Lamoille newsdealer. [volume] (Hyde Park, Vt.) 1860-1877, 1874-04-22
lnother MIDDLE I'm Arkansas.

Joseph Brooks, who eiains 10 hs'e
been elected governor in 1872 took 'he
oath of office April 18th, before Chief
Justice Mcclure, and within five minutes
from that time took forcible possession OF
the governors Office, ami elected Cover
nor Baxter by force. About a year ago
Brooks commenced q suit in the circuit
cour. of Pulaski county fer the office OF
and about the same time the
ATTORNEY General commenced a suit
against Governor Baxter 6y quo w%arranto
in the supreme court. The latter court
rendered a decision that the courts Of the
state had no power over a contested cleo.
ton for the office of governor, and 1T was
generally regarded that the matter was
settled. SO far as the ceurts was concern
Ell. The legislature of 1873 opened the
returns and declared that Baxter was
elected.
Nothing more was thought Of the mat
ter particularly, until a few days ago.
when the attorneys of Gov. Baxter de-
sired that the case 10 the circuit court be
taken up on a demurrer, with the object
of disposing OF the same. An under
standing was then had that the demurrer
should be submitted ami argued next wees.
On Monday, during the absence Of Messrs.
English and Compton, the attorneys OF
Gov. Baxter, Mr.. Whipplc, attorney for
Brooks, arose aud stated that it had been
agreed between himself and the counsel
of Gov. Baxter that the demurrer TO the
jurisdiction Of the court should be sub
mittcd. This, although in the absence oI
Governor Baxter's attorney, was thought
nothing of at the time. Tuesday morn
ing, aboat II o'clock, when there wcr'
but few persons in the court room, anc
neither Of the Governors counsel present
judge Whillock announced his decision
overriding the demurrer, aud none o
Bakers counsel being PRESENT. TO answer
plead over or move for on appeal, judge
ment ofouster was issued, the writ place.
in the hands of the sheriff, and In nv
minutes from that time an armed band
headed by Brooks, were in the Governor
office demanding possession.
The governor declined to accede t
their demans. Nhercupon forcible posses
sion was taken and the guards PLACED q
all the entrances to the tfice. ln th
meantime General Cotterson, who elaine
to act as Brooks adjutdnt-general. brok
in the door of the armory, in the sam
building, and took possession OF abou
one hundred stand of arms, Adjutan,
general Strong, Of Governor Baxter
staff, refusing to give up the keys, a
though surrounded by armed men. Cover
nor Baxter refused to be elected exceT
by force, when some of Brooks men too
hold of him and led him put. Since til;
time Brooks has had possession OF tn
: state house. Governor Baxter has esta'
lIshed his headquarters at st. Johns 90
, lcge. and it is reported the state hous
will be taken possession of.
: The following despatch was sent by I'll
, Governor to the President
s | have been advised by public RUM
t that in the state circuit court for tn
n county, in the long-pcnding case broug
on b. Joseph Brooks for the Office OF go
: ernor Of this state, a demurrer to Il
= complaint was overruled, aud au immeC
l. ate judgement OF 'ouster' against II
4 gwen. This was done in the absence
. counsel for me, and without notice, III
Immediately thereafter the circuit jud
: adjourned his court. The claimant h
taken possession o. the state buildings al
elected me by force. | propose to ia
measures Immediately to resume posse
sesin Of the state property, and to mai
tain my authority as the rightful COVE
% nor Of the state. Armed men, acting
der this revolutionary movement. are NJ
If in charge Of the govcrnOrnment armo
and the capitol buildings. L deem it |
duty to communicate this state OF ALA
!, to the President. | trust the revOlutlt
L airy acts may be settled without bloc
T. shed, and respectfully ask the support
r. the general government Of the State
- Arkansas, and that the commander of
United States arsenal at this post be
rectcd to sustain me in that direction.
: respectfully request a reply TO this co
D, nunication at an early moment.
as [Sipnedl ELISHA BANTER.
Governor OF Arkansas,
As On Thursday, Brooks, the "claiman
IS, issued a long proclamation ANNOUNCE
id that any attempt to ouse him from
os possession Of the State House aud inst
ne Baxter will lead to strife and bloodsh
ms as he shall forcibly resist any such
ma tempt. Both Brooks and Baxter hi
he telegraphed to the President asking
in orders to the commander Of the arse
va TO deliver to them the arms there. but
he President tclegraphed to each, declin
te. to Interfere in their contest, which SCI
nc to be one for the courts Of the state
ted settle. To Brooks he tolcgraphed |