The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-02-03
AN ADDRESS TO THE PUBLIC.
On Behalf of the Democratic Members
of the Legislature.

Frankfort, Ky, Feb. 2.-The Demo
cratic committee appointed at the after
noon session of the Legislature has is
sued the following address to the public
on behalf Of the Democratic members
of the Legislature:
The present crisis in Kentucky is
without "a parallel in the history OF our
republic. The best efforts Of those who
love law and order, peace and justice,
are demanded in these deplorable and
perilous times. Democratic representa-
tives have used legal methods and fol-
lowed the plain provisions of the law,
under unprecedented and exciting cir
cnmstances. when the capital of our
commonwealth was filled with armed
soldiers and embittered Republican par
tiSans. and their right TO occs2y their
seats in the House of Representatives
was denied and their chosen leader
stricken down by the hands of IN assas-
sin.
While the trial (the gubernatoriaI con.
tesO was progressing before the contest
board. hundreds of armed mountain des-
pcradoes were brought to the seat of
the Government for the purpose of ntim-
idation and for the further purpose of
iuNltihS H Slult Ol IdN ltSSueSS WHICH
would excuse the calling out Of the mi
litia.
The Democrats suffered this indig-
nifty calmly and with coolness, determin-
ed that the law, insofar as they We're
concerned, should not be superseded by
brutal force.
The Republicans even with their
armed intimidation We're unable to pro-
woke the Democrats to violence.
Upon the morning after all the testl.
mony upon both sides had been heard bv
the contest boards. at about the hour of
| o'clock Hon. William Goebel then
Il Senator and the contestant for Gov
ernor. was fired upon and dangerously
II not fAtally wounded, by a band Of
asSssrlns coQceaied i'll the building oc-
cupied ny William $. Taylor. as Cover
ing. immediately the militia was sum-
moned and the executive building was
surrounded and the civil authorities were
denied the right TO search the BUILDING
for the culpritS.
They then recite the adjournment of
the Assembly, the refusal. backed bv
three Gatlings and soldiers. to permit
the Assembly TO enter the State cani.
tol; the Governors proclamation ad-
Joprnng the Legislature to London ana
deny his authority to do so and add:
mat. even had he the power 10 ad-
Journ the General Assembly to Lanre
county. Is gross abuse OF the same and
evlnces an utter disregard for the safet,
OF the Democratic members of the Gen
cfal Assembly Laurel county is in tht
heart or the mountain section of Ken.
lucky where feudS flourish and lawless
ness prevails, and i'm that portion of til,
/ state where the courts are unable to en-
iorce the law even with the aid of til,
militia. and where assassination and mar
der reign supreme
After beng repulSed at the State Hons,
and dispersed at the opera and courr
houses, at the point of the bavonet the,
say:
Notice was served upon the Genera
Assembly that the Adjutant General hae
| orders from the Governor to regard as an
unlawful assembly all meetings of tn,
General Assembly and to forcbly breal
up the same
nder these conditions a majority o
me senate and House, January 31st. a
the Capitol Hotel. in joint session. de
clared Goebel Governor and ]. c.. w
Beckham Lieutenant Governor
Ihey then recite yesterdays and to
days proceedings, leaving Goebel's It'll,
as free from any cloud as any Governo
Kentucky ever had but notwithstand
ing militia still dominate Frankfort. Git
ing the arrest following serving of pro
cess. described as disregard for constitu
| tion, law and justice, the Democrat.
have refused proffers of service from
thousands and close with an appeal to tn,
country for cooperation in peaceful
lawful and constitutional adjustment
They close:
I'VE call upon the people of this Stat
without regard to party affiliation to as
senble IN the various county seats, il
mass convention and announce whethe
this conflict shall be settled by law OF
force"