Middletown transcript., 1877-01-13
The SOUTHERN STATES.


FLoRIDA.-Since the Inauguration of
the Democratic State officials all has be-
come quiet, and harmony prevails in all
parts Of the State. The Congressional
Committees have finished their election
examinations and returned to Washing
ton, but the result Of their labors has
not yet been officially made public
SOUTH CAROLINA. Both Hampton
and Chamberlain continue to exercise
the governorship Of the State, but as
the Chamberlain party are without funds
and cannot raise any by taxation, while
the people readily respond 10 Hamp-
toms calls for payment Of taxes, it is
only question Of provided, the
Washington administration keeps out
Of it-as to which side will succeed.
The Chamberlain usurpation must and
will come 10 an end. and that right
soon 1t wouldn't stand an hour, now,
if it was not for the support of the mil
itary forces of Gen. Ruger.
LOUISIANA. The greatest interest has
centered in this State, where very i'm
portant movement of rather a revolu-
tionary character, took place on Tues
day morning. Gen. Nichols having
been inaugurated as Governor, and feel
ing that be was fairly elected to that
position by large majority of the legal
voters Of the State, made determined
effort to take possession of the State Of
fees which were held by the Packard
faction. For this purpose be called to
his aid the Democratic clubs, and the
State militia, who, by his orders, cap
tured all the police stations, the Su-
prems Court building, and the Arsenal,
and beseiged the State House, which
was occupied by Packard, bis Legisla-
ture and his eolored militia The sta
tions were surrendered without firing
gun, and at no time during the day was
any blood spilled The Metropolitan
telegraph wires were cut by the Nichols
militia, but Packard established com
munication with United States Marshal
Pitkin, at the Custom House, by sta
tioning the U. s. Signal Corps on top
of the State House. When the Demo.
Gratis obtained possession Of the Court
building they installed their judges 10
place of the Republican Court A de-
mand for the surrender Of the State
House was rejected by Packard, who
said he would resist an attack. Subse-
quently, the leaders Of the Nichols
party disclaimed any intention of attack
ing that building Early in the after
noon, some one in the crowd fred two
pistol shots into the lower story Of the
State House three shots we're returned
from within, and, though no one was
wounded, the excitement was intense.
At this juncture the Mayor rode up in
carriage and read proclamation which
had been issued by Nichols, represent
ing the danger Of the people collecting
in large bodies, and cnjoining them to
return pt acefully to their homes. Part
Of the crowd dispersed, and the remain
der we're finally induced to retire BY the /
exertions of Nichols and Chief of Pc.
lice Baylor The Democrats remained
masters of the situation last night, about
$500 White Leaguers patroling the
streets, while another force prevented
any one from entering or leaving the
State House. or taking any food to those
inside There was no interference BY
General Ruger during the day The
events in New Orleans were considered
at full cabinet meeting, and, as re-
suit, General Augur was instructed last
night to suppress all Unauthorized
armed bodies organized and assembling
in manner to threaten the peace of the
city" The President it is stated will
not recognize either party claiming to
be the Government
Since Tuesday matters have remained
quiet, aud up to Thursday the position
of both PARTIES remained without channa
Packard keeps cool and depends on the
administration to keep him in possession
of the government Of the State. Both
legislatures have been balloting for U.
S Senator, but so far, without effect