Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1874-04-23
REVOLUTION IN ARKANSAS.
The Governor Elected from the
Capitol.
An Armed Force Under Brooks in
Possession of the State
Buildings.
LITTLE Rock, Ark, April Is.

LITTLE Rock, Ark, April Is.
Joseph Brooks, who claims to have
been elected Governor in 1872, took
the oath of office, about 11'oclock to-
day, before Chief Justice Mcclure,
and within five minutes from that
, time took forcible possession of the
Governors office, and elected Cover
nor Baxter by force. About one
year ago, Brooks commenced o suit
in the Circuit Court of Pulaski coun-
| ty for the office of Governor. About
the same time, the Attorney General
commenced suit against Governor
| Baxter by quo l0arrant0 in the Su-
preme Court. That Court rendered
decision that the Courts of the
State had no power over a contested
election for the office for Governor,
and 1T was generally regarded shat
the matter was settled, 80 far as the
Courts were concerned. The Legis-
lature in 1873 opened the returns,
and declared that Baxter was elected.
Nothing more was thought Of the
matter particularly, until g few days
ago, when the Governor attorneys
desired that the case in the Circuit
Court be>taken up on demurrer,
with view of disposing of the
same. The understanding was then
had that the demurrer should be sub
mitted and argued next week on
Monday. During the absence of
Judge English and Compton, the at
torneys Of Gov. Baxter. Mr. Whip
pie, the attorney of Brooks arose
and stated that it had been agreed
between himself and the council of
Gov Baxter, that q demurrer to the
jurisdiction of the court shoald be
submitted. This, although in the abb
sence of Gov. Bakers attorneys,
was thought nothing of at the time.
Yesterday morning about eleven
O'Clock, when there were few in the
court room, and neither of the Gov
errors counsel were present, Judge
Wheelock announced his decision
overriding the demurrer, and none Of
Baxter's counsel being present to
answer, plead over or move for APP
peal, Judgment Of custer was issued
and writ placed in the hands of the
sheriff, and in five minutes from that
time and armed band, bead by James
Brooks, were in the Governors office,
demanding possession. The Covers
nor declined, whereupon forcibe pos
session was taken and guards placed
at all the entrances to the office. In
the meantime, General Cotterson,
who claimed to act as Brooks AdJu
tant General, broke in the door Of
the armory in the same building, and
took possession of about one hun
dred stand Of arms, the Adjutant
General (Strong) Of Gov. Baxter, re-
fusing to give up his keys. Although
surrounded by an armed band, Gov.
Baxter refused to be elected except
by force. Some of Mr.. Brooks men
took hold Of him and led him out.
Since that time Brooksshas had pos
session Of the State house. Gov.
Baxter has established his headquar-
ters at St. Jones College, and it is re-
ported that the State House viii be
taken possession of tonight. The
greatest excitement prevails through
out the city. The following dispatch
wrs sent by the Governor to the
President
LITTLE Rock, April 10, 1874.
To tie President oft United States
I have been advised by public rumor that in
the State Circuit Court for this county, in the
long pending case brought by Joseph Brooks
for the office of Governor of this State, de-
murrer to complaint was overruled, and an
immediate Judgment of custer against me CIV
en-. This was done in the absence of counsel
for me, and without notice ard Immediately
thereafter the Circuit Judge adjourned his
court. The caiment has taken possession of
the State building and elected me by force.
propose to take measures Immediately to res
ume possession Of the State property, and to
maintain my authority as righttu Governor Of
this State. Armed men, acting under this
revolutionary movement, are now in charge OF
the Cover nment armory and Capitol bui lding.
| deem it my duty to communicate this state
of affairs to the President. | trust this revo-
lutionary act may be settled without blood
she'd | respectfully ask the support of the
general government in my efforts to maintain
the rightful government of the State of Ar
kansas, and that the commander the United
tain me in this direction. | respectfully re-
quest areply TO this communication at an early
moment.
(Signed) f. BAXTER,
Governor of Arkansas.