The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1874-04-24
REVOLUTION IN ARKANSAS.
Gov. Baxter FOrcibly Elected from Of
flee by Joseph Brooks, the GubcrnatO-
rial Claimant.


LITTLE Rock, Ark, April 15.-Joseph
Brooks, who claims to have been elected Gov
ernor in 1872, took the oath of Office to-day
before Chief-Justice Mcclure, and within five
minutes from'that time took forcible posses
sion OF the Governors Office and elected
Gov. Baxter by force. About one year ago
Brooks commenced suit in the Circuit Court
of Pulaski county for the Office of Governor
About the same time the Attorney General
commenced suit against Baxter by quo war;
ranto in the Supreme Court. That court rem
dered decision that the courts of the State
had no power over a contested election for the
Office for Governor, and it was generally
regarded that the matter was settled
so far as the courts were concerned
The Legislature, in 1873, opened the
returns and declared that Baxter was elected.
Little more was thought Of the matter until
a few DAYS ago, when the attorneys of Gov.
Baxter desired that the case i'll the Circuit
Court be taken up on demurrer, with view
of disposing of the same. The understand
ing was then Lad that the demurrer should be
submitted and argued next week. On Mon
day, during the absence Of Judges English
and Compton, the attorneys Of Gov Baxter,
Mr.. Whipple the attorney of Brooks, arose
and stated that it had been agreed between
himself and the counsel of Gov Baxter that
a demurrer to the jurisdiction of the court
should be submitted This although in the
absence of Gov Bakers attorneys was
thought nothing of at the time. Yesterday
morning about IL o'clock, when there were
few in the courtroom, and neither Of the Gov
ernor's counsel present, the Judge (Whitlock)
announced his decision overruing the de-
murrer, and, none OF Baxters counsel being
present to answer, plead over, or moved for
appeal, judgment Of custer was issued,
and the writ placed in the hands of
the Sheriff, and in five minutes from that
time, an armed band. headed by Joe Brooks.
went into the Governors Office, demanding
possession. The Governor declined, where
upon forcible possession was taken, and
guards placed at all the entrances to the Office
In the meantime, Gen. Catterson, who claimed
to act az Brooks Adjutant- General, broke in the
door OF the armory, in the same building, and
took possession OF about one hundred stand
Of arms, the Adjutant-General (Strong) of
Gov. Baxter refusing to give up his keys.
Although surrounded by an armed mob,
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 Brooks
has had possession of the State House. Gov
Baxter has established his headquarters at st.
Johns College, and it is reported the State
House will be taken possession of tonight
The greatest excitement prevails throughout
the city.
The deposed Governor proposes to retake
the State-House, and has notified President
Grant to that effect, and appealed to him for
support.
LITTLE Rock, Ark, April 16.-Brooks has
issued proclamation justifying his course,
and declaring his intention to stay i'm Office
until the courts decide that he is not there
legally. He holds the State House with $50
men, we'll 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, placing guards all |
along the principal streets completely sur |
rounding the State-House with a Gordon of |
sentlnels: He also seized the telegraph of
nee, 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 |
Attorney-General stating in effect that the |
United States Government would not inter- |
fere. Telegraphic dispatches have also been |
received by the commanding officer here from |
the Secretary Of War, instructing him to take |
no steps whatever to interfere i'm the matter.
unless such action becomes absolutely neces-
sary for the preservation of the public peace.
LITTLE Rock, Ark, April 17.-Gov. Baxter
has contracted his lines to the vicinity of the |
Anthony House, and is now proceeding, as |
before, to exercise the duties of Governor.
making the Anthony House the Capitol for |
the time being
This morning both the private secretaries of |
Brooks and Baxter applied at the Postof6ce