The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1874-05-13
ST. LOUIS.
Arkansas Matters.

Sr. Louis, May l2.-At a late houl
last night the Democrat received 9
special from Little Rock containing 9
dispatch from Joseph Brooks to Presl-
dent Grant, OF which the following IL
the material part:
After stating that Baxter had de.
clined the proposition OF Attorney
General Williams, he says that in con-
versation with members Of the Legs
lature they say Baxter boldly proclaims
that he will not permit an investigation
OF his right to the office. You ask me
10 recognize the call OF tie Legislature
at the instance OF one who declares the
question at issue and for which you in
sist on it's being assembled shall not be
settled BY the tribunal you desire con-
! vened. The attempted organization
made to-day failed, although persons
were sworn in a. members from
districts in which no vacancies
! had been declared. Both Houses OF
the Legislature now have quorum IN
existence. This quorum should pass
upon the election returns, and the
qualification Of the newly elected mem
bers instead of the newly elected MEM
bers themselves. This action | can
not and will not willingly submit TO.
If in the face OF the decision OF the
Supreme and Circuit Courts OF the
State, deciding that am and recog-
nizing me as the legal Governor, you
can recognize Baxter IS Governor, it ls
your duty to respond to his spplica-
ton for Federal help. It you cannot
it is your duty to assist TO suppress the
present domestic violence. 10 disband
nv troops at this time, under no
other assurance than is contained 10
your telegram Of to-eaN would result
in the assassination OF not only
the judges OF the Supreme Court
but OF many OF my friends AMI espe'
cislly the colored men, who have been
guilty OF no crime save fidelity to law
and order. l shall hold my troops to-
gether :or the purpose OF protecting
citizens Of the State who believe that
the expression of the will OF the people
at the ballot box should be enforced,
and for the protection OF those who
stand by the Constitution, the lave, and
the adjudication OF the courts Of
the country. Federal bayontts
can put Bakers Legislature in the
state house, but am ignorant OF any
clause OF the Constitution under which
the President has the power. Nothing
else will, and when there | doubt il you
can compel them to determine who is
Governor. 1t is time this agony, doubt
and uncertainty were over. The interests
OF humanity demand that it shall be
settled. II you have the
power under the Constitution
and laws OF the United States to settle
the question OF who is Governor OF Ar
kansas adverse to the decision OF the
courts OF the state, 80 settle it, and set
tie it at once. | shall not resist what
you may order your troops to do, but
shall with all the power at my COM
mapd repel any and all attempts by the
Baxter forces TO take possession OF the
State House. am confident that q
legal quorum OF the legislature will not
respond to Baxter's call and | shall
not be a party to convening the legis-
lature under any agreement other than
that submitted by yourself through the
Attorney General, on the 9th inst.
[Signed. JAS. Brooks
GOTsrnOr Of arkansas,