Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-02-02
(By Telegraph to vlrsinIan-Pllot.)

Frankfort, Ky. Feb. 1.-Speaker
Trimble. OF the Kentucky House of
Representatives, was seen to-day and
asked for an expression Of the opinion
of Democratic leaders on the action
taken yesterday by Governor Taylor.
He said:
THE Governor has no right under the
constitution to adjourn the Legislature,
as he attempts to do He cannot even
change the place of assembling except
in cases of epidemics or when the upper
and lower houses disagree as to the
place of meeting. Even then his action
must come before the Legislature ma,
assembled.
IF he were Governor of Kentucky
this action would lay him open to Inn
parchment for 1t is an illegal act.
His armed interference with the
Legislature is also in direct defiance of
the law as applicable to the conditions
and he has laid himself open to criml,
nal proceedings.
But we cannot impeach him without
admitting that he is Governor, and he
is no more Governor of kentucky than
President of the United States.
He has gone too far. and If his legal
advisers can prevail upon him he will
recall that proclamation and issue an
other that Is at least within the sem.
blance of legality.
FORCED WITH BAYONETS.
THE best evidence that Taylor knew
his proclamation was invalid was the
way he followed us UP with bayonets
If his declared adjournment had been
legal. then any action we might hav.
taken would have been null and vol:
But he knew his proclamation was an
empty thing. SO he tried to ram 1t down
our threats with bayonets."
Former Governor Bradley Governor
Taylor's contest manager was reporteS
to have opposed the proclamation. He
refuses to be seen, being in concealment
ut the State House.
Senator Barrett Republican leader In
the Senate. guardedly saId
Il do not care to express an oDinion
as to the legality of the Governors
proclamation. / expect that If It Is
found to be impracticable or ineffec-
tive he will withdraw 1t. do not be-
lleve that he would countenance, much
less foster, anything unfair and unlaw
full"
THE GOVERNORS OPINION.
Hon. ]. C. w. Beckham who yester-
day was sworn in by Chief Justice
Hazierirg as Lieutenant-G Governor. and
will sue eed to the Governorship In the
el ent OF Governor Goebel S death, says:
THE proclamation attempting to ad-
journ the Legislature Is lille al and
Governor Taylor knows it. He was
thrown all caution to the winds and is
fighting desperately against the newt
able. This fight has simply cemented
the Democracy of Kentu ky, ami TIE
Il lions of Ia lor since this contest be-
gan cmphaticaliy Prove that the Re-
puhlicans have relic upon force and
! intimidation from the first day Of the
election campaign until now. They
have convicted themselves eyes
of the whole country as they h i d. al
ready been convicted before the Con-
test Board and the people OF Ken
lucky"
OTHER OPINIONS.
Hon. II. B. Muir, a jurist of long and
high standing, says Taylor has ans
crossed his authority, and be ONE a
rcvolutionist. The two houses of the
Legislature. he said can decide when
to adjourn and where 10 reassemble.
Counsel for the contestants have pre-
pared elaborate opinions showing that
Governor Taylor has no authority to
adjourn the Legislature. T. J. McDer-
mott and other leading members Of the
law, agree with them.
EDITORIAL CONDENSATION.
The louisville Post, which supported
Taylor for Governor publishes the fol-
lowing editorial condemnation:
ut is said the Governor will adjourn
the Legislature until February 9th. to
meet then at London. The power to do
SO does not exist. The Legislature, in
regular session, is in session for sixty
days, though it may itself adjourn
sooner. In case of disagreement be-
tween the two Houses the Governor
may adjourn them for not more than
four months.
"The Governor may on extraordinary
occasions convene the General AS
sembIy at the Capitol or elsewhere, but
this power to convene the General AS
sembly is not power to adjourn 1t
when in session.
There Is now but one chart for the
guidance Of all men. officers and cit
liens, and that is the very letter of
the constitution and the laws. The
spirit has departed. but there is only
one long and tedious and rough road
back to order and to peace. The right
or revolution always remains, but 1t is
reserved right. and whep exercised, It
must be the act not of a faction nor
or party. but of the people Revolu
lion as check to revolution already
accomplished under the law is not
practicable remedy.
There is. therefore. at such a time
as TINS the double obligation of strict
obedience to the letter or the law to
its minutest detail The LEGISLATURE
when duly chosen. is the direct repre-
sentative Of the people: the Governor
IS their executive. 1t Is now no time
20 question the authority OF the body at
frankfort. The paople recognize II;