Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-09-20
What a Kentuckian Says of the
Whitney Rumor.
THE SITUATION NOT 50 COMPLEX
Sound Money Democrats Want
Hardin to Win.
FEAR OF SECRET BALLOT

A well-informed Kentuckian, taking for
his text the story of Mr.. Whitney's alleged
interference IN blue grass politics, said to q
representative of The Star today:
"Mr. Whitney made some reputation at
Chicago three years ago as fool killer. II
he still possesses talent in that line he
| ought to exercise IT on some of the men
who are booming him for the presidency.
The man who concocted this Louisville
story intended praise of Mr.. Whitney. He
couldn't see, however that 1t was oalcu-
| lated to do his favorite only harm. Mr..
Whitney is neither a bully nor a busybody,
nor is Mr.. Carlisle an abject creature on
whom men put indignities. The one man
would be as far from doing what he is re-
ported to have done as the other would be
to allow such thing done without resent
ment SO prompt that the story would not
have had to travel all the way round to
Louisville to find publicity. The whole
thing is preposterous on Its face. Mr..
Whitney doubtless is anxious for demo-
cratic success in Kentucky. So is Mr.. Car
lisle.''
What is the situation in Kentucky?"
was asked.
Not So Complex as 1t Was.
"It is not nearly so complex as It was.
A month ago it was the most confusing Of
situations. The democratic party seemed
t. be on the eve of a disastrous split. Can
didate Hardin had repudiated the platform,
and a number of sound money democrats
had repudiated him. The party was in
turmoil. To add 20 the difficulty Gen.
Hardin, in joint debate with Col. Bradley,
got very badly worsted. Democrats them
selves admitted that He was SO tangled
up and SO angry he couldn't debate at ALL
Then came the suggestion to him to fall
back on the negro question, and this he
did. But one result could follow such a
move. The rougher element of the dennoc-
racy, brought to regard Col. Bradley as
the champion of the negro, refused him a
hearing by noisy demonstrations, and the
republican candidate cancelled his remain
ing engagements with Gen. Hardin. There
was nothing else to be done. There was no
debate to be expected. Why go on talking
about silver, state issues and such matters
when Gen. Hardin's only reply was that
the election of Col Bradley to the govern
crship would mean negro social equality in
the state? Since then the two men have
been going their separate ways, speaking
to fafr-sized auiiences, but without awak-
enfng much enthusiasm. The circus is over.
The democrats, after a fashion, getting
together. Senator Lindsay, Ex-Governor
and carried through the platform that
Hardin repudiated, are yet in favor of
Hardin's election. The seat of the sound
money disaffection is Louisville, and before
Mr.. Carlisle will speak there in earnest ad-
vocacy of democratic success. There is
some danger to be apprehended from the
secret ballot, for the first time to be used
in the state elections. Some sound money
democrats in the cities, despite Mr.. Car
isles appeal, will cut Hardin at the polls
But II the country districts respond as they
are expected to do OH the negro question,
this city vote, though it may be consider
able, will not defeat the democratic nomi-
nee"
rs there any serious talk in the state of
outside Interference"
No Outside Interference Wanted
None worthy of mention. Kentuckians,
like other people, resent interferences.
When they want outside help they call
for 1t. Neither side has called for it in this
campaign Both sides might have had the
pick of the land in campaigners. But they
are attending to matters themselves II
has been limited in the state that in the
event of a close shave in the senatorial
fight before the legislature money in abund-
ance, contributed both by the gold men Of
the east and the silver men OF the west,
might be used. But this is very vague
The occasion, the field, will not be pro-
p1tious for corruption. Whichever side gets
that legislature at the polls will control It
Investments will not be in order Frank
fort is a small town and easily picketed
Smooth strangers with bags of cash would
be spotted from the moment of their ar
rival. Local promoters unusually and
mysteriously 1iush,' would be watched
like hawks. The members of the legisla-
front on any mans part would have to
be well justified. Neither side would stand
what, in the vernacular, is known as mon
key business. The man who in such cir
cumstances and SO as to change the res alt
would sell his vote, would throw his life in
have to give an account of his stewardship
to the orphaned constituency"