The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-02-04
EFFECT OF GOEBEL's DEATH.
Views Of Senator Lindsay and Ken
lucky Representatives.

WASHINGTON. Feb. 3.-without regard
to party the death of William Goebel is
universally deplored here. His game strug-
gle for life after the assassin's bullet laid
him low has been watched with admira
ton, and when the bulletins were posted
tonight announcing his death political
friends and foes united in expressions of
regret. 1t was discussed wherever politi-
clans congregated, and there was much
speculation as to the effect his death
would have the conflict over the Gov
ernorship. The members of the Kentucky
delegation in Congress have been generally
reticent about expressing their views since
the tragedy, but tonight all joined in sim
cerely deploring the death of the Demo-
cratic leader. Neither Senator Deboe nor
Representative Pugh, two of the three Re-
publicans of the delegation, could be seen
tonight.
Senator Lindsay, who did not support
Goebel in the contest last fall, was disin-
clined to be interviewed concerning the ef
feet of Goebers death on the situation lest
something he might say would serve to
aggravate matters at Frankfort. He did
say. however. that If what the Legislature
Goebers death changed the situation. He
was asked what effect Goebers death
would have in case the act of Taylor in adj
journing the Legislature was upheld by the
courts. Beyond replying In an offhand way
that ordinarily in a contest the death of
one of the principals abated the contest.
Senator Lindsay declined to discuss the
proposition.
Representative Smith, of Kentucky, a
warm supporter of Goebel. said: 1.-THE con-
test before the Legislature determined who
was elected Governor last November. The
Constitution of Kentucky provides that If
the Governor shall be impeached, removed
from Office. die. refuse to qualify. or re-
sign, ETC., the lieutenant governor shall ex-
ercise all the power appertaining to Gov
ernor. Governor Goebel having been de-
clared duly elected, and having qualified
as Governor, there can be no question but
that the lieutenant governor will be en-
titled to exercise the functions of Governor
until Governor can be elected next No
vember."
"In case the court should decide that
Taylor had the power to adjourn the Leg
islature, what effect will Goebel's death
have upon the contest?"
1.-THE contest remains then undetermined.
Goebers death will not affect the question
in any way. The issue in that contest is
whether Taylor or Goebel was elected.
When the Legislature answers that issue
and says Taylor was not elected and
Goebel was. that, In my judgment, ter
inmates his authority Governor, and
Goebel, having died in the meantime, the
n N w lie
ascertained to be Lieutenant Governor.
Representative Berry, of Kentucky, said
Mr.. GoebePs death was shock to every
Rentuckian in Washington, myself in
cluded, and hope it will have the effect,
sad the occurrence is, of unifying the
Democratic party in Kentucky and guar
anteeing large majority for the pres
idential ticket next fall. GoebePs death
will have no effect on the situation In Ken
lucky If the contention of the Democrats
is sustained by the courts, and If the
courts do not sustain Ii the contest must
still be decided by the Legislature. II 1t
declares that Goebel was elected and not
Taylor, then Beckham, as Lieutenant Gov
ernor, will be Governor until next fail,
when there will be special election. The
law of Kentucky provides that the Gove--
nor shall serve four years. If he dies, re-
signs or is removed before he has served
two years, then n special 'election occurs in
the succeeding November; If after having
served two years, then the Lieutenant Cow
ernor fills out his term. Beckham. there
fore, could only serve until next fall
Representative Boreing, of London, KY,
the other Republican member from that
State. was unprepared to say what effect
the death of Mr.. Goebel would have on the
situation. He hoped, however, now that
everyone had had time to reflect, the ques-
ton of the governorship would be peace
ably settled. A peaceful solution of the
difficulty was more to be desired than that
any one particular man should be declared
Governor. With regard TO the statements
made under oath as to the lawlessness of
London and vicinity, Mr. Boreing said he
regarded them as slanderous. London was
a local option town. where liquor had not
been sold for twenty-five years. The peo-
pie there were low-abiding citizens, and
there had not been a homicide there in
twenty years. The inhabitants of Laurel
and all the adjoining counties with the ex-
ception of Clay. were of a like character,
and their first thought would be to preserve
the peace. There had never been any feuds
in these counties. Clay excepted, within his
memory. The Legislature. when it meets
there. he said, will be as safe as IL would
be at Frankfort. Mr.. Goebel had delivered
a political address at London and was given
as courteous reception there as any where