The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1900-01-31

of Goebel has been predicted for months
so that 1t would hardly be correct to say
that it was altogether unexpected. The
reorganization of the militia of the state
by Bradley during the latter part Of Lis
administration, placing the military af-
fairs of the state upon substantially Re-
publican partisan basis; the impcrta ton
of armed ruffians from the mountains
into Frankfort within the last few days;
their indefensible conduct whilst in the
capital city, coupled with threats of re-
sort TO violence and force, all point to
elimination like this Whether sig
niflcant or not, 1t Is particularly unfor-
tunate that the shots of the assassin
should have been fired from the building
exclusively occupied by Gov. Taylor and
other Republican state officials. Unless
the assassin can be identified, the public
will naturally conclude that 1t was pre-
arranged, and the building filled with
those who would protect the perpetrator
from Identification
II doubt not that the greatest excite
ment prevails in the city of Frankfort,
but sincerely trust that the supporters
of Mr.. Goebel will not allow themselves
to be betrayed into any act of violence or
any transgression of the law. The situa-
ton is indeed a serious one, but their
course is plain. They should proceed with
the contest for state offices until final
decision is reached by the tribunals estab-
lished by law for its determination. The
Democrats of Kentucky up TO this me
have kept themselves in the prosecu ion
Of this contest strictly within the mits
of the law. This, l hope, and doubt not,
they will continue to do.
at cannot be doubted that the attack
upon Mr. Goebel's life was deliberately
planned and attempted, because of the
conviction In the public mind that the
close of the testimony i'll The contest case
insured the award of the goVernorShip
to him by the legislature. From the latesc
reports by telegraph and telephone L am
much encouraged in the hope of Mr.. Goe-
bells recovery. Whether he lives or dies,
the effect of this cowardly attempt upca
his life, with all the conditions that sur
round it, cannot but prove diSaStr US TO
the Republican party in its contention
l have telephoned our friends at Frank
fort, urging them to commit no act or
violence but to continue to insist that the
law shall take its course, not only In de-
termining the contest for state offices, but
In the punishment of those who have re-
sorted to assassination
There is not the slightest disposition
on the part of the administration to in
terfere In Kentucky affairs even In the
view Of the lamentable events of today.
In the words Of member Of the cabinet,
Kentucky will be left to manage her own
affairs. There will be no federal troops
sent into the state except upon cali
from the legislatures after the regular
constitutional method, and the offlcials
here regard the possibility of such call
as too remote to be entertained. In the
event that troops are needed, the gov
eminent should be obliged to go as far
as st. Louis for them. The nearest post
th6rQ
are only four companies Of the Second
infantry; at Chicago there is one battery
of artillery land four companies OF the
Fifth. infantry; at Columbus barracks
there is one company of the Seven IN
fantry, and at Jefferson barracks one
troop, A, Sixth cavalry. Not all OF these
could be spared at one time, even if they
were wanted.
MIR. BRYAN'S COMMENT.
BOSTON, Jan SO-At the close of the
reception in his honor, given by the
Democratic state committee In Faneult
hall this afternoon, William j. Bryan
was shown the Associated Press as
patch announcing that Senator Geebel,
of Kentucky, had been shot. Mr.. Bryan
made the following statement:
at is shocking, shocking! | trust that
the shot VIII not prove fatal. Mr.. Goe-
bel made a great fight against fierceNop-
position, and feeling was wrought up to
a high pitch, but l had no thought of
assassination being resorted to. 1t prob
ably was the individual act of some Bit
ter political opponent. l cannot assume
or believe that any considerable number
of Republicans or anti-Goebel Democrats
would counsel or excuse such an act l
sincerely hope that the Democrats Will
not allow the excitement or resentment
to lead them to acts of violence. We can
afford to permit Republicans to enjoy
the monopoly of force and threats. Let
the law deal with those who violate the
r1,,.