Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1874-04-16
ARKANSAS.
The Fight of the Factions Cuimi-
mates.
A Radical Coup d'Etat.
"Gov." Brooks Obtains a Writ OF
Custer Against "GOv'
Baxter.
A Complete Counterpart of the
Louisiana ImbrOgliO.
ARKANSAS.
Baxter Appeals to Grant.
Intense Excitement and Threats OF
HIaOhshed.

BIOcdshed.
p, IIfTLE RotR, ARK, April 15.-Joseph
Brooks, who claims to have been elected
Governor in 1872, took the oath OF office
about IL o'clock to-day before Chief JUS
tice Mcclure, and within five minutes
from that time took forcible possession OF
the Governors Office and elected Gov. Bax-
ter by force.
About one year ago Brooks commenced
suit in the Circuit Court of Pulaski county
for the Office of Governor. About the same
time, the Attorney General commenced
suit sgainst Coz. Baxter by Quo warrants
In the Supreme Court. That court rendered
decision that the courts of the State had
no power in a contested election for the
office of Governor, and it was generally re-
garded that the matter was settled so far as
the courts were concerned. The Legisla-
ture in 1873 opened the returns and declared
that Baker was elected.
Nothing more was thought OF tlie, Iilattsr
particularly, until a few days age, when
the attorneys of Gov. Baxter desired that
the case in the Circuit Court be taken up
on demurrer with view TO dispOSing of the
same. An understanding was then had
that the demurrer should be submitted and
argued next week, on Monday. During
the absence Of Judges English and Comp
ton, who were the attorneys of Gov. Baxter,
Mr.. Whipple, the attorney of Brooks, arose
and stated that it had been agreed between
himself and the counsel of Gov. Baxter
that a demurrer to the jurisdiction Of the
court should be submitted. This also was
thought nothing of at the time.
Yesterday morning about ii O'Clock, when
there were but few In the courtroom, and
neither of the Governor counsel present, ,the
Judge, WhytOck, announced his decision
overlIling the demurrer, and none of BaX-
ter's counsel being present to answer, plead
over or move for an appeal, judgment of
custer was issued, a writ placed in the
| hands of the Sheriff and in five minutes
| from that time an armed band, headed by
| Brooks, were in the Governors office de-
mandinr possession. The Governor de-
clined. whereupon forcible possession was
taken and guards placed at all the entran-
ces to the office. In the meantime, Gen.
| CallaIson, who claims to act as Brooks
| Adiutant General, broke in the door Of
the armory in the same building took
possession of about one hundred
stand of arms, the Adjutant General
| (Strong) of Gov Baxter refusing to give up
the keys, although surrounded by armed
men. Gov. Baxter refused to be elected
| except by force. Some of Mr.. BrOOks'S
men took hold of him and led him out
Since that time Brooks has had possession
of the State-house.
Gov. Baxter has established his head
quarters at St. Johns College, and it is re-
| ported the StatehOuse will be taken posses
sion of tonight. The greatest excitement
prevails throughout the city. The follow
ing dispatch has been sent by the Gov
ernOr
To the President:
Little Rock, April I5.-To the Presiden
of the United States: have been advised
by public rumOr that in the State Circuit
| Court for this county in a long pendins
case brought by Joseph Brooks for tn,
office of Governor of this State, a demure
to the complaint was Overruled and imme
diate judgment of custer against me given
This was done i'm the absence of cOunse
for me and without notice, and immediate
ly thereafter the Circuit Judge adjourned
his court. The claimant has taken posses
sion Of the State buildings and rejected ms
by force.
L propose to take measures immediatell
| 10 resume possession OF iuc OJlIc property
and to maintain my authority as the right
full Governor of the State. Armed men
acting under this revolutionary move, ar
now in charge Of the government armoT
and capital buildings. l deem it my dut
to communicate this state of affairs to tn
President. l trust the revolutionary act
may be settled without bloOdshed, and re
spectfully ask the support of the Genera
Government in my efforts to- maintain tn
rightful government of the State of Arkan
sas, and that the commander of the Unite
States Arsenal at this point be directed
sustain me in that direction. respectful
request a reply to this communication at a
early moment. ELISHA BANTER,
Governor of Arkansas.
Martial Law.
9P. M.-Gov. Baxter has taken posse:
sion of st. Johns college, which place he
making his headquarters. Brooks has pO:
session of the State House, which is heavil
guarded. 1t is rumOred that Gov. Baxte
will declare martial law, and make an OF
ward movement on the State House to
night or tomorrow. General sentiment {
the people is favorable to Baxter.