The Portland daily press., 1874-05-14
THE ARKANSAS WAR.
More Skirnishing.
Meeting Of the Legislature.
Baxter's Chances Improving.

NEW YORK, May 13.-Little Rock specials
state that at noon yesterday Col. White, with
cavalry, went out to capture the steamer Robert
Semple, which was sighted above the State
house Brooks also sent out men, and in half
an hour firing commenced. The steamer land
ed at the bridge, Brooks men boarding her and
capturing Gen. Meyer of Baxter's forces, who
was on board.
Col; Rose sent orders to stop firing, formed
one OF nis companies behind the barricades and
sent announcer to the battle field. The Brooks
mec were in rifle pits and Baxters small force
had been driven over the hill between two rail
road buildings. The forces were about 400
yards apart. Col. Rose and officers rode be-
no heed was paid to him. A force sent to sun
port White fired at Brooks advanced pickets,
when company of Brooks men fred and sew
eral fell.
An attack on the State House was expected
but not made, and Whites men were forced
back to the town towards evening. Captain
Grove, OF Brooks forces, was captured, two
men were killed and three wounded. The wo-
men and children in town were badly frighten-
ed as considerable fighting took place there.
A Little Rock despatch dated 10 o'clock last
night, states that firing had commenced again,
stray shots being heard from across the river
Baxter has received two r'fied cannon from
Texas and it is reported they will be turned
upon the State House. It is believed that it
was to receive these guns that Baxter troops
The Bakeries.
ST. LOUIS, May ia special from Little
Rock to the Evening Despatch says: In an in
terview with Baxter t. day he stated that in
the event of the Legislature recognizing him
as Governor, of which he had no doubt, he
would advise President Grant of its action and
ask that the United States authorities compel
Brooks to vacate the State House. If the Pres
ldent complies and Brooks refuses he would
take the building by force, or if the President
should delay and still permit the troops here to
interfere as they have been doing he would pro-
tect himself. BaxteI's for 'es have all the ad
vantage in point of men and artillery. They
received last night two Parrott guns from Texas
with plenty of prepared ammunition. These
guns are being put in position to-day. Baxter
also received several new companies last night
and large supply of ammunition.
The federal forces have agreed that hereafter
they will not interfere with either party outside
the thekly settled part Of the city. Hereafter
neither men nor supplies will be permitted to
enter Brooks quarters without fight.
The Legislature.
LITTLE Rock, May ia quorum of both
Houses of the Legislature is now in session.
There are IA members in the Senate and As in
the House. Both branches are proceeding with
the business
Midnight.-The Legislature to night appoint
ed ejoint committee to prepare resolutions to
send to the President in reference to the pres
ent difficulties The House nassed resolutions
calling on Baxter to state whetheror not Brooks
complied with the proposition of Baxter to va
cate the State House and leave the Legislature
to settle the present trouble.
Another skirmish occurred this evening, in
which two men were wounded.
Baxter received several companies of troops
this evening, also two pieces of artillery this
morning. Matters were rather quiet tonight.