The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1900-02-03
uNDIsPuTED FACTS.

The bitterly partisan observer of events
in Kentucky will brook no reasoning
from causes to consequences. This, as
general proposition, remains true in spite
of the blood that has already been shed
and that may yet be shed before peace
and order have been restored. But with
citizens who have not the madness Of
partisan politics In their blood, and who,
while adhering to the fortunes of their
party, are not susceptible to being wholly
blinded in political controversy, 1t is not
so. To them the situation that exists
appeals as demanding the thought and
action of patriots, rather than Of par
tisans.
Are there no facts IN this shameful
strife upon which such men may agree?
Let us see: Acting Gov. Taylor was
duly decreed under the law by the cleo
ton board to be the only constituted ex-
ecutive of the state. That adjudication
has been accepted by both Sides So far
the so-called Goebel election law has
been regarded as worthy of respect and
observance by both sides, whatever in
dividual men may think of it. Under that
law an appeal lies to the state legisla-
ture. That appeal has been taken. AS
the result of that appeal, whether right
fully or wrongfully, justly or unjustTy,
majority of both houses, acting in Joint
session, going behind the election re-
turns (Which the election board declared
the law did not permit being done by
ITSELF. decided that William Goebel was
the legal executive of the state.
So far there Is no dispute as to the
facts of the political situation.
Taking the incidental circumstances;
what facts, If any, are beyond dispute?
Let us see: The state of public senti
ment in Kentucky has throughout been
such as to incite men of both parties to
violence. Aside from threats made no
actual Violence took place, arising direct
ly from the political controversy, save
alone the attempted sassination of tbe
Democratic candidate for the Office Of
governor. State troops had been called
out by the acting governor during the
election and after A large body of armed
men, adherents of acting Gov Tay
Tor, acting in concert, appeared in tho
state capital from outside counties, as
sembled on the state capitol grounds.
addressed petition or remonstrance to
the state assembly, declaring that thew
hahds OF the legislature Just action, ac
cording to their understanding. thew inti-
mated. involved the seating of Mr. Tav-
Tor as the de Jure as well as the de facto
governor, and also the similar seating
OF the de facto lieutenant governor. The
armed adherents of both sides walked tbe
streets of Frankfort during all these o.
currences
This was the situation up to the shoot
Ing of Mr.. Goebel.
Inc shot which has brought that gen.
tieman face to face with death. and
winch may at any moment result fatally
was hired from the building occupied by
the offices Of the executive officials rem
presented by Mr.. Taylor No other class
OF citizens resorted to that building Mr.
Taylor's adherents, many If not all. Of
them armed. who had come from
outside communities, found Judgment IN
that building during their stay In Frank
fort. They had access to 1t all times.
day and right.
When Senator GoebeI was shot down.
the state troops, then under arms in
Frankfort, acting under orders. sur
rounded the building and arrested one
man making his exit from it. They also
took possession Of the state capitol and
denied access thereto to the Democratic
members CT the legislature, or, indeed
to any one not armed with pass. They
also prevented these men by force from
assembling in different other buildings
In the city.
AT this juncture. no overt acts OF yio-
1ence having been committed, save the
shooting of Senator Goebel, the acting
governor, declaring that a state of insur-
rection existed IN the state and especial