Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-06-28
Mr.. BLACKB URN'S CHANCES
The Effect of the Defeat of the Silver Pro-
gram in Kentucky.
His Personal Popularity Now His Only
Reliance, but Even This
Mny Fail Him.

To what extent have Mr.. Blackburn's
chances of reelection to the Senate been
affected by the defeat of his silver pro-
gram at home? The question is one of in
terest, and the situation to be studied for
the reply complex and most difficult.
Mr.. Blackburn and Gen. Hardin joined
hands as soon as the democratic state con-
vention was formally called. Both declared
without reservation for free coinage at 1G
to l. They spoke from the same stump,
and their friends worked together in the
matter of choosing delegates to the conven-
ton. There seemed to be perfect under
standing. The man favoring Hardin for
governor was classed us being also for
Blackburn for Senator and for free coinage.
The combination began to win hands down.
1t looked like it would be Hardin In
romp, and consequently Blackburn In
romp. Nobody thought Of separating the
winnings. A Hardin man was counted
every time for Blackburn also, and vice
versa. Then Mr.. Carlisle appeared in the
state. and. presto, there came change.
But, as 1t now appears, Blackburn had to
stand the losing alone. Hardin. though
still holding to his silver views. continued
also to hold number of sound money dele
gates, and thus landed a winner. Black
burn, in his race, got pocketed, and finished
away back behind.
Practically Two Campaigns.
TIE race before the people at large now
will not, it Is thought, admit of a combina-
ticn. There will practically be two cam
reigns. The one for the state ticket, and
the other for the legislature. 1t may not be
so difficult to eliminate silver from the
Hardin campaign, although the personal
discomfort of the candidate forced thus to
stand upon a platform containing principles
which he has publicly denounced will
necessarily be trying. But in SO far as the
legislature to be elected connects with the
duty of choosing successor to Mr.. Black
will be ever present. Mr.. Blackburn's sue
cessor WILL as member of the Senate. have
to deal with the silver question, and hence
the inquiry, which cannot be lost sight OF,
how will he vote on that question?
1t is not contended that the sound money
re solution adopted by the convention
doesn't mean anything And as 1t means
something. must not 1t be followed up!
Will not it be followed up? VIII not the
same agencies that prevailed to secure its
adoption be employed to give 1t practical
incoming before the legislature? Nobody
believes that it was demonstration merely
for effect on the money question before
the country at large, while many people be-
lieve that it distinctly forshadows. and was
designed to fOreshadow. the return of Mr..
Carlisle to the Senate. The silver question,
therefore, cannot be eliminated from the
fight for the legislature. 1t Is the sole
question relating to that feature of the
canvass.
Blackburn's Embarrassing Position.
Mr. Blackburn. even his friends admit, oc-
cupies a very embarrassing position. He
cannot retrace his steps. 1t is not like
him to desire to do so. His record on sill
yer is made up, and On 1t he must continue
to stand. He could not afford to accept a
reelection with instructions to vote against
silver. And 50 there remains Of hope for
him only the measure of his personal popn-
larity. He Is popular in Kentucky. There
can be no dispute on that proposition. But
has not the time arrived when even that
resource will fail him? 1t has failed him
In the convention. Will 1t fail him before
the legislature? 1t is practically his first
defeat at home. Never since he first raised
it-now twenty years and more ago-has
his flag gone down before. But SO far as
his friends are concerned they consider the
result, bitter as it Is, preferable to diff
ferent one obtained by shuffiing or evasion.
They are glad that he came out frankly
and squarely and stood up for silver to
the full extent of his ability and convic-
ton. The issue was bound to be met, and
he met 1t in the only way consistent with
his conscience and responsibility.