The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-03-10
Again Breaks the Deadlock in
Kentucky.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS DEAD
But Still There is no Election in
Sight.
BOYLE DECLARES FOR SILVER
Legislature Now Stands 69 Republi-
cans, ct Democrats, but the 2
Populists viii Vote for
Blackburn.
Blackburn.

Frankfort, KY, March 9.-The second
time death has added to the complexity
of Senatorial contest that has en-
crossed public interest in this State for
two months, and attracted wide atten-
tion throughout the country. The
death of Senator Rozel Weissinger, of
Louisville, to-day, removes, besides
distinguished member of the Louisville
bar, one of the most active and ener-
getic figures in the Senatorial fight; a
man who has, within the past few
weeks, defeated Mr.. Hunter, the Repub-
lican nominee, and successfully baffled
every attempt of the followers of Sena-
tor Blackburn to secure the reelection
of that leader.
The exact political effect of the sad
event cannot be determind, but tonight
an election seems more remote than
ever. Tn Republicans now have sixty
eight members of the Legislature, the
Democrats sixty-seyen, with a proba-
bility of the support of the two Populist
members, as long as Blackburn is their
nominee
Taking into consideration the an
nounced determination of the Repub-
licans to force a vote in the House to-
morrow upon the Dunlap Kaufman con-
test case for the purpose of unseating
Kaufman (Dem.), the key to the situa-
tion seems to be the attitude. Lieu
tenant-Governor Worthington, who pre-
sides at the joint sessions, will take
upon the question of quorum. If he
holds to the decision he is said to have
announced when a vacancy was caused
by the death of Representative Wilson,
t.4e Republicans, even by seating Dun
lap, can count upon only 60 votes, and
the Democrats, with two Populists, will
have the same number, so that either
party may break q quorum at vill and
prevent an election. If he takes the posi-
ton that since the death of Senator
Weissinger, 90 members constitute a
quorum, the election of st. John BoyIe
of Louisville can be accomplished by
the Republicans, if they seat Dunlap
and give the caucus nominee the whole
party strength.
This session will expire before a sue
cessor TO Mr.. Weisinger can be electd.
1t is almost certain that tomorrow
Q vote viii be taken in the Dunlap
kaufman case and Kaufman, the Dem
0cratic member, will be unseated
Whether the Democratic Senators re-
taliate or not the Republicans assert
that the election Of Mr., Boyle is a GER
tainty.
The Democrats say they will 90 into
the joint session until an attempt to
nnseat Kaufman is made, beyond that
the politics Of the situation cannot be
foretold.
Developments yesterday indicate
very strongly that st. John Boyle Re
publican nominee, changed his views
on the currency question in order to
get the Senatorial nomination. His
intimates All say that in private dis
cussions Boyle was ten days ago a
rabid free silver man, and had been so
ever since the currency issue became
a subjct Of popular argument. 1T also
came out that he declined to take the
stump for Bradley last summer because
he had been nominated on a gold stand
ard platform. This has chilling ef-
feet on the ardor of the sound money
Republicans.
At to-day's joint session there was
no attempt to elect. The death of Mr.
Messenger having been announced
before IL o'clock it was agreed between
the leaders that the proceedings be con-
fled to a formal ballot to fill the re-
quirements Of the law, but one vote
was cast for the nominee Of each party.
after which no quorum was announced
and the session adjourned.
Afterwards both houses re-convened
and appointed committees to take APP
propriate action upon the death of Mr..
Weissinger The adoption of the reso-
lutions drawn up by these com
mittees was followed in both branches
by an adjournment.