The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-01-12
BELLICOSE TAYLOR MEN
SENTIMENT GROWING IN FAVOR OF
DRASTIC MEASURES.
Federal Aid Is Invoked to Prevent
the GoebeI SteaI-Bryan's Part
I'm the Political Middle.

FRANKFORT, KY, Jan. 1.-THE silver
Democrats who are opposing Goebel claim
to have direct information that Colonel
Bryan does not approve of the contests
which are being prosecuted by Goebel and
other Democratic candidates. They went
so far to-day as TO say that Bryan had
written letter to Blackburn discouraging
the contests. National Committeeman
Trey Woodson, who was in conference with
Bryan in Chicago last Sunday, gave en-
phatic and positive denial to these claims
tonight. He said: II discussed the Ken
lucky political situation with Mr.. Bryan
thoroughly. and l know there is no founda-
ton for these stories"
1t is said Mr.. Bryan feels that the Demo-
cratic leaders in the State are capable of
settling their own affairs and that he will
have no advice to offer them on the SUBJ
ject of the contests when he comes here
to attend the banquet after Blackburn S
election next Tuesday.
The story of the engagement of Senator
William Goebel and Miss Corinne Black
burn, daughter of Senator j. G. s. Black
burn, is authoritatively denied.
The House adopted the Senate resolution
providing for the joint committee to in
vestigate the Whallen-Harrell alleged brib-
cry. An amendment was adopted provid-
ing that the speaker should appoint two
Democrats and one Republican on the COM
mittee and requesting the Senate to name
Its part OF the committee the same way
Governor Taylor, through his attorney,
Judge w. II. Yost, filed with the contest
committee a motion to require the Demo-
cratic members now serving on the COM
mittee to vacate. The motion was in the
nature of a formal protest. 1t is supported
by affidavit charging that the names
were fraudulently drawn by the clerk and
the Democratic members now serving are
all disqualified by reason of partfality Tor
the contestant, alleged evidence of which
is mentioned specifically as to each. 1t re-
ferS to the rules of the committee, which,
he says, were so framed as to exclude the
greater part OF his testimony, and charges
in general terms that the trial of the con-
test is about to be made throughout on
partisan lines and without regard to the
merits of the case.
The Republican leaders, while not aban-
doning the fight against Goebel in the
Legislature are eagerly awaiting news
from Washington to what aid the fed
eral government would give the Taylor adj
miniStratiOn in the event GOebel Is seated
by the Legislature. That the Republican
leaders are advising Governor Taylor to
resist in case the Legislature decides in
favor of Goebel, and are promising support
to him Is generally admitted. Maj. A. L.
Wood who Governor Bradley appointed
senator in 1896, but who failed to be seated,
said tonight: Taylor has been elected
ana IL ne Is turned out Dy an drDltrary
board We should not cOuntenance its action.
We should fight, If it be necessary
There was conference tonight of Re-
publican leaders from over the State,
among whom were several prominent fed
erai officeholders, and it is said stronger
pressure is to be brought to bear at Wash
ington in favor of Taylor than has been
heretofore. The sentiment of all those at
tending the conference was decided beili-
cose, and the feeling is somewhat height
ened by the fact that at least three of the
legislative contests are so near completion
tonight as to assure a vote on them next
week and that a majority of them are
nearly certain to be disposed of before the
contests for Governor and Lieutenant Gov
ernor are voted on.