3,000 Boys Attend “The Boys’ State”

Movement Sponsored by the American Legion Teachers Government Operations

By Glenn Cogswell

Democracy must depend upon an enlightened citizenry for its existence. Then if the idea of self-government is to continue, or be successful, it is essential that this citizenry have a fundamental understanding of the structure and function of city, county and state governments.

In view of this fact, the American Legion sponsored the first Boys’ State in Illinois in 1935, with 200 boys attending. The success of this movement to instill into the youth of America, a practical, working knowledge of the government, has been borne out in the following four years. Kansas starts its “Sunflower Boys’ State” in 1937. Last year there were 20 “states” with an enrollment of over 3,000 boys. This year Kansas led a procession of 29 states in a continuation of this youth program.

Three hundred eighty-one boys, sponsored by various organizations, and further recommended by their high school principal or faculty advisor, enrolled for the third Annual Sunflower Bous’ State, held at the Wichita North high school this month.

The first day the boys were checked in, assigned to their cities, and given physical examinations. Their party affiliations were announced. That is, each boy was either Federalist or a Nationalist. Party caucuses, organizing parties and establishing newspapers, were held.

The primary election, followed by intense campaigning until the minute the polls opened, climaxed, perhaps, the most interesting campaign in the history of Boys’ State.

The election resulted, with no third party, in a landslide for the Federalist party. Bill Everett of Topeka was elected Governor by a majority of 2 to 1, and of the entire state ticket, only the state treasurer, chief justice and one associate justice were elected from the Nationalist ranks.

Immediately after the election the state went into action. The legislature was organized, and all city, county and state governments were in operation. Governor Ratner was guest of honor at the inauguration and the ball, shortly following.

The legislature, considered the most successful in the history of the state, passed six measures, two of which were vetoed by the governor.
Perhaps the major plank of fthe victorious party’s platform, that of compulsory Wasserman or similar test to every couple contemplating marriage, was considered the height of legislative achievement.

Another major Federalist plank which was passed was the recommendation that a joint-committee system, similar to the Massachusetts plan, be adopted, replacing the present antiquated and confusing committee system used in our state legislature.
The two other bills, pertaining only to Boys’ State, were passed with little difficulty.

The last night, a public trial, in which the secretary of state, Keith Sanborn of Wichita, was acquitted of the murder of a counselor on the banks of the Little Arkansas river, was held. The case was tried before Chief Justice McKay of the Supreme Court. The state was represented by Attorney General Bill Clothier and his staff. Harold Stevens and John Amott comprise the defense counsel.

Although there was considerable work and study, the boys didn’t forget to have a good time. Recreation, sports, and the facing of actual state affairs enabled the boys at the “Sunflower Boys’ State” to have an experience they will never forget. The American Legion is indeed to be commended for the splendid work in this program. Particularly the Kansas Department 4, who sponsored not only one of the earliest and best Boys’ Staes, but also, began here in Kansas, this year, the first Girls’ State, which, from all indications, will become as popular and worthwhile as the Boy’s State movement.