The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1900-08-04
THE TRUE ISSUE.

The PROPOSAL for the amendment of the
Goebel law in Kentucky is being received
with some expressions of doubt as to the
sincerity of the Democrats In their desire
to relieve the law Of IT'S most objection
able features. But there can be no ques-
ton seriously raised as to the entire sim
cerity Of the present officials of Kentucky
in desiring to have the law changed SO as
to render the election boards wholly non
partisan bodies. At no period since the
first serious controversy grew out of the
Goebel law have the Democrats hesitated
in the expression of their willingness to
secure such changes in the law as to
place it out of the power of any cleo
ton body to do wrong under its pro-
visions.
Not one in one hundred of those who
denounce the Goebel law understands
even its main provisions. 1t is little
worse in actual operation than any other
election law now In existence, or that
ever prevailed either in Kentucky or else
where which was designed to give par
tisan advantage to those under whose
auspices it was designed to be executed.
At least on one occasion when the ma
jority of the board declared its unwilling
ness to assume any judicial functions,
and gave the certificates of election to
those entitled to them on the face of the
returns, Republicans were willing to ac-
Cd afoor ha Iouy
which that refusal offered to them. It
was not until a partisan majority Of the
legislature decided to award the several
offices to the present incumbents that
the real enormity of the Goebel law i'm
pressed itself on the Republican under
standing in Kentucky and elsewhere.
The law is a pernicious enactment as it
stands All enactments which have any
tendency whatever to encourage or IA
cilitate the practice of fraud in connec-
ton with the ballot box are wrong and
should be condemned. There was no
public sentiment in Kentucky when the
law was enacted which made Its unfair
ness as plain as 1t has become since. That
those in power have taken the promptest
steps available to secure the amendment
of the law is the best evidence of their
coed faith that can be offered.
There can be no issue made on that law
in the prevailing campaign if it is re-
elieved of all its objectionable features.
The rancor which attaches to Kentucky
politics should be alayed at the ear
Hest possible moment If the campaign
could be made to turn on the readiness
of either side to secure the enactment and
enforcement of such laws as would put
an end to the practice of carrying fire.
arms, and of adjusting personal and po-
litical quarrels at the muzzle of the re-
volver and shot gun, then serious gain
would be made In the cause of good gov
eminent, and the state of Kentucky
would be materially the gamer in all
that relates to It's good repute Until 1t
gets rid of its reputation as the home of
the political assassin and the hotbed of
private and political -endetta. there is lit
tie to be gained by the success either of
Republicans or Democrats.
With the Goebel law properly amended
there is no question of paramount i'm
portance that can be settled as the result
of The election save the one as to whether
the social conditions which lead in