Evening star., 1938-10-23
The Gland Doctor

symbols in the State of Kansas John R.
Brinkley, dubbed the goat-gland specialist
and accused of offering regeneration to aged
patients, publicized his infant son exten-
sively in his campaigns.
The hospital proprietor from Milford Chis
practice was once Investigated by authori-
ties) paid tribute to mothers and sisters in
his speeches, and spoke of his own wife in
endearing terms.
He spoke simply, sometimes in kindly
tone, sometimes in bitter criticism Often
he quoted the Bible, exhorting his listeners
to more Christian lives. And some political
observers noted that Mr.. Brinkley had
more listeners in his campaigns than any
candidate Kansas had ever seen.
He had certificates of medical colleges
and licenses to practice in several States.
Mr.. Brinkley got into politics in 1880
through a row over his medical prsctice at
Milford, and stayed in for just six years
The State had revoked his license to prac-
tice medicine on grounds Of unprofessional
conduct. His radio stations license was
withdrawn, and it was charged he had pre-
scribed treatment over the air for patients
he had not seen.
His first campaign for Governor was
made by radio, and $4,000 voters wrote in
his name on their ballots. Two years later
the well-groomed campaigner with the
short beard and trim moustache drove his
16-cylinder car into every county, broad
casting his program of pensions for "un-
fortunates" free school books, lower taxes
and a lake in every county where terrain
would permit.
Mr.. Brinkley moved to Del Rio, Tex, in
1884 and his independent movement, lead
erless, died Burt Conner, who campaigned
with Mr.. Brinkley, is running again this
year for attorney general, but on the Demo-
cratic ticket Kansans say they believe
Mr.. Brinkley's followers have drifted back
to their old party affiliations
Farm Striker.
When the farmers of the Midwest were
bitter about low prices and burdensome
debts at the end of the 1920s, Milo Reno
adjusted his horn-rimmed glasses, put on
his broad-brimmed hat and stepped for
ward to lead them.
He evangelical the farm sections with
speeches ringing with illusions to Bible
characters. He demanded cost of produc-
ton" for the farmer.
Thousands of farmers enlisted in his
militant organizations-the Farmers Holi-
day Association and the Farmers Union.
,,oiy forv friE of
of angry farmers against their neighbors
who tried to truck produce to market de-
spite roadside pickets Mr.. Renos followers
believe the farm strikes convinced the In
dustrial East that some sort of Government
aid for agriculture was essential.
Mr.. Reno an advocate in the 20s of the
McNary- -Haugen farm plan, sponsored an
anti-Hoover parade in Des Moines when
the President went there for campaign
address IN 1882. The farm leader was sup
porting Mr.. Roosevelt, but shortly after the
election he became a bitter critic of the
administration.
Milo Reno is dead and little is heard
now of the old Holiday Association Most
of the Reno following went over to the
Iowa Farmer-Labor party, according to
Iowa observers, but both major parties also
claimed recruits
Mr.. Renos central demand-price fixing
to insure the farmer cost Of production"-
is expected to become q major issue in
Congress this winter. Already, the admin
istration is laying plans to ward of such
a law.
The Kingfsh.'
Huey Long of Louisiana was clever
Snowman. Stunts, bands and oratory all
were part of his political life.
His quick mind turned out bitter invec-
tive and biting ridicule that often left
those he attacked feeling helpless and
hateful. He was well informed, but he
spoke the language of the farmers who sup
ported him.