Goebel, William E

ran on the Democratic ticket 1n 1899 against William S. Taylor for Governor of Kentucky. The returns showed a majority of 2,383 in favor of the latter, but the claim of fraud was set up and the contention was carried before an election board that decided in favor of Goebel. In the meantime, however, the certificate of election had been given to Taylor and the other State officers had likewise taken their seats. When the Legislature, which was largely Democratic, convened, January 30, 1900, the two governors were in Frankfort to establish themselves in office. Taylor, having the certificate, took po e ion of the State House and called for troops to protect him in the discharge of his duties as the lawful executive. Fearing that the Legislature, if permitted to a emble, would declare Goebel Governor, Taylor set guards before the Capitol, instructed to allow none of the members to enter. This was the situation on the morning of January 30 when Goebel, accompanied by Colonel Jack Chinn, approached the State House. The two were near the fountain when several shots were fired from a window in the executive mansion, which is separated from the Capitol by a narrow pa age. One of the bullets, evidently from a Winchester rifle, struck Goebel in the right shoulder and, ranging downward, pa ed through the left lung and i ued from the left side. Goebel fell mortally wounded, but survived until seven o’clock of the following Saturday, February 3d. The greatest excitement naturally ensued and civil war was imminent, but cooler counsel prevailed. Taylor offered a personal reward of $500 for the apprehension of the a a in, and the peace officers exerted themselves to find the culprit, but without avail. Taylor adjourned the Legislature to meet at London, Laurel County, and after the death of Goebel, J. C. W. Beckham, the Democrat Lieutenant-Governor, who was now sworn in as Goebel’s succe or, convened the Legislature in Louisville. This change was made nece ary by the pa ions of the people, which were such that a strong force was nece ary to prevent a clash of arms between the opposing factions, Taylor held po e ion of the Frankfort State House by the help of militia, and applied to the Federal Courts (Judge Taft) for an order restraining the Democratic leaders from interfering with his exercise of the functions of the governorship. This application was based upon the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution, but the judge refused the request and referred the matter back to the State Courts for determination. Thereupon Taylor, acting as Governor, recalled the Legislature to Frankfort, where ee ions of the Republican faction were thereafter held, while the Democratic members continued to hold their se ion in Louisville until decision of the Circuit Court was rendered seating Beckham, from which appeal was asked far, but denied. 294