The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1900-02-03
DEMOCRATIC LEGISLATURE


Held Meeting and Reafarmed the
Election of Goebel asd Beckham.
VIII Meet Again Monday-No Re-
sistance to Arrest VIII Be Made,
and No Attempt to Hold Sessions
in State House.
FRANKFORT. KY, Feb. 2.-The
Democratic members of the legislature
to-day Effected regular organization
for the first time since the swearing in
OF Governor Goebel. A secret session of
the members Of both houses was held
in one Of the parlors Of the Capitol ho-
tel. at which the election OF William
Goebel as governor. and ]. C. W. Beck
ham. as lieutenant governor, was re-
affirmed, first In separate sessions of
the house and senate, and afterward in
Joint session.
Preceding this action the members Of
the senate elected as president pro-
tenn Senator Carter. who was nomIna-
ted for that position at yesterdays
caucus A committee Of the members
of the house, composed of Representa-
tIves Finn, Lafferty and Cochran, was
also appointed to draw up set OF res
olutIons, showing the condition of at
fairs as 1t exists at the state capitol to-
day, and covering thoroughly the DEM
ocratic side OF the controversy. These
resolutions will be formally presented
to the next session OF the Democratic
members Of the legislature to be held
Monday.
The session, which lasted for nearly
two hours, was kept as secret as posi-
bic, for fear of possible conflict Fur
ther sessions will be held Monday, ad-
iournment being taken until that time,
and probably no further attempt will
be made to hold sessions In the state
house. AFTER 1atIfylng their former ac-
tions to be taken in regard to the ses-
sion of the legislature called by Cover
nor Taylor at London, next Tuesday.
Though none of those who attended
the caucus cared to discuss the mat
ter. It seems to be well understood
amous the Democratic members of the
legislature that the session at London
will be ignored altogether by them and
that no Democrat will attend until
compelled to do So"
No Formal Demands.
It was practically decided that no
more formal demands will be made to
hold sessions OF the legislature in the
state house by the Democratic members
in the body. who will, however. con-
tlnue to hold sessions at so;Ae conyen-
lent place until the political atmos-
phere has cleared. This plan Of action
was decided upon to forestal any at
tempt on the part of the Republicans to
arrest them and compel their attend
ance at London. which action, accord
ing to the Democratic members, has
been determined on by Governor Tay-
lor.
II arrests are attempted, no resist
ance VIII be made by the Democrats,
either TO arrest, or to attending the ses-
sion at London should they be arrest
ed. 1t was determined that all acts Of
violence should be avoided, and that
the battle for supremacy hereafter
should be fought out in the courts.
Nevertheless, the situation tonight is
regarded as grave by members Of both
parties, and no one is willing to forecast
the result of the anticipated clash Of
authority between Governor Taylor
aud the state courts.
Some action is expected at the session
Monday in regard to the Offering of a
reward Of $4,000 for the arrest and
conviction OF the would-be assassin Of
Governor Goebel. The Democratic lead
ers, to a man, are in favor of such ac-
ton, and although only small proper
tlon Of the rank and file Of the Demo-
cratic Legislators have been consulted
in the matter. it is considered probable
that favorable action viii be taken on
the matter when It is brought before
them in regular session.
National Committeeman Urcy Wood
son, who is one OF the chief advocates
of the measure. said tonight that he
had little doubt that the reward would
be offered.