St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1896-03-10
LULL IN KENTUCKY HOSTILITIES
CAUSED BY THE DEMISE OF
SENATOR WETSsINGER.
A FORMAL BALLOT is TAKEN
AMID GREATEST EXCITEMENT
AND AFTER MUCH HEATED
ARGUMENT.
CONTEST Is IN NO WAY CHANGED,
AS the Democrats, With the POpu-
lists, Still Have Majority on
Joint Ballot.

.sa
FRANKFORT, KY, March 9.-For
the second time, death has added to
the compleXity of a senatorial contest
that has engrossed public interest in
this state for two months, and attract
ed wide attention throughout the coun-
try. The death of Senator Rosel Weis-
singer, of Louisville, today removes, be-
sides a distinguished member of the
Louisville bar. one of the most active
and energetic figures in the senatorial
fight The exact political effect of
the sad event of today cannot be de-
termined, but tonight an election seems
more remote than ever. The Republic
ans now have 6S members of the legis-
lature, the Democrats 67, with a prob
ability Of the support of the two Pop
ulist members as long as Blackburn
is their nominee. Taking into con-
sideration the announced determination
of the Republicans to force vote in
the house tomorrow upon the Dunlap
Kaufman contest case for the purpose
of unseating kaufman Dem.), the key
to the situation seems to be the atti-
tude Lieut.. Gov. Worthington, who
presides at the joint sessions, will take
upon the question of a quorum. If
he holds to the decision he is said to
have announced when a vacancy was
caused by the death of Representative
Wilson, that seventy shall constitute
a quorum of the joint session, the Re-
publicans, even by seating Dunlap, can
count upon only SO votes, and the Dem
ocrats, with the two Populists, will
have the same number, so that either
party may break a quorum at will,
and prevent an election. If he takes
the position that, since the death of
Senator Weissinger; SO members con-
stitute quorum, the election of st.
John Boyle, of Louisville, can be &C
complished by the Republicans if they
seat Dunlap and give the caucus NOM
inee the whole party strength. This
session will expire before a successor
to Mr.. WeisSinger can be elected.
1t is almost certain that tomorrow
vote will be taken in the Dunlap
kaufman Gaze. and Kaufman. the
Democratic member will be unseated
Whether the Democratic senators re-
taliate or not, the Republicans assert
l.
tainty. The Democrats say they will
go into joint session until an attempt
to unseat Kaufman is made. Beyond
that, the politics of the situation can
not be foretold.
CONTROLLED BY MESSENGER.
Senator Weissinger played a more
important part in the senatorial
Der of the general assembly. To
him is due the arrangement of a pair
with Senator Siege, the Republican
member from Louisville, which pre-
vented the Republicans from having
a majority on joint ballot on the death
of Mr. Wilson a few weeks ago. But
for this, Mr.. Hunter would now be a.
United States senator. Weissinger has
constituted the backbone of the Dem
ocratic opposition to Senator Black
burn. But for Weissinger. the seIee-
ton of Hunter or Blackburn would
have occurred weeks ago, and neither
the Republicans nor the Democrats
will deny this. The controlling infu-
ence he exercised over the contest was
emphasized Saturday, when. but for
MS release of Senator Chambers Rep)
from pair, in order that the latter
might vote for Carlisle, Blackburn
would no doubt have carried the day
1t is doubtful. though, if Weissinger's
death would cause such a change in
the situation today as would give the
Republicans power to elect Messrs.
Burlington and Poor, the two Popu-
lists, seem determined to vote with
n IL hIIray Gid
rms gives the Democrats majority on
joint ballot, and but for the division
In their ranks, an election would be
possible. This makes it seem today
that the battle royal is between Car
Isle and Blackburn, and, under these
circumstances the only Immediate eff
feet of Weissinger's death may be cor
rectly stated to be simply one less vote
for Carlisle. 1t is admitted that Weis-
singer would never vote for a Re-
publican or for Blackburn. Great pres
sure was brought to bear upon the
Democratic opposition to Blackburn
this morning. 1t comes from Louisville
and other influential points In the state
ana mas been directed to Carroll and
MS associates, who, except on the first
ballot Saturday. have steadfastIy re-
fused to join the Blackburn forces. Mr..
Carroll spent Saturday night and Sun
day in Louisville, his home, and had
conferences with leading Democrats Of
that city. This morning kilograms were
received from these sources, indicating
a desire to secure the election of a.
Democratic senator if it is possible to
do so, and leaving the inference that
strong pressure to this end had been
brought to bear upon Mr. Carroll
SITUATION IS CHAOTIC
Everything concerning the situation
this morning seemed chaotic. All dav
yesterday and last night until a late
hour the friends of Blackburn and
Boyle held conferences in an endeayor
to perfect plans to be pursued in to-