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Newspaper
Topeka State Journal
Location
Topeka, Kansas, United States of America
Date
Jun 09, 1897
Page
8
The article reports a Kansas State House clash over railroad legislation led by Senator Lewelling. It details amendments to empower rate investigations, set hearings, and compel railroads to justify charges. Observers warn of rate cuts and possible antitrust actions as railroads discuss classifications and potential reorganizations to maintain profits.
A historical Kansas discussion asserts one cent per bushel shipping to tide water, urging a state railway to the gulf. The piece cites Governor Lewis and feeder lines, estimating costs at about 5,000 dollars per mile and a total project price near six million dollars. It argues rail rates harm Oklahoma and Kansas farmers and predicts railways would profit from freight surcharges.
Leedy expresses strong belief that freight rates will fall and railroad reform will occur, saying the public will soon see lower rates. He predicts dramatic rate reductions and major changes if the current railroad system is altered, urging action to avert higher costs.
A tense session of the bribery investigatory committee prompts talk of an immediate adjournment while other lawmakers urge proceeding with more sworn testimony. Governor Leedy advocates allowing witnesses to defend themselves on the stand as former officials push for a fuller hearing amid accusations of bias and past actions. Ex Gov Lewelling shifts stance, now saying he will ignore charges.
General Boyle asks federal court to compel Stockyards Company to bring books and official documents from Barton to Kansas City. Proceedings in federal court here aim to establish Kansas offices and reveal business controlled from Boston. Hearing resumes Wednesday with Colonel F. Morke and shipper witnesses set to testify for state.
Kinney editor of the Guktey Graphic dispatches a letter to Webb Mr Wall, superintendent of Insurance, from The Wetter at Oubley on June 7. He denounces storm losses and accuses administration of bungling, warning that farmers facing ruin may shift allegiance as political pressure from Populists rises in Thomas and Logan counties.
Governor Leedy announced the appointment of J We Shultz of Wichita to succeed C Saller as Kansas Fish Commissioner. The post will be unpaid due to lack of appropriations and there is no salary, postage, or office funds planned. Shultz would be the first in the state to accept the role without compensation. A separate note says Senator John Armstrong is expected to become superintendent of the Hutchinson Reformatory after Capt C ER Arnold declined the position.
The state board of agriculture receives several letters supporting Coburn's report including a brief note from President Diaz of Mexico translated by General Caltwell and a private secretary's message from Marlborough House. Governor general of Canada also comments. Dillard's children fall ill and he plans to stay home from Topeka duties.
The Hillmon case resumes in an October term with Judge Foster presiding. The federal counterfeiting case against James Steener and Gle Banks at Fort Leavenworth proceeds. a written confession is presented, and testimony from a prison photographer is noted as key. The trial features disputed witness testimony and procedural delays at the federal court.
The Elgin watch factory in Elgin NL reports returning to full-time work for 1,800 employees, boosting local business and optimism. A banquet at Railroad M C A honors new members with 455 joined during a contest ending May 31, and a watch-factory order signaled improved times for the town. A separate incident describes a rail yard pursuit and an assault case. A civil suit seeks $797 for clothing furnished, with a related claim for 156 suits totaling $77.
The president sent nominations to the Senate including Treasney Leahn as superintendent of the mint in San Francisco and Larich as assayer of the mint in New Orleans, Henry M. Hoxt named assistant attorney general. Sheridan and family will summer at Nonquitt. Missouri Pacific announces a special train Friday 7:29 am from Forest Park. Riding bicycles on streets requires caution under city ordinance.
Missouri Pacific announces a special train near Forest Park station with arrival and departure times to suit concert attendance. Also notes summer weather highlights in Wisconsin Minnesota and Michigan, and requests for travel information and agent recruitment in Topeka. A Topeka reception invitation and a Sunday team event are mentioned with minimal details.
Topeka prepares a three night benefit show featuring 300 children in Cinderella at Garfield Park. Mrs Meredith, a Minnesota native with Topeka experience, will train the youths for a grand, weather-friendly open-air performance. An audience of about 10 000 to 12 000 is expected at ten cents a ticket to support the Floral fund.
A discussion promoting Postum Cereal Coffee as a healthy hot drink alternative to coffee. It argues coffee harms digestion and nerves, touts Postum as a nutritious, nourishing beverage that mimics coffee’s flavor and appearance, and claims it supports vitality for adults and children.
Plans for an operatic production of Cinderella with a grand carriage display in the next Floral parade promise wide attention. Training will take four weeks, tickets may be ten cents, and Garfield park is eyed as a venue with hoped for $1,000 in three nights. The show aims for broad public appeal and may recur during Fall Festival week.
Illinois special commissioner J W Calhoun arrived from New York and met Judge Day at the State Department before going to the White House to report to President McKinley. He described the war-ridden island and planned further talks. He will remain in Washington for an anticipated morning audience and then return to Illinois, possibly revisiting the capital if needed.
Redwood City opens the Sweet Pea Carnival in the new pavilion with a coronation of a queen and a grand, elegant display. Maids in varied beauty types surround her majesty as dancers perform a grand march and the festivities continue through three more days.
North Topeka residents visit relatives and attend church activities as Miss Jessie Lamb plans a visit to Mrs Courtney. Harmony Rebekah lodge hosts a moonlight picnic at Garfield park next Tuesday. Sheriff candidate Riley Ayers tours town. Locals travel to Osborns for nuptials. festival chorus heads to Ottawa. DeWalt Hopper Opera arrives. horse racing sparks friendly bets at the fair rounds.
June 9 report says Baltimore health officers plan to return Mary Sanson the leper to Allegheny Pa. Allegheny health officer McLaughlin says she will not be received and aims to block her entry into Pennsylvania from Maryland amid strong city health board opposition.
A digest of brief items from Topeka notes includes W. W. Webb ill, market shifts with cherries replacing strawberries, May pay for policemen, and attendance at Rhawnes county institute. Various civic items mention school purchases, new appointees, architectural changes, and upcoming events at the railroad and educational institutions in Topeka and surrounding areas.
Striking tailors backed by the Brotherhood of Tailors disrupted several shops in East and Orchard streets. Police intervened as workers quit, with injuries in a brief clash near contractor Reutenberg. About 6,000 tailors and 1,200 child workers reported to work under new terms issued by the union.
Body snatchers raided the abandoned Old Lick Creek Baptist Cemetery five miles southwest of Indianapolis, tearing into seven graves, overturning headboards, and exposing empty caskets. The report notes the cemetery is extinct yet used by locals, allowing desecration at leisure. Earlier dispatches mention Civil Service reform and unrelated medical testimonial blurbs.
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