Hopkinsville Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1889-1918, 1896-03-03
HUNTER WITHDRAWS.
QUITS THE RAGE FOR SENATOR AND
LEAVES FOR WASHINGTON.
Blackburn still on Deck and Ready For The
Next One-Another Caucus Held Last
Night

Frankfort, KY, Feb Z9.-Ihe big
gest surprise of the session was
sprung day when the name of God
frey Hunter was withdrawn as SEN
atorial candidate.
| 1t was whispered about while the
senate came in for the joint session
that the Blackburn managers we're
preparing to force the fighting, and
that there would be more than three
ballots, if not an election.
Before the roll call began, Mr., Ly-
ons arose and read letter of with
drawal from DR.. Hunter. The letter
was as follows;
To the Republicans of the joint as
sembly-Honored by the nomination
at your hands for the United States
senator, I have for many days strug
gled to carry your banner to victory.
Yet, as you all know, from the very
start unfortunate complication have
prevented my election. Your session
is drawing to close, and although
on last night your caucus unanimous
ly agreed to stand by me, l feel that
the same complications and that
continuation of my candidacy might
prevent the election of a Republican
United States senator, and having at
heart the success of the party for
whose triumph have toiled so hard
and long, feel that it is my duty as
loyal Republican to absolve you
from your caucus nomination in or
der that you might select and, if pos
sible, elect a United States senator.
When you have made your selection
l assure you that your choice shall
have my cordial support. To my
faithful friends in the general assem-
bly, and the thousands of Republi-
cans voters through the state, who
have been so true to me, | tender the
gratitude of my heart. With good
will toward all and malice toward
none, l return to you your banner pn-
stained. w. GODFREY HUNTER.
The roll call proceeded. Half of the
Republican senator's voted for Curtis
f. Burnam. The others were divided
between Bennett and Deboe. Senator
Ogilvie voted out Blackburn's name,
"Joe" and all, and was cheered. The
Republican house members were di-
vided among Deboe, Holt, sPratt,
Dyche, Finley, Stone, st. John Boyl,
Frank Finley 81. G. Freeman voted
for w. Godfrey Hunter), Worthing
ton and John Bennett.
A pleasant scene was when a vote
for Worthington and some flowers
| were sent up together. The assembly
made him make a speech. Johns left
Blackburn and voted for Ogilvie.
The widest excitement was when
Mr.. Speed, the Republican from JEFF
ferson county, voted for Gen. s. B.
Buckner. Speight followed suit. Some
of the sound-money Democrats were
enthusiastic over this. Violet and
Walker also voted for Buckner. Johns
changed back to Blackburn.
The ballot resulted Blackburn 60;
scattering 70; necessary to choice IS.
The Democrats called the yeas and
nays on the Republican motion to adj
iourn. The Democrats wanted to re-
main in session. Rozel Weissinger
voted with the Republicans to adjourn.
Poor and Edrington voted the same
way. This forced the adjournment.
Chairman Jones has Issued a call
for a Joint caucus, to be held Monday
night at 7:30 o'clock, for the purpose
of nominating a candidate for senator.
Already a score of names are men
toned, prominent among whom are
St. John Boyle, j. W. Lewis, S. FL.
Stone. Deboe. Yerkes and others.
Nothing definite can be said to-day
about the coming men, because the
Republican members are confused,
and do not know where they are at
themselves.
DR.. Hunter left tonight for Wash
ington and DIR. James took his depar-
ture for Muhlenberg.
A petition is in circulation to day,
which is already signed by number
of Republican members OF the legis-
lature, who withdrew their endorse
ment of Judge Landes, as an applicant
for the vacancy on the bench Of the
court of appeals, caused by the death
of Judge Grace. -,
1t is not likely that the petition will
have the effect of preventing the APP ,
pointment Of Judge Landes, because .
it is believed that the governor has al
ready made his mind up to appoint
him.