New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-02-06
TAYLOR'S POSITION DEFINED
STATEMENT MADE ON HIS AUTHORITY AM
WITH HIS APPROVAL.

Frankfort. KY. Feb. 5.-The following state
ment in regard to the position taken by the Re
publicans in the present controversy over the
Goyernorshp of Kentucky was made to-day by
one in authority in the Republican party. The
statement was made with the full knowledge
and personal approval of Governor Taylor who
heard every word, and the interview may be
garded, therefore, as official:
The Legislature was convened at London I'M
der plain constitutional provisions. 1t cannot
legally act anywhere else. and all attempted
acts done by any rump Legislature anywhere
else void.
The matter must be amicably settled. or there
is no surrender. The Republican majority is be-
yond question. The Constitution provides that
the one receiving the greatest number of votes
shall be Governor, and by that declaration
MED a trial. was denied a hearing They were
deprived of their rights at the ballot box and
also at every election tribunal in the State. Not
withstandfng all that, they won.
AND every honest man in Kentucky knows
| this to be true. Liberties of the people must
be upheld, under the law If possible but the
| liberties of the people must be upheld No
partisan court has the right to tie the hands of
the Chief Executive of the State and any at
| tempt to do so will be disregarded The lives
| and liberties of the people are in part intrusted
| to the Chief Executive. tbs as much his sworn
| GUY 70 protect these liberties against fraud
| ulent judgments, written to overthrow the will
| OF the people, as it is to protect them from the
| invasion of foreign foe.
| Some criticism has been made against us be-
| cause the Legislature was not allowed to as
| semble. 1t was certainly incumbent upon the
authorities that no such assemblage of men
should be allowed, out of which might grow
further riot and strife. When the Legislature
was ADJOURNED the whole city was convulsed
and IN a frenzy. Both sides were ready for
desperate acts. Threats were heard everywhere
Inc contest Committee denied the counsel right
TO argue, and everything was in chaos and ex-
citenent NO one who was not present and on
the ground can comprehend the great danger
TO life and property If the Legislature had met
amid this excitement and attempted to carry
into erect the partisan decision of the commit
tee. 1t would doubtless in such moments of
passion have acted as hastily and as yindictiyely
| as has the committee
Mr. GoebePs partsans would at once have set
up the claim and title to the Governors office
Anarchy and confusion would have rejgned
among the militia. Divided and torn nv strife
an inevitable conflict would have ensued This
would have converted the city into a veritable
mon. But the Legislature was adjourned II
February q. This gave an Opportunity for
the storm TO pass and passions to cool No ser
or men were INT TO sit in judgment upon the very
questions that had brought about the fearful
| condition at the time that the Legislature was
demanding the right to act What was the
plain duty of the Governor? Could ii have been
anything else than in some heroic way to pre-
vent further boodshed and ruin? This was done
by giving time for the sober second thoughts OF
the people TO assert themselves