Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1874-04-23

from Gov. Baxter to the President indicates
the grounds of this proceeding:
LITTLE Rock, April Is. 1874.
To the President Of the United States:
L have been advised by public rumor that in the
State Circuit Court for this county, in a long
pending suit brought by Joseph Brooks for
the Office of Governor of this State, de-
murrer to the complaint was overruled
given. This was done in the absence Of counsel
for me and without notice. Immediately there
after the Circuit Judge adjourned his court. The
claimant has taken possession of the State build
ings and elected me by force | propose to take
measures Immediately TO resume possession of the
State property, and TO maintain my authority as
the rightful Governor of the State. Armed men,
acting under this revolutionary movement, are
now in charge Of the Government Armory and
Capitol building. | deem it my duty TO COM
municate this state of affairs 10 the PresI
dent. l trust this revolutionary act may be set
tied without bloodshed. l respectfully ask the
support of the General Government in my efforts
10 maintain the rightful Government of the State
of Arkansas, and that the commander OF the
United States Arsenal at this post be directed TO
sustain me in this direction respectfully request
reply to this communication at an early moment.
(Signed) ELISHA BAXTER,
Governor Of Arkansas.
a later dispatch says that Gov. Baxter had
taken possession of public building as head
quarters, that he had declared martial law,
and that an onward movement would be made
upon Brooks and the party holding the State
House on the following day.
A fearful tornado visited Nashville, Tenn,
and other places in that latitude on the 18TH
Much damage to property resulted in Nash
vile, and it was thought considerable loss OF
life. The storm crushed in the fronts OF sew
eral buildings, and lifting large livery stable
from its foundations carried it into the ba ok
water of the river, drowning several horses.
The damage ia the city was estimated at
100000.
In the Sanborn investigation, on the 10th
John L. Pendrey. practicing attorney OF
Leavenworth, Kan, testified that when he was
at one time seeking a contract to collect
moneys due to the Government by certain
corporations Secretary Boutwell, referred
the subject to Banfeld. The witness called
on Banfield from time to time, and at his re-
quest produced the papers on which his charge
was based. Boutwell, went out of office with
out arranging the matter. Pursuing the sub
iect the witness called on the President, who
said that he would see Secretary Richardson. In
the meantime Mr.. Richardson informed the wit
ness that he fully understood the case. Banfeld
had stated that there was great deal of money
Ill TIC CdSCs anu Sdlu liz "Oulu 1hlAO" "1IhNCO
80 per cent. on the first 100000 and 25 per
cent. on the remainder. The witness, during
his examination, said every contract he asked
for had been given to SanbOrn on the recon-
mendation of Banfield. After the conclusion
of Pendrey's testimony the committee closed
the investigation, reserving the privilege to
Secretary Richardson and Mr.. Coughlin to ap-
pear if they desire to do so.
In the ease of the alleged conspiracy of the
Union of Titusville, Pa,
against the Daily Courier, of that city, twelve
of the printers have been sentenced to twenty
four hours in jail and a fine of forty dollars
each.
Delegations of planters from the river par
ishes bordering on the Ouachita and Red Rivers
as well as from parishes bordering on the
Mississippi River waited on Gov. Kellogg
at New Orleans on the 10Th, stating that their
cattle and stock had all been drowned, their
lands and houses inundated, and themselves
and their laborers reduced to restitution by
the unprecedented flood. They asked that the
United States military authorities be requested
to issue rations to the sufferers.
Little Rock, Ark, dispatches of the 10th
say there was little change in the condition of
affairs. Gov. Baxter still occupied st. Johns
College, and was making preparations to
sustain himself Mr.. Brooks held the State
House with two pieces of artillery and about
200 men. Brooks issued proclamation de-
filming his position, and Baxter a proclama-
ton declaring martial law. The latter had
surrounded the State House with a Gordon of
sentinels, and it was thought would have
1000 men at his command by the following
day. a later dispatch says that Gov. Bax-
ter's forces had just taken possession of the
telegraph office. The President had replied to
the demand of Gov. Baxter, asking for the
support of the Government that his call was
not made in conformity with the Constitu-
ton and laws of the United States, and that
he could give no aid under the circum stances.
To Mr.. Brooks, who made similar demand,
he made reply declining to comply with his
request, on the ground that his right to hold
the office had not been fully and finally de-
cided by the courts of Arkansas. The com
handing officer at Little Rock had been in
structed to take no steps whatever to inter
fere in the pending troubles, except to pre-
serve the public peace.
A private dispatch received at Raleigh, n.
c., on the 18th reports severe and
heavy rumblings in Bald and Stone
Mountains on the previous day. The trem-
bling of the earth was felt more than 100
miles from the mountains. The shocks
were more severe than before, and it was firm
Iy believed by scientists that an eruption was
imminent.
A Little Rock dispatch of the 18th reports
little change in the situation in Arkansas.
Both Governors were surrounded by bodies of
men armed to the teeth, but both evidently
considered discretion the better part of valor.
The Federal troops had been ordered to watch
events, taking sides with neither, but ready to
prevent bloodshed. The Postmaster had de-
clined to deliver mail matter to either, but had
telegraphed to Washington for instructions
Judge Whylock, of the Circuit Court, had
overruled the motion to set aside the judg
ment in the Brooks-Baxter case, and sustained
a motion to correct the record so as tC
show that the demurrer was submitted
without the knowledge of Baxter q
his attorneys. The bar held a meeting
on the 18th and passed severe resolutions
against Whipple, Brooks attorney, for hi:
| non-professional conduct, and also agains
the court for its action in the absence of Gov
/ ernor's counsel. The citizens of Little Rock
/ had issued a proclamation reciting recent
events and calling upon the citizens OF
/ the State to sustain Gov. Baxter. Late
in the evening the Postmaster-Ge General
| instructed the Postmaster at Little Rock that
| letters addressed to Governor Baxter OF
/ Governor of Arlyo