Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1908-01-09
GOVERNOR FLiYS OUTLAWRY
New Chief Executive Of Kentucky
Condemns Reign Of Terror.
DRIVES PEOPLE OUT OF STATE
Makes Liberty an Idle Theory and
Farce, Reaetins Upoa Perpe-
tratOrs-PIedEez HiseIf to
Law and order.

FRANKFORT Ky. Jan s-The first
message OF Governor A r. Wilson
% the general assembly was read
today in both houses. IN addition 20 re-
concentrations covering the reforms to
which he pledged himself during the cam
paign large portion Of the document is
devoted 10 a stirring recital Of the law
iessness which has developed IN the to-
oacco war, accompanied by vigorous de-
nunciation Of the nalefacrors anu two
specific recommendations having for their
object the breaking Up Of the trouble.
After recounung these various 0uJrages
the governor sums up as follows:
In the meantime. not a benefit has re-
suited 70 the oppressed farmers from those
acts or violence and intimidation Even
nose VINO were members OF. the association
-aFe their property tied up and liberty.
In places threatened bv these bands. is an
lule theory and farce. Factories and ware
houses which the farmers warmly vel
coined have been burned and many others
closed forever.
Our tobacco market IS nearly DESTROYED.
Large customers are being taught that 10
+ saier and better 90 buy elsewhere large
crops remain unsUlu- managers who have
been promised large prices for pooled crops
above the market price. have seen the
buyers driven from the field and no one
can tell when the end win come. but every
one can see that the results up 90 this
time are that ulIr markets not only for
tobacco, but for other products. are par
a4yzeu- and in many cases ruined. that IN
large districts the law has been wholly
oVertnroWn and the poor people whO have
no one to take care Of them. ara deprived
Of the protection Of the laws and have
lost their liberty ana are helpless. that
me price Of nearly every acre of good land
Ia Kentucky has gone down 50 that thOus-
ands OF people wish 70 move out Of Ken
lucky 10 states where they hope Il Is
SAFER 20 live and the flower Of our working
people wishes 70 leave the state as thous-
cessary 10 aliay the fears Of thousands OF
people, even in large city like Hopkins
vile. TO Keep a company Of militia on duty
az great expense. and with hardship on the
young men who are taken from their ordi-
nary business and work. THAI laWless and
Unprincipled men have been constantly
ready 10 break out in several counties.
unrestrained by law or public sentiment
and that the people = Kentucky have sud
denly and squarely to face the question
whether the laws Of more than 1.ptJ.pJ0,
or the violence Of a few hundreds shaIl
prevail.
Liberty Nest Precious Asset.
There can De no doubt Of the final re-
suit. Our people desire the fun protection
OF the law and love their liberty. and feel
that they had better lose not only pari
OF the value Of their tobacco. but even
their farms rather than lose their liberties
The only question left is whether this snail
be soon or long delayed. whether Il shall
be az once. 20 prevent tlrtner injury or or
whether continuing for months. i snan
practically destroy the business and prop
erty value Of the whole people and deci-
mate our population by removals TO other
statas.
The executive will faithfully uphold the
law. but Il Is the peoples law and Its
strength is in their support OF their own
laws
The message then makes specific recon-
mendations for amending the statutes gov
erning change OF venue that the grant
ing Of such change becomes imperative
upon any Judge where laWlessness or in
timidation hinder prompt and fair trials
also appointment OF a commission with
full power 70 investigate the economic
causes leading up TO the tobacco troubles.
that is 20 ascertain whether there has &C
tuany been an overproductiOn or whether
the prices have been forced down by a
trust or combination Of buyers
on temperance the message recommends
a local option law. with the county as the
unit also important changes In the laws
governing registration and elections and
compulsory publicity Of campaign contribu-
tons.