Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1874-04-22
WATERFOWL, WIS.,. WEDNESDAY,, APRIL 22, 1874
From Arkansas.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark, April To-
Joseph Brooks, who claims to have
been elected Governor in 1872, took
the oath of office, about l l o'clock to-
day, before Chief Justice Mcclure
and within five minutes from that time
took torcible possession of the Gov
ernor's Office, and elected Governor
Bax ter by force. About one year
ago, Brooks commenced a suit in the
Circuit Court of Pulaski county for
the Office of Governor. About the
same time the Attorney General com.
menced suit against Governor Bax.
ter by quo acorranto in the Supreme
Court That Court rendered deci.
sion that the Courts of the State had
no power over conteste1 election for
the office for Governor, and it was
generally regarded that the matter was
settled, so far as the Courts were con-
cerned. The Legislature in 1873 open
ed the returns, and declared that Bax.
ter was elected Nothing more was
thought of the matter particularly, un-
til few days ago when the Governors
attorneys desired that the case in the
Circuit Court be taken up on de
murrer, with view of disposing of
the same The understanding was
then had that the demurrer should be
submitted and argued next week on
Monday. During the absence of
Judge English and Compton, the at
torneys of Gov Baxter. Mr.. Whipple.
the attorney of Brooks arose and stated
that it had been agreed between him
self and the counsel of Gov Baxter.
that demurrer to the jurisdiction of
the court should be submitted. This
although in the absence Of Gov. Bax-
ter's attorneys, was thought nothing Of
at the time. Yesterdaynorptng about
eleven o lock, when there were few
in the court room. and neither of the
Governors counsel were present, Judge
Wheelock announced his decision over
rulingnnthe demurrer, and none of Bax
ter's counsel being present to answer,
plead over or move for appeal, judg-
ment of custer was issued and writ
placed in the hands Of the sheriff, and
in five minutes from that time an arm
ed band, headed by James Brooks.
were in the Governors Office, demand
ing possession. The Governor declined
whereupon torcible possession was taken
and guards placed at all the entrances
to the Office. In the meantime, Gen,
eral Cotterson, who claimed to act as
Brooks Adj jutant G eneral. broke in the
door of the armory in the same build
ing, and took posse ssion Of about one
hundred stand of arms. tbs Adiutant-
General (Strong) of Gov. Baxter, re-
fusing to give up his keys Although
surrounded by an armed band, Gov.
Baxter refused to be elected except
by force. Some of Mr. Brooks men
took hold of him and led hin. out.
Since that time Brooks has had pos.
session of the State house Gov. Bax
ter has established bis headquarters
at St. Johns College, and it is report
ed that the State house will be taken
possession of tonight. The greatest
excitement prevails throughout the
city. The following dispatch was sent
by the Governor to the President:
LITTLE Rock, Aprill5, 1874.
To the President of the United States:
have been advised by public rumor that
%tn Co.
in the long pending case brought by Joseph
Brooks tor the Office Of Governor Of
this State, demurrer to complaint
was overruled, and an immediate judgment
of custer against me given. This was done
in the absence Of counsel for me, and with
out notice and immediately thereafter the
Circuit Judge adjourned his court. The
claimant has taken possession of the State
building and elected me by force. pro.
pose to take measure Immediately to re-
sumo possession of the State property,
and to maintain my authority as rightful
Governor of this State. Armed men, act
ing under this revolutionary movement, are
now in charge OF the government armory
and Capitol building. deem it my duty
to communicate this state of affairs to the
President. / trust this revolutionary act
may be settled without blood-shed. l re-
spectfully ask the support of the general
government in my efforts to maintain the
rightful government OF the State of Ar
kansas, and that the commander of the
United States arsenal at the Post be di-
rected to sustain me in this direction.
respectfully request reply to this COM
municaton at an early moment.
(Signed) E. BAXTER,
Governor of Arkansas.
LITTLE Rock. April i5-9 P.
Gov. Baxter has taken possession of
St. Johns college, which place he is
making MS headquarters. Brooks has
possession of the house, which is heavily
guarded. It is rumored that Gov.
Baxter will declare martial law and
make an onward movement on the
state house tonight OF tomorrow.
The general sentiment of che people is
favorable to Baxter.
The United States Circuit Court is
still in session, as Judge Dillon an
nounces to-day.