| Just at this time Kinkel is himself
preparing to take the state bar ex-
animation. He expects to be admitted
to practice in the state courts. This
move, observers believe. means that In
event ST removal from the commits
sion at the close of his present term.
Nnkel will return to Hutchinson to
engage in the practice of law. It is
known in state departments that no
announcement has been made by the
governor as to his plans. And 1t is
likewise known that parties friendly
to Kinkel-and parties not quite so
| friendly-have maze a real honest eff
fort to learn something of the gov
errors plans.
Reed Probable Successor.
| Clyde. NJ. Reed, private secretary to
Governor Allen, has been generally
doped as KinkeIs probable successor.
The proposal to advance Reed is said
to carry the hearty approval of H. H.
Motter, state chairman; Fred Trigg
of Kansas City, Mo-; William Allen
White of Emporia and others high in
the Allen organization in Kansas.
Suggestion was made some time ago
for the appointment of Harvey Penny
member of the state board of admin
istration, as a member of the utilities
commission. But Penny SHE'D at the
proposal. He preferred to stay on his
present job.
Possibilities that w. L. Higgins of
the public utilities commission might
go TO Governor Aliens industrial court.
have tended to further disturb condi-
tons. Higgins is regarded as one of
the strongest men ever on the COM
mission. He aided in drafting the new
court bill which will be presented to
the legislature next week. His work
on the commission has met with gem
eral favor and the fact that he might
be advanced has not occasioned a
1 considerable degree of rejoicing-es-
Ipecially in view of uncertainty as to
his possible successor.
Appointments Not Confirmed.
Both Higgins and C. w. Green of
Kansas City were named as commits
sion members following adjournme emit
of the 1919 legislative session. Their
appointments have not been con-
firmed- Under the plan of Governor
Allen it IS probable that no appoint
ments will be sent to the senate dur
ing the special session.
Kinl1el, whose job is the center of
Interest, came into public life as a
Hodges appointee. The Hutchinson
man was aligned with that faction of
the Republican party which har-
Ipooned the Bull Moose in 1912 to the
everlasting joy of the Democrats. And
Kinkel came to Topeka as the minor
ity member of a Bourbon commission.
His appointment was severely criti-
q cized by the Capper publications which
lined him up with the green eyed
monsters of the standpat ring.
| Then Governor. Capper came into
power. 1t was w. 7. Morgan, lieu
tenant governor, who saved Kinkel
from a watery political grave during
lit is asserted. There was a story in
the state house to the effect that Kim
KEEL would stand hitched with the J.
IL. Bristow leadership on the commits.
1 sion. The story was naturally denied
lKinkel was reappointed' twice by Gov
ernor Capper and dwelt in-peace and
harmony with Bristow SO far as out
side appearances were concerned and
occasioned no eruption bya signing
minority opinions with Judge c. f
Foley, the Democrat member.
Lined Up With Morgan.
In the campaign Of 1918 Kinke
naturally lined up behind the Nor
-, gan governorsbip boom. The politica
observers thought they saw the Kinke
bubbles where the Morgan ship wen
down But maybe they were mistak.
len. Kinkei might be reappointed. Blu
the dope is equally strong-probab15
just a little stronger-the other way
And Governor Allen complacentl,
smiles and refuses to talk. And
friends of Kinkel gather no informa
Ition. Enemies of Kinkel have no bet
ter luck The senate will have nj
= guess on the matter during the spe
cial session. And each day the tern
of the Hutchinson man draws little
nearer the official end.