Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-04-21
THE ARKANSAS DIFFICULTY.

The term OF the governor of Arkansas
is four years. The last election for State
officers was in November 1872. There
were two candidates for governor at that
election, Baxter q republican, and Brooks
liberal. The return of votes showed
this result: Baxter Al. 681, Brooks SO. 415,
Bakers majority 1896. But Brooks al
legged that the result shown was fraudu-
lent, claiming that majority of the votes
legally given were for him. and appealed
TO the legislature against Baxter but with
out effect. He then appealed to the Su
preme court but that tribunal dismissed
his case, after which he commenced an
action in the State Circuit Court against
Baxter for the recovery OF the office and
salary. On the 10Th judgment was rem
dered in his favor by that court, and in a
few minutes after the decision Brooks en-
tered the State House, took possession,
and now holds It by armed force 1t seems
that Bakers attorneys were not in court
when the decision was rendered, and this
with the immediate haste of Brooks in
taking possession of the State House,
gives the proceedings the appearance OF a
move sprung suddenly upon Baxter, with
no knowledge or preparation upon his
part to meet It, Baxter has his head
quarters at the Anthony House, in Little
Rock, whence he has issued proclamations
70 the people Of the State and invoked the
aid OF the federal government; while
Brooks issues his mandates from the State
House, which be has surrounded with
guard. Thus far no violence has been
used. The war of words however has
been threatening, evncing pretty clearly
if manifestoes can that there would be
blood-letting were it not for fear of the
United States authority which intervenes
to keep tho peace.
Both parties have demanded the inter
position ofthe general government to sus-
tain them, but the President declines to
act farther than is strictly within the line
OF his duty under the constitution and laws.
In reply to the demand of Baxter for the
support of the government, Attorney Gen.
eral Williams says that as the the contro-
versy relates to the right Of the applicant
TO hold State Office. it must be settled by
the State courts, unless case is made up
under the enforcement acts for federal
jurisdiction. This is the same course pur-
sued by the President in relation to Louis
lana and Texas. and is we think the best
he could follow. The general govern
ment cannot interfere in the local elections
Of the State, to decide who is and who is
not governor. That question the courts
must decide, and their decision will be
sustained by the United States authorities
If the decision of the courts is not satsfac-
tory TO q majority OF the people they have
the power to correct II at the polls. The
attitude of the government has thus far
prevented collision between The forces of
the contending parties, and will we be-
heve continue to exercise the same whole
some influence. But the state of affairs is
deep disgrace as well as a menace to the
State. Public sentiment there ought to be
aroused to the necessity of conducting
matters so as to prevent such scandal and
detriment to their prosperity as Arkansas
presents. We trust that we are reaching
the end of these things, and that the people
Of all the southern States will soon be able
to govern themselves decently and justly,
as wise. fair, and law-abiding people
ouUhf