Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-02-01

The situation in Kentucky is even graver
now than it was when Mr.. Goebel was shot
down The republican governor has tried
to prevent the elimination of the scheme
to evict him from Office and has failed to
the extent of ensuring dual government
ir the state for time. The possibilities of
this situation for evil cannot be overesti-
mated, in view of the ugly temper which
has settled upon the peop.e CT Kentucky.
1t is difficult at present to determine as
to the right and the wrong of the case
The whole wretchcd business goes back to
such remote causes and involves so many
counter-considerati that a reasonable
plea can be raised by each side. Indeed. it
does not matter in this juncture whether
William Taylor is governor by unassailablc
right or William Goebel The fact remains
that the former holds office by virtue Of
a prima face election, and the other claims
office by virtue of an appeal to what mis-
opponents consider a packed court.
The republicans declare that the legis-
lature was properly adjourned by the gov
ernor's proclamation and that its subse-
quent action seating GOebel was therefore
illegal The democrats on the other hand
declare that the governor had no right to
adjourn the legislature and that its acts
are valid notwithstanding the infGrmalitieS
attending them. Thus a question of law
is raised. the answer to which is virtually
the answer to the question of state govern
ment row so perpleXing.
The scenes enacted in Frankfort yester-
day We're most deplorabIe. perverting the
government and debauching the minds of
the people The race through the streets
between soldiers and Legislators was de-
structive of all dignity and force. and
made for disorder at the very time when
there was greatest need for calm and con-
servatism- The great tragedy of the situa-
ton degenerated into a rush for office.
Whether Goebel live or die. whether
Taylor hold to all or part of the gov
ernor's power, it is clear that the state now
faces A grave crisis. The federal govern
ment cannot step in to adjust matters, I'M
less later the factions should precipitate a
state of civil war, jeopardizing the lives
and property of innocent persons and de-
manding intervention for the sake of So
ciety. But even then it could be only in
response to a demand from q representa-
tive authority. The Constitution provides
that the United tates shall guarantee 10
every state in this Union a republican form
of government. and shall protect each
of them against invasion; and on applica-
ton of the legislature, or of the executive
when the Legislature cannot be convenedy
against domestic violence.
AS it now appears. there are two govern
ments in Kentucky, de facto government
and one that claims to b.. the de jure gov
eminent. Should the Gcebelites organize
their government. there would then be yir-
tually two de facto governments, consti-
tuting a state of revolution. 1t is easy to
see how embarrassing would be an appeal
from either of these for federal aid unless
one of them should meanwhile secure from
the state supreme court a decision as to its
legality. Therefore, it is the plain duty of
the factions now to seek a peaceful outlet
from the tangle, by placing the case with
out delay before the highest tribunal quail
fled to hear it, and to abide by Its decision.
Only by this means can a condition of prac-
flcal anarchy be avoided.