The Andrew County Republican. [volume] (Savannah, Mo.) 1871-1876, 1874-04-24
TIE GOrERNOR OF ARKANSAS DE

POSED.
News of q startling and wholly unexpected
nature comes from Arkansas. By a revolu-
tionary movement that has already caused
serious complications. the former State ad-
ministration under Gov. Baxter has been
elected by force from the public Offices, and
Joseph Brooks, a rival claimant, is in full pos
session. Brooks claim to the office of Cover
nor dates back to the fail Of 1872. A judicial
decision was accepted by the Baxter party as
ending the contest; bnt Brooks, it appears,
had no intention of resisning his claim to the
Office, and on Monday Of last week, during the
absence Of Bakers counsel, the attorney for
Brooks arose in the Circuit Court and stated
that it had been agreed between himself and
counsel of Gov. Baxter that a demurrer to the
jurisdiction of the court should be submitted.
This, although in the absence of Gov. BaI-
ter's attorneys, was thought nothing OF at the
time. A dispatch from Little Rock dated
April 10 tells the sequel Of these proceedings:
o yester' ny morning about II O'Clock,
when there were but few in the courtroom,
and neither Of the Governors counsel present,
tit JuuSt NalttOCh atiilulliCtu lit ucClslOL,
overriding the demurrer, and, none of Bakers
counsel being present to answer, plead, or
move for an al peal, a Judgment Of custer was
issued, and the writ placed in the hands of
the Sheriff.
In five minntos from that time an armed
band, headed by Joe Brooks. were in the
Governors Office, demanding possession. The
Governor declined, whereupon forcible pos
session WAS taken, and guards were placed at
all the entrances to tie Office.
claimed to act M Brooks Adjutant-G General,
broke in the door Of the armory, in the same
building, and took possession OF about 100
stand Of arms. Gen. Strong, Of Gov. Bakers
staff, refused to give up his keys, although
surrounded by armed men.
"Gov. Baxter refused to be elected except
by force, and some OF Brooks men took hold
of him and led him out. Since that time
Brooks has had possession of the State
House.
Gov. Baxter has established his head
quarters at st. Johns College. and, it is re-
ported, the State House will be taken pos ses-
sion Of tonight. The greatest excitement
prevails throughout the city"
LITTLE RocK, Ark, April 16.-Brooks has
issued q proclamation justifying his course,
and declaring his intention to stay in office
until the courts decide that he is not there
legally. He holds the State House with $50
men, well armed. They have two cannon, and
pickets are thrown out in every direction.
Late this evening Baxter issued a procla-
nation declaring martial law in this (Pulaski)
county, and calling upon the people to aid in
putting down the rebellion" About the
same time he marched from st. Johns Col
lege with his force Of about 200 men, down
into the heart Of the city, placed guards all
along the principal streets, completely sur
rounding the State-House with q Gordon Of
sentinels. He also seized the telegraph Of
fee, and issued instructions to permit no dis
patches to be sent or delivered without the
consent of the officer in charge. Both Baxter
and Brooks have received dispatches from the
Acknowledgement, stating in effect that the
United States Government would not inter
fere. Teleeraphic dispatches have also been
received by the commanding officer here from
the Secretary Of War, instructing him to take
no steps whatever to interfere in the matter,
unless such action becomes absolutely neces-
sary for the preservation of the public peace.