The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1874-04-24
The Arkansas Imbroglio.

ihC hEhuuStts hpto-hOs
The following fIom Little Rock will
give our readers an inkling OF the trou-
BILE in Arkansas, between Brooks and
Bar,or The pugnacious claimants for
the Office Of Governor:
Joseph Brooks, who claims TO have
been elected Governor in 1872, took the
oath Of Office about III o'clock yes
ierday before Chief Justice Mcclure,
aud within five minutes from that time
took iorcible possession of .he Gov
errors Office and elected Governor
Baxter by force. bout one year ago
Brooks commenced snit in the Circuit
Court of Pulaski county for the Office
lof Governor; about the same time the
Attorney General commenced suit
against Governor Baxter by quo tcdr.
ra,itO in the Supreme Court. That court
rendered decision that the courts OF
the State have no power over a contest
ed election for the Office of Governor,
aud il was generally regarded that the
matter was settled so far ne the courts
were concerned. The Legislature in
1872 opened the returns and declared
that Baxter was elected nothing more
was thought of the matter particularly,
until few days ago, when tie attor.
news Of Governor Baxter desired that
he cause in the Circuit Court be taken
up on demurrer, with view Of dispos-
ing of tho same. An understanding
was then had that the demurrer should
he submitted and argued the next week.
On Monday. during the absence OF
Judges English and Compton. the at
torneys of Governor Baxter, Mr.. Whip
Pile, the attorney of Brooks, arose and
stated that IL had been agreed between
himself and the counsel of Governor
Baxter, that demurrer to the iurisdic-
ton of the court should DO submitted.
This, also in the absence. OF Governor
Bakers attorneys, was thought nothing
Of Mt the time.
Yesterday morning about IL o'clock,
when there were but few in the court
rooms, aud neither of the Governors
counsel present, Judge Whytock, an.
nouaced his decision, oveiruling the
demurrer, and none OF ljaxter's coun-
sci being present TO answer, plead or
move for an appeal, judgement of
custer was issued, n writ placed in the
hands Of the Sheriff, and in five mnu-
ties from that time an armed band head
ed by James Brooks was in the Cover
nor's Office demanding possession. The
Governor declined, whereupon forcible
possession was taken and guards placed
at all the entrances TO the Office. In the
meantime General COllarson, who
claims to act as Brooks Adjutant-Gen-
eral, broke in the door Of the armory,
in the same building. and took posses.
sion of about one hundred stands of
arms, the Adjutaht.General (Strong)
of Governor Baxter refusing to give up
the keys. although surrounded by armed
men. Governor Baxter refused to be
elected except by force. and some Of
Mr.. Brooks men took hold Of him and
led him out Since that time Brooks
has had possession of the State House.
Governor Baxter has established hi,
headquarters at st. Johns College, and
il is reported that the State House will
be taken possession of tonight.
The greatest excitement prevails
throughout the city.
The following shows the attitude at
the seat Of war at last advices:
Three hundred mon from Pine Bluff,
fifteen hundred from Washington, one
hundred from Batesvile and fifty from
Saline county, reinforced the Cover
nor's party this morning. The three
hundred men from Pine Bluff are near.
ly all colored men. They came with
colors flying and band playing. The
Governor is now holding a consultation
with his generals. His intention ia to
surround the State House and cut of its
supplies.
The State House party has been press
ing the colored people into service
The Governor says he will prevent
bioodshed, II possible, but "by the Eter-
nal, the insurgents must and will be put
down.
One thousand m orc mo" o-o enpoot
cd on trains this evening.
LITTLE Rock, Aril 2l.--So far the
hostile forces have thrown at each other
nothing more dangerous than yells.--
Baxter aud Brooks are supportA by
about an equal number OF blacks. Fed
eral cannon command two streets. The
Federals restrain the contestants beyond
gunshot. The contestants seem TO bear
the RESTRAINT patiently. Casualties--one
killed BY the fall from q horse another
crushed between cars. Business has
suspended, but the city is quiet.
Congress and the Changers.
The Chicago Tribune advises the
Changers, with whom ii evidently SYM