The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-11-27

otherwise might have been. Governor
Allen will be starting on his second
term as governor with a heavy legis-
lative program. But he will have lit
tie to offer except good will. And
very few patriots eat good will, walk
in torch light parades or carry BAN
ners for want of it. 1t is very COM
forting. But not filling. Good will
doesn't get many votes in a legislative
session when the issues are close.
On the other hand there will be lots
of talk around the state house this
winter about the new federal jobs. The
federal crowd will be just coming into
its element. Even before the legisla-
ture winds up the session and goes
back to look after the early spring
blowing. there will be a Republican
president in the White House. And
most of the good jobs will be just a
bit nearer. Many fellows who don't
want jobs themselves have friends who
want places.
1t is a fairly well established prin-
ciple in politics to give the good things
to your friends. If someone must
stand out in the ice and snow, it had
better be the opposition-even the OPP
position within your own party. OF
course there isn't any assurance that
anything like this will happen. But
it is just possible. Very possible.
Spcakership Fight Out of Way.
Applying just the ordinary rules of
the game, the Curtis and the Mulvane
and the Capper crowd that was some
how forgotten in the slate making in
the governors office two years ago,
may hardly be expected to wear out
the furniture and rugs seeking the
governors advice GJout what to do
with the loose federal jobs when the
Democrats return to private life. 1t
looks now as tho the speakership fight
&c O11f nf tho or far damaging
results are concerned. The legislative
organization promises to be disposed
of without a casualty list.
Then comes the session proper.
There are some wide and varied diff
ferences of opinion among Kansas Re-
publicans as to some of the things
that should be written in the statute
books and some of the things that
should be taken therefrom. There is
also the organization around which
successor to Governor Allen may be
determined. The legislature will be
out to make a record for two years
hence. 1t may not sense the respon-
sibility which was apparent two years
ago when Governor Allen was to be
in the running to succeed himself.
Plum Tree Removed.
The decision as to a course will be
affected to an extent, at least, by the
leanings to the state or federal adj
ministrations. The plum tree has been
removedAafter eight long, lean years
from Topeka to Washington. And
the powers which control as to To-
peka are of far lesser concern to the
powers in Washington.
There may be a tendency on the part
of the state and federal crowds to get
together. But to date no one has been
injured in such stampede. There
may be no wide breach or open war
fare. 1t is better than an even bet
there will not be. Republican leader
ship in Kansas is rather too smart for
that But there will be politics. Lots.
of it. Politics will be on the basis of
control of things-both jobs and or
ganization-and the clever wire work
ers may be expected to play the game
with a view to the party leadership in
1922 and the succeeding state admin
istration.
Governor Allen and his crowd are
naturally anxious to dictate the man
to succeed in power. 1t is only hui
man. Ability to dictate such a course
may depend very largely on the course
of the legislature. In this move the
governor must rely largely on personal
following and his personal ability to
inspire support of his policies. With
most of the good jobs gone, there is
little else to offer from the list of
state administration tangible assets,