Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1874-04-23
LITTLE ROCK.
Gov. Baxter Elected from Office
by an Armed FOrce-He Tele-
graphs the President for Assis-
SiStance.

graphs the PRESIDENT Tor ASS1S-
SiStance.
LITTLE Rock, Ark, April l5.-Jos.
Brooks, who claims to have been elect
ed Governor in 1872, took the oath OF
office about IL O'Clock to-day before
Chief Justice Mcclure, and within five
minutes of that time took forcible pos
session of the Governors Office, and
elected Governor Baxter by force.
About one year ago Brooks COM
menced suit in the Circuit Court of
Pulaski County for the Office of Cover
nor. About the same time, the At
torney General commenced a suit
against Gov. Baxter by quo warranto,
in the Supreme Court. That court
rendered decision that the courts of
the State mad no power over contest
ed election for the Office of 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
Baxter elected. Nothing more was
thought of the matter particularly un-
til a few days ago, when the attorneys
ofGov. Baxter desired that the case in
Circuit Court be taken up on demur-
rer, with a view of disposing of the
same. An understanding was then had
that the demurrer shuold be argued
next week. On Monday, during the
absence of Judges English and Comp
ton, the attorneys of Gov. Baxter, Mr..
Vhipple, the attorney of Brooks, arose
and stated that it had been agreed be-
tween himself and counsel of Gov.
Baxter that demurrer to the juriss.ic-
tion of the conrt should be submitted.
This although in the absence of Gov.
Baxter's attorneys was thought nothing
of at the time. Yesterday morning
about IL O'Clock, when there were but
few in the court room and neither of
the Cows. counsel present Judge Why
took announced his decision, overrul-
ing the demurrer, and none of Baxter's
counsel being present to answer, plead
over, or move foi an appeal, judg-
ment of custer was issued, a writ placed
in thehands of the Sheriff, and in five
minutes from that time an armed band
headed by Joseph Brooks, were in the
| Governors Office demanding posses
sion. The Governor declined, where
upon forcible possession WAS tIllen. and
| guards placed at all the entrances to
the Office.
In tho meantime Gen Catterson,
I VINO t.hSi to act as Brooks Adult
I ant General, broke irl the door of the
armory intlle same building and took
possession of ahout'0ne hundred stand
of arms, Adlutant General Siron re-
fusing Il. give up the keys, although
surrounded by armed men. Governor
Baxter refused to be elected except by
force. Some of Mr.. Brooks inen took
hold of him and led him out. Since
that time Bro ks has had possession oi
of the State House.
Gov. Baxter has established his head
quarters lit ST. Johns College, and il
is reported that the State House will
be taken possession of tonight.
The greatest excitement prevails
thoughout the city.
A dispatch has been sent by Gov
Baxter to the President asking the
support of'the Government in his be
half.
THE INTENTION OF THE CONT EsTA N'rs
LITTLE Rock, April 15.-Gov. Bax.
! College, which place he i maxim iii
headquarters. Brooks hts possession
1 of the State House, which is heavily
guarded
1t is rufnored that Gov. Baxter will
declare martial law, and make an on
ward movement on the State House TO-
night or tomorrow. The general sen
timent is favorable tG Baxter.
LITTLE Rock, April 16.-There j:
I but little change in the GubernatOri;l
muddle. Brooks holds the State House
A which il surrounded by armed men
Y abouS 16e in all. They have two cannon
7nr's fsarq quarters are still at St
"aSe in the suburbs of the
~afihg TO retake the
BaA,, t:5Qe stand o
Johns Cox1. afe al ths
city. He is pret.. "aVs
State House. Abou.
arms belonging to the State
arsenal. Both Baxter and Brooks ~.
mace demand for them, but the de-
nand is refused. Men are pouring in
On every train. The city is rather quiet.
WASHINGTON, April 16.-Reports
rom Little Rock. Arkansas, excite
considerable interest here friday. The
tepubllcan members of Arkansas cali
~ the President and Attorney Gener-
II to confer with them regarding the
roubles. Both the President and At
orney General Williams were assured ,
nat the question had already been set 8
led III the courts and that in the view
I the delegation this should be the !,
nal decision. .
Cows BROOKS and Raytar bo,-a hoo, iS
-legraphed by Attorney General Will G
AIMS that the President declines TO in a
eriere only TO preserve the peace in a
Irkansas. =
Fl