New-York tribune., 1900-04-05
K KENTUCKIANS IN A RAGE.
HOT BLOOD AND HOT WORDS IN THE
HOUSE.
AN EXCITING DISCUSSION OF THE PoLIT-
ICAL SITUATION AND THE ASSASsI-
NATION OF GOEBEL-


NATION OF GoEBEL-
Washington April 4.-There was exciting
scene in the House to-day as the climax of
discussion of the rituation In Kentucky. Mr.
Wheeler, a Kentucky Democrat. and Mr.. Pugh
a Kentucky Republican. faced each other from
opposite sides of the main aisle and INDUCED In
a duel of words. Mr. Pugh charged MT
Wheeler with misrepresenting certain facts. He
laborng under great excitement Mt
Wheeler showed admirable temper, and though
quick to resent the fancied insult awaited the
explanation of Mr. Pugh in which he dis
avowed any intention of imputing to him per-
sonally a desire to dstort the facts Through
out the debate, which was precipitated by
speech from Mr. Boreng the other Republican
member from Kentucky. there an air OF
suppressed excitement 1t the first time
the subject had been discussed in the House
and intense interest was manifested
Mr.. Lacey of Iowa. closed the debate with
denunciation of the Goebel law. This incident
overshadowed the other speeches to-day on the
Hawaiian bill. many OF which were irrelevant
Mr.. BoreinA aroused general interest by DIS
cussing the Kentucky situation Holding the
light of civilization before the world as the
United States doing were we. he asked
willing to the torch of liberty extinguished
at the birthplace or Abraham Lincoln ana tie
home of Henry Clay? 1t was with spirit of
acrimony. he s,id, that he referred to the situa-
tion in Kentucky. So far as the Gosbel Election
law of that State concerned. the people Of
Kentucky would be glad to exchange places
with Puerto Rico Hawaii. They were not
asking for Federal interference. They were ask
ing simply for fair election law. He gave notice
to the country that If it was necessary TO get
rid of the Goebel law he would ask for the pas
sage of a Federal election law.
MR. wHCvI FIR DEFENDS THE GOEBEL
LAW.
Mr.. Wheeler replied to him in a fiery speech.
He had sincerely hoped. he said. that the Ken
tucky situation would not be brought 10 the
attention of Congress He admitted that the
situation humiliating 10 every Kentuckian,
but he had hoped that 1t would not De venti
lated here. He eulogized the Goebel Election
law. which had been declared constitutional by
the highest court of the State. Why, he asked.
had the gentleman from Kentucky threatened
the Democrats of Kentucky with Federal cleo
ton Law? Why threaten? Surely If a Federal
election law to be enacted IL would be
fair. The only explanation of the threat was
that it was to be used to terrorize the Demo-
Gratis.
Mr. Boreing disclaimed any intention Of
threa tenng the Democrats, but said the law
must be repealed.
1T will never be repealed said Mr. Wheeler
turning to Mr.. Boreing. If you come back te
Congress you will come back under It. 1t is
there to stay. 1 will put it in The Record that
the people may this malgned and traduced
law, which is similar to the law in other States
Some of its provisions identical with the
Constitution of Ohio" He challenged Mr.. Bore
ing and Mr.. Pugh to point out a single instance
Of fraud rascality under the Goebel law.
Mr. Boreing cited the case of the city of Louis
vile. the vote of which was thrown out.
The city Of Louisville thrown out by the
Legislature" replied Mr. Wheeler. acting under
the provision of the Constitution not the GoebeI
Election law The Election Commission did
not declare Taylor Governor of Kentucky. They
said that on the face of the returns he had the
majority, but that 1t bore such unmistakable
evidence of fraud that if they had the right they
would go behind it and kick him out, the
Did they not issue the certificate to hirn?''
asked Mr. Pugh.
MR.. PUGH REPLIES ANGRLLY.
Certainly they did, but they said it bore
such unmstakable evidences of fraud that if
they had the power to so behind the returns
they would refuse him the certificate
Il don't know that some of them tried to pave
the way for the contest" replied Mr. Pugn
hotly, that was afterward waged on partisan
III tIie 10 the disgrace or
Commonwealth and to the disgrace of you as
citizen thereof" applause the Republican
sde)
That is the gentleman's opinion" retorted
Mr Wheeler, sarcaStiCally. Il would rather be
disSraced, Mr.. Chairman, at any time, by taking
my lot with the Democrats of Kentucky than to
be identified with the who took the life of
Governor GOebel of that State" CApplause ON
the Democratic side0
Are you quite certain that the men who took
the life of Goebel could not be carried to your
own ranks rather than to the Republican partv
in Kentucky?' asked Mr.. Pugh livid with ex-
element amid derisve laughter on the Demo-
cratic side
Nobody believes that" shouted some one on
the Democratic side.
do you say nobody believes that?" asked Mr.
Pugh, facing the Democratic side Was not
more bitter contest waged against Mr. GoebeI
in that State by his own party than was waged
in the Republican ranks? Was he not de-
nounced more from every stump in the State Of
Kentucky by Democrats than by Republicans?"
That is true Mr.. Chairman" said Mr.
Wheeler. applause on the Republican side)
1t has been the fate of every great man who
was true to the interest of the people to incur
the implacabe hostility Of hrengs and cor
ruptionists, ii matters not where he has been
applause on the Democratic side) And the
worst element of the Democratic party did as
sail him, but thank Cod he received 1872 600
votes. 10000 more votes than were ever given
TO Democratic candidate for Governor in Ken
lucky before. That shows whether or not he