The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-11-07
Militia Organizations Said to BE
Under Orders to RepOrt for Duty
This Morning.
LETTER FROM THE GOVERNOR
HE DOES NOT INTEND TO SURROUND
THE POLLS WITH BAYONETS,
But VIII Act Promptly il an Attempt
Is Made to Intimidate Voters
Republicans Removed.


LOUISVILLE, KY, Nov. 6.-Governor
Bradley, in his capacity as commander In
chief of the State National Guard is the
central figure in the political situation to-
night The Governor believes the situation
to be so serious that he will not go to his
home at Lancaster, only about hundred
miles from Louisville, to cast his vote to-
morrow. A report was current tonight
that all of the companies of the
Louisville Legion. the local militia
organization, had been ordered to
report for duty at O'Clock to-
morrow morning The report could not be
confirmed and there was no unusual ac-
tivity among members of the regiment, but
the rumor is given significance from the
fact that Governor Bradley positively re-
fused to confirm or deny it, or TO say what
his plans are. beyond an expression con-
tanned in a letter which he made public to-
night. The Governor was expected to ad-
dress meeting at the Auditorium tonight,
but changed his mind. giving out the fol-
lowing in explanation for his refusal to
attend:
Hon. A. z. Wilson:
MY Dear Sir-Inview of the intense pub
lie excitement now prevailing in this city.
and the fact that numerous affidavits of
good citizens have been filed with me
showing that there is grave danger of riot
and bloodshed and that citizens will be pre-
vented by force and fraud from exercising
their right of suffrage in this city to-mor-
row. and in view OF the further fact that
have been called upon to act as chief
peace Officer of commonwealth, have con-
cluded that 1t would be improper for me to
deliver an address this evening.
"I will thank you to assure those who
may kindly honor me by their presence that
/ will remain in the city and see that every
voter, irrespective Of political opinion, is
protected in his right to vote and have his
vote counted and the public peace protected
at all hazards
81 do not intend to surround the polls
with bayonets or inimidate voters. 1 do
intend that they shall not be intimidated
aid will act promptly should necessity
arise
REPUBLICANS REMOVED.
The disturbed state of political feeling in
this city was aggravated this evening by the
action of the Board of Election Commits
sioners, which is controlled by Democrats.
in removing eighty-seven Republican elec-
tion officers and substituting for them
names submitted by men who, 1t is claimed
by the regular Republican organization, do
not represent the party. While the COM
missione~s acted within their technical
rights, the removals may be the cause of
trouble tomorrow. The expectation that the
Gov0rnor will call out the militia during
the day finds expression among men of
both parties. The provocation may occur
through attempts of the deposed election
hatI t,os,.
conflicts with the police in some of the
down town wards. If the militia is called
out ii may result in the closing of the polls
by the local election officers on the ground
that the presence of soldiers prevent free
expression of popular will Or If the polls
remain open it may result in action by the
State election officers throwing out the vote
of jefferson county on the same ground of
military interference. In either event the
counting or throwing out of the Louisville
vote very likely would determine the re-
suit of the election.
One Democratic faction here controls
the police while the other has made the al
| legged interference of these officers with the
| local primary and election machinery one
of it's principal campaign cries. Mayor
| Weaver has issued a proclamation appeal
| ing for order and cautioning the police.
| The campaign closed tonight with large
! meetings, which were addressed by the
state party leaders. The Democrats
crowded Music Hall to listen to the last
| speech of their leaders. William Goebel
| and Senator Blackburn, before the election.
| The Republicans held rousing meeting
| at the Auditorium Each of the state chair
| men predicts success for his ticket, and in
any guess as to the result reliance must be
| placed on pure chance. The vote of the
| Brown Democratic ticket is an unknown
! quantity and 1t is likely TO be the determin-
| ing factor.
Late tonight the rumor that the legion
has been ordered TO report at the armory
at 6 o'clock tomorrow morning. to be ready
| in case of emergency, was confirmed. SIM
! ultaneously came the announcement that an
| extra police force of 800 men, under Gen. j.
B. Castleman. had been sworn in. The city
| authorities evidently intend to stand upon
the ground that in case of trouble they are
prepared to take any necessary measures TO
! preserve order, and that under these cir
cumstances there can be no occasion for
! the calling out of state troops. Governor
Bradley it is reasonably certain. will not
acquiesce in this view. and conflict of au-
| thority is possible
Ex-senator Blackburn, chairman of the
| Democratic campaign committee, has sent
| cut general telegram notifying the chair
men OF the various county committees of
| the step taken by Governor Bradley. The
| telegram follows:
Governor Bradley Is in Louisville and
has published letter saying that he would
remain there Tuesday chief peace officer
| OF the State and would take charge OF the
election and see that the same vas proper
| ly held. He has military ready, supplied
with rifles ammunition and Calling guns.