The age-herald., 1900-01-31
BLACKBURN TALKS
 OF THE TRAGEDY He Says It Was Not Altogether
 Unexpected. URGES AGAINST VIOLENCE The Administration Will Not Interfere in Kentucky Affairs Hardly
 Expected Troops Will
 Be Asked For.
URGES AGAINST VIOLENCE

Washington, January 30-Sena tor-elect Blackburn, of Kentucky, who was one of the first in Washington to receive word of the shooting of Mfr. Goebel, made the fol- lowing statement to the Associated Press:
 'lt is impossible for me to express the feelings produced by the news just cefved from Frankfort. The assassination of Goebel has been predicted for monshs, so that it would hardly be correct to say that 1t was altogether unexpected. The reorganization of the militia of the state by Bradley during the latter part of his ad- minis'tration, placing the affairs of the state upon substantially republican partisan basis; the importation of armed ruffians from the mountains into Frankfort within the last few days; their indefenstble con duct whilst in the capital city. coupled with threats of resort to violence and force all pointed to continuation like this.
 Whether significant or not, it is pecul- iarly unfortunate that the shots of the as- sassin should have been fired from the building exclusively occupied by Governor Taylor and other republican state officials. Unless the assassin can be identified the public will naturally conclude that the as- sassinaton was pre-arranged, and was known of by those who would protect the perpetrator from identification.
 'I doubt not that the greatest excitement prevails in the ely of Frankfort, but sim cerely trust that the supporters Of MT. Goe- bel will not allow themselves to be be- trayed into any act of violence or any transgression of the law.
 rne Situation Serious
 'The situation is indeed a serious one, but their course is plain. They should pro- ceed with the contest for state offices un- til a final decision Is reached by the tr.bu- nals established by law for its determina- ton.
 ..rhe democrats up to this time have kert themselves, in the prosecution of this con test, strictly within the limit of the law. This l hope and doubt not taey will con tirs,e to do. It cannot be doubted that the attack upon MT. Goebeps life was delaoer- ately planned and attempted, out or The conviction of the public nind that wpn the close of the testimony in the contest case he would be awarded the governor ship by the legislature.
 "F,rom the latest reports by telegraph and telephone 1 am much encouraged Tn the hig)e of MT. GoebelS recovery. Whether he lives or dies, the effect of this cow ardly attempt upon himself with all the conditions surrounding it, cannot but prove disastrous to the republican party in lts contention. l have te,ephoed our Friends at Frunkfort urging them to commit no act of violence, but to continue to ins-st tliat the law shall take its course, not only determining the contest for state off, Ces, but in the punishment Of those who kaV tAd tp a
 Administration Will Not Interfere
 "1rlere is not the slightest disposition on the part of the administration to interefe i1 Kentucky affairs, even in view ci the lamentuble events of today. In the words O. a member of the cabinet 'Keni.ucky will be allowed to manage her own affairs There will be no federal troops sent into the state except upon a call from the leg islature alfrer the regular constitutional method, and the officials here regard the possibility of such a call as too remote to be entertained. In the event that troops are needed the government would be obliged to go as far as St. Louis for them. Tine nearest post ito Frankfort is Fort Thomas, where there are only four com panies of the Second Infantry; at Chicago there is one abttery of artillery and four companies of the F'ifth Infantry; at Co., lGmbus barracks Fhere Is one company of the Seventh Infantry, and at Jefferson bar racks one troop of the Sixth Cavalry. Not ali Of these could be spared at one time even if wanted"