The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-12-08
Democrats May Appeal to the Court
to Prevent Inauguration of the
Republican Next Week.
G0EBEL AND TAYLOR SILENT
ELECTION COMMISSIONERS NOT IN A
HAPPY POSITION.
Besieged by Politicians Of Both Par
ties-Points from the Closing Ar
guments of Judge Hargfs.

FRANKFORT. Ky, Dec. THE decision
of the State Board of Election Commission
ers. covering the gubernatorial contest. viii
be handed down on Saturday morning. The
strong probability is tnat certificates OF
election will be given to William S. Taylor.
the Republican candidate for Governor,
and to the Republican candidates for the
other offices on the state ticket. The vote
will probably be two for the Republican
and one for the Democratic state ticket. 1t
was thought. when the board adjourned at
noon. after the conclusion or Judge Har-
siss argument. that two members OF the
board had practically decided to vote for
Taylor. and that they wished to spend the
time between the adjournment of court and
the time set for the reading of the opinion,
in preparing syllabus of the decision
they had decided to rencer.
The three members of the commission
have been placed in a most unenviable po-
sition. Their best friends. even their rela-
tives. have pleaded with them on both sides
of the question. some for Taylor. some for
Goebel. No matter which way they decide
the case 1t means much to their friends.
The pressure against them has been some
thing stupendous, and II is only fair to
say that, throughout the entire canvass
and during the one and one-half days OF
argument they seemed actuated only by
the intention to do their duty as they un-
derstood II and to render justice where
they consider IL due. There is no doubt the
pressure brought to bear on them so far
will be continued until they have handed
down the certificate Of election on Satur-
day. 1t will have been upon them every
minute from the time Judge Hargis closed
his argument to-day until the entire mat
ter has been settled. 1t is possible that one
or the other Of the two majority members
Of the board may alter his position and
stand for Goebel, but II is not considered
likely, and the chances now are that the
conditions which prevail tonight will en-
dure to the end and the certificates will be
handed down to William 8. Taylor and his
colleagues on Saturday.
MAY ASK AN INJUNCTION.
1t is possible. In case the decision is given
to Taylor, that the Democrats may secure
an injunction restraining MIN from taking
his seat, and in this manner inaugurate the
fight that will be carried into the Legis-
Iature and fought out there to the bitter
end. Some such step has been considered,
but not definitely determined upon. II Is be-
lieyed that the board, In handing down its
decision. will say that. while frauds and
Irregularities were undoubtedly committed
in the election. the powers OF the board DO
not permit 1t TO go behind the returns. 1t Is
expected that upon this part of the deci-
sion, granting II Is made, Democratic
contest will be given ground to stand on.
Neither of the candidates would talk
about the matter. Mr.. taylor said: Il have
nothing to say. l am still In the thick
woods and as long see trees. 1 can't
talk. My friends tell me this and that, but
/ will wait until Saturday before l do any
talking"
Judge Hargis made the closing argument
for the Democrats before the board this
morning. He opened with strong ar
raignment of the tactics alleged to have
been pursued by the Republicans In the
city of Louisville. He declared that by
reason of the militia and United States
marshals who were gathered in the city
the Democratic ticket was deprived OF TO-
600 votes He declared the conduct of the
Republicans in Jefferson county was de-
libe- ate and criminal usurpation of power.
The judicial acts of Judge Toney In issu-
ing orders of court directed against DEM
ocratic election officials were also declared
to be an unlawful assumption of authority.
Judge Hargis then turned his attention TO
the Republican state officials who had. he
declared, filled the streets OF Frankfort
with a drunken and lawless mob on the
first day Of the meeting Of the canvassing
board for the purpose Of overawing the
board In the discharge Of Its sworn duty.
Commissioner Ellis interrupted Judge
Hargis In his statement that the election
under the stress of a writ of mandamus
for returns which were false.
do they say they certified to false re-
turns?" asked Mr.. Ellis.
They do" said Judge Hargis.
Ibid they put that assertion in writing?"
mo. sir, they have not done So"
"why didn't they do so?'
ALLEGED FRAUD.
Because they were told by the court il
they did so they would be committed for
contempt and they did not wish to so to
jail Read the record" said Judge Ha gis.
indicating the eight volumes Of testimony
from jefferson county. "and you will see
all these things. and others fully as bad
are true" In one precinct In Louisville.
Judge Hargis declared. $50 votes were cast
for state representatives when only ITO BAL
lots were used.
Where does that APPEAR" asked Mr..
Ellis.
"In the record OF the vote OF Jefferson
county that is lying before me-"
used?'