The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-04-23
NICE And SMOOTH
Harmony Marked Democratic
Convention at Wichita.
No Riot Calls, Broken Furni-
ture, or Harsh Memories.
DARK HORSES TO BIG FOUR
Candidates Withdraw Rather
Than Precipitate Row.
Praise Wilson and League-Mc-
AdOO Sentiment Strong.
DARK HORSES TO BIG FOUR
BY A. L. SHULTz.


Not since the good. mellow old days
following fusion, the visitation of
Populism and the spirit of the COS.
have Kansas Democrats held more
genial and profitable state convention
than the one which adjourned Thurs
day afternoon in Wichita. There was
a seeming reluctance in the adjourn
ment. The medicine makers had re-
turned to their powers and elements.
Kansas Democracy had actually spent
an entire day in council and confer
ence and had gone home without
riot call, the breaking of furniture or
creation of a list of harsh memories.
The following were elected dele
gates at large: Jouett Shouse, Kins-
ley; George H. Hodges, Olatha; Robert
W. Blair, Topeka; Mrs. Caroline
brennan, Arkansas City Sam Ami
dom Wichita, was elected national
committeeman
Clearly McAdoo Meeting.
IT was clearly a McAd0o meeting.
It is strongly a McAdo0 delegation to
the Frisco convention. The Bourbons
sat up as closely to the labor interests
as good form would permit and with
out arousing neighborhood JealouSles
and suspicious. There was an organ
ized move to keep down an industrial
court expression. Even Sam Amidon,
national committeeman and bitter
enemy of Governor Allen, Joined in
break the slate. He was voted down
without debate.
If there was a mistake in the con-
vention, it is probably chargeab1e to
Miles H. Mulroy of Hays. representa-
tive from Ellis county. Mulroy voted
against the new court act. He wanted
on the Big Four. He had a strong Or
ganized labor following. But when E.
e. Murphy of LeaVenWorth and Guy
T. Helvering of Marysville withdrew in
favor of Blair. Mulroy stood pat. Blair
won two to one. Mulroy's failure to
step aside did not help the labor cause
in the rural districts.
Most Peaceful in Years.
In a general way the convention ran
more smoothly than any Democrat
meeting in many years. When can
didate counted noses in advance of a
ahead, there was a tendency to with
draw This course saved bruises and
bumps and harsh thoughts which
sometimes are carried in campaign.
than the one which faced the delegates
to Hutchinson in 1915. There the
party leaders eliminated the use of
gloves and sought to get to each other
with weapons which means prompt
and certain political humiliation. The
Democrat trait of seeking to take care
of the business at hand and give some
regard to November results.
Billiard Fight Died Early.
The J. B. Billiard resolution for light
wines and beer died in the committee
room. The Hodges-Shouse organiza-
lions combined to beat the measure
and the former Topeka mayor and his
friends did not carry their trouble be-
fore the convention.
Advance dope had indicated that
Mrs. Cora G.. Lewis, of kinsley, was
due for defeat. Her friends saw 1t
coming and pushed her aside before
won the woman's place on the Big
Four, is the wife of a railroad brother
hood member. incidentally, by --he
| election of a woman, the Democrats
took advantage of the neglect of the
Republicans in their state convention
at Salina.
| For Wilson and League.
Resolutions adopted by the Demo-
Gratis praised the Wilson administra-
ton and the league of nations and
swatted the Republican congress.
There was no mention of state issues.
A delegate sought to eliminate the
declaration against military training.
The convention howled in protest and
promptly voted the delegate down.
| Thea came the resolution amend
ment providing an expression against
/! the industrial court. 1t was here the
strength of convention organization.
was shown Chairman Martin showed
the resolution to a prompt vote. II
failed probably, twenty to one. Kan
sas Democracy reserved judgment I'M
til its party council in August.
Third Term Action limited.
Twice during the Wichita festivities
there was an evidence of third term
issue in the campaign in a letter from