The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-12-04
Law May BE Construed by the Parti-
san Commissioners Wholly in the
Interest of the Democrats.
VOTES MAY BE THROWN OUT
AND THE GOVERNORSHIP AWARD
ED TO THE Willy VIM. GOEBEL.
Jefferson County Contest the Main
Point of Dispute - Republican
Statement of the Case.
Special TO the Indianapolis Journal.

Special to the Indianapolis Journal.
FRANKFORT, Ky, Dec. 3.-Governor
Bradley said to-day the regular state mi
litia would not be here for several days at
least as matters stand now. The Mountain
City and new State Guards left as civilians
tonight for the capital. Speaking of this
he said: II wish they would stay away,
for they make me fear fight" Adjutant
General Collier. Col Rodger Williams and
the Governor held a conference late to-
are secreted and refuse to discuss the sit
uation even with members of their party.
and what they propose to do is merely a
matter of conjecture. Many armed men
are on the streets, but the capital is quiet
tonight. Most of the department offices
were open all day and tonight are occupied
by consulting Republican leaders. The Re-
publican minor candidates express fear
they will not be given certificates, though
the head of the ticket be supported by the
commissioners. Goebel continues hopeful,
and Col. Robert Breckinridge, candidate
for attorney general. and Harvey McChes-
ney, candidate for superintendent of public
instruction, think they will get certificates.
Goebers private secretary, Vreeland, said
to-day that Goebel would get the certificate
and that on inauguration day both he and
Taylor would take the oath of Office. The
matter would then go to the Legislature.
and Bradley would have to continue in Of
flee until final decision was reached. If
the Republicans do not try to drive us into
hole" ne said. there will be trouble"
ox,lA oft
the Goebelites may force a terrible disgrace
on the State
The Goebelites threw out the hint to-
night that the commissioners will adjourn
from day to day without deciding the gov
ernorship until the meeting of the Legsla-
ture, but Hon. Augustus Wilson, of Louis
vile, a noted political lawyer says they
cannot do that. They have nothing what
ever to decide as to the governorship,' he
says. Their function is purely ministerial.
They merely see that the figures of the
turning boards are accurately counted and
added, and they must award the certih-
cate of election to the candidate having the
majority. Not being a returning board,
they cannot throw out vote for Gov
ernor and Lieutenant Governor They must
abide by the decision of each county's re-
turning board The total gives a majority
for Taylor To my knowledge and the
knowledge Of the whole State, too, the COM
missioners are men of noble and honest
careers. Therefore know they will not
make such a forced theft as to award the
certificate TO any one but Taylor L expect
the matter to be settled tomorrow in a few
hours. Only on the vote of the lesser cam
didates does the law give them power of
opinion or decision. The ignorance of the
law has given the people idea that the
commissioners have power that they do
not possess concerning the governorship.
In view of this do not look for bloodshed.
though that is not impossible"
The election commissioners will meet to-
morrow, although Ellis, the missing MEM
Der, has not yet arrived.