The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-04-16
ANOTHER ACCOUNT.

How the Old Political Sore Was
Opened-McClure's Readiness to Assist
Brooks-Baxter's Despatch to President
Grant.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark, April Is, 1874.
Joseph Brooks, who claims to have been elected
Governor in 1872. took the oath OF ofiice about
eleven O'Clock rhis morning before Chief Justice
Mcclure, and within I'VE minutes from that time
took forcible possession OF the Governors once
and elected Governor Baxter.
THE OLD POLITICAL SORE.
About one year ago Brooks CONNIE need suit In
the Circuit Circuit Court Pulaski county for the
once OF Governor, and about the same
time the Attorney General commenced suit
against Governor Baxter by quo warranto
In the Supreme Court. The latter Court rendered
o decision that tho courts OF the State had no
power over q contested election for the once
OF governor, and 1t 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 Mr.. Baxter was
elected. Nothing more was thought OF the matter
particularly until few days ago, when the attor-
neys or Governor Baxter desired that the case in
the Circuit Court be taken up on demurrer with
the object Of disposing Of the same. An under
standing was then had that the demurrer should
be submitted and argued next week.
JUDICIAL SHARP PRACTICE.
On Monday, during the absence OF Judges Eng.
lsh and Compton, the attorneys OF Governor Bax-
ter, Mr.. Whlpple, the attorney OF Brooks. arose
and stated that 1t had been agreed between
himself and the counsel OF Governor Baxter
that q demurrer to the Jurisdiction OF the
Court should be submitted. This, although in the
absence OF Governor Baxter's attorneys. was
thought nothing OF ar the time. Yesterday morning
about eleven O'Clock, when there but few in the
present, Judge Whylock announced his decision
overruling the demurrer, and, none Of Bax-
ter's counsel being present to answer plead over
on move for an appeal, Judgment Of custer vas
issued, writ placed in the hands OF the sheriff.
and in I'VE minutes from that time an armed band
headed BY Brooks were in the Governors ONCE de-
handing possession. The Governor declined,
whereupon forcible possession was taken and
guards placed at all the entrances to the ONCE. In
the meantime General Cattorson, who claimed to
act as Brooks adjutant general,
BROKE IN TIE DOOR OF THE ARxoRY
In the same building and took possession OF about
100 stand OF arms. Adjutant General Strong, OF
Governor Baxter's stan, refusing to give up the
keys although surrounded py armed men.
Governor Baxter refused to be elected except BY
force, when some OF Brooks men took hold OF him
and led him out. Since that time Brooks has had
possession OF the State House.
Governor Baxter has established his headquar-
ters at st. Johns College, and Is reported that the
state house will be taken possession OF tonight.
The greatest excitement prevails throughout the
city.
The following despatch was sent BY the Governor
to the President:-
LITTLE ROCK, Ark, April is, 1874.
To TIE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED SsArEs:-
have been advised BY public rumor that in the
State circuit Tor this county, IN long pending
case brought BY Joseph Brooks for the
once OF Governor OF this State, a de-
murrer to the complaint was overrued
and an Immediate Judgment OF ..Oustern
against me given. This WAS done In the absence
oil counsel for me and without notice. and mme.
diately thereafter the Circuit Judge adjourned his
Court. The claimant has taken possession VI the
state buildings, and elected me by force
! propose to take measures Immediately 10
resume possession of the state property and
to maintain my authority AZ rightiul Gov
ernor OF the S<ate. Armed men, acting under
this revolutionary movement, are now IN charge
Of the government armory and Capitol buildings
I oeem y my duty TO communicate this STATE