The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-05-25

that this amendment will be defeated IN
the Senate on the point of order that 1t is
new legislation. but if no Senator should
raise that point Speaker Henderson prob
ably will give 1t its quetus when 1t
reaches the House
Senator Blackburn's Timely Move
No surprise was caused in well-informed
circles in Washington by the announce
ment from Kentucky that Senator elect
Blackburn has come out strongly in favor
CT material notifications OF the Goebel
election laws. 1t has been known all along
that Senator Blackburn has been aupre-
hensive Of the possibly serious results ii
the next election IL the code OF laws bear
ing the name OF the murdered Kentucky
leader were kept intact on the statutes.
No test of these laws has yet been made
in the Federal courts. The Beckham- Tay-
lor contest, recently decided by the Su-
preme Court did not touch upon the merits
OF them. 1t is feared by many r-seeing
Democrats that IL the contest between
Bryan and Mckinley should depend upon
the thirteen electoral votes of Kentucky
the Republican majority in the House
would exercise the enlarged privilege be-
slowed upon Congress by the Tucker act
and either throw. out the returns from Ken
lucky, If they showed a majority for Bry-
an. or reverse the result and give the thlr-
teen votes to Mckinley basing their action
upon the contention that the Goebel laws
wereunjust and Unconstitutional. This maj
ter has been very freely discussed by the
managers OF both parties. and 1t is be-
lieved that Senator Blackburn's earnest
advice to his friends at home to call
special session of the Legislature for the
repeal of the Goebel laws was inspired by
tn mol
ton probably will arouse a storm OF pro-
test in Kentucky. While Goebel was in
reality not the author of the laws that
bear his name, but merely engineered them
through the Legislature at Frankfort of
which he was a member his large per-
sonal following, now that he Is dead,
view with deep sentimental regard every
thing that bears his name or the imprint
of his masterful genius. Senator Black
burn is aware of this. Nobody understands
the Kentucky temperament better than he
does. Hence, it requires courage for him
to lead the assault on the Goebel election
laws but having started, it is believed he
will push the fight vigorously.
Is Nebraska Doubtful:-The Demo-
cratic managers appear to be growing I'M
easy about Nebraska. The split in the
Populist party has deranged things con-
siderably in Mr.. Bryans State. If the
Barker and Donnelly ticket is kept in the
feid-and the Republican managers will
see to it that 1t is-the MidRoaders will
poll several thousand votes in Nebraska.
Unless the fusion accessions are heavier
than heretofore has been contemplated this
prosDect shows Nebraska to be doubtful
ground 1t is interesting to analyZe the
eccentrcties which have marked elections
in Nebraska since Mr. Bryan became
dominant factor in that State The last
notable Republican victory was achieved in
1855. That was when the issues between
the Democrats and Republicans were
sharply defined. and the Republican State
ticket was victorious by an average ma
jority of 25CC0. Previous to 1890 the State
was considered safely Republican. In that
year the prohibition issue fastened itself
upon the Republican organization in Nc
braska. and there was tremendous slump
in the State election. Three tickets were |
in the field, and the returns showed ap-
proyimately these results: Republicans.
60 .O00 Democrats. 7l.GG0: Populists. 10000 |
In 1896 the fusion arrangements between
the Democrats ard PoDGlists were COM
plete. and the head OF the State tcket-a
Populst-received a majority of 20.OG0.
while Mr. Bryan carried the State by only
IL, COO. In 1898 the fusionists again carried
their State ticket through with an average
majority of only ESQ. but lost the Legis-
lature to the Republicans with a majority
of l3 on joint ballot. Last year the flu
sion forces were again successful, but by
reduced maiorities. ranging from LOCO to
Ii. O00. In the November election Legis-
lature is to be elected which Is to choose
two United States Senators. The Repub-
licans are going TO devote all Of their at
tention to the Legislature. Their national
managers at present do not bsiieve they
will need the electoral vote OF Nebraska
and they are giving that end of the game
very little notice. 1t is conceded that the
Republican State ticket recently nomi-
mated is strong and well balanced. 1t is |
headed by German, who has consistently
fought prohibition. This, it is thought |
guarantees the fun German vote to the |
State ticket 1t may also be strong enough |
to pull the legislative tickets through in |
close districts. In view of the conditions |!
here briefly set forth. it is natural that the |
managers should begin to give |
clree attention to Nebraska.