The New York herald., 1879-12-27

yesterday order to procure certain arms. in COM
pliance with order from Governor Garcelon to
that effect. The indignation meetings of the
republicans. the incendiary and infammatory
speeches made thereat and the threats of
violence against the State House by the re-
publican press and leaders warned Governor
Garceon of the necessity Of protecting the property
OF the State from destruction in the event of such
an attack as had been many times threatened
by leading and prominent republicans publicly.
Accordingly, on Wednesday the Governor despatched
Major French for the purpose of obtaining arms.
ammunition and equipments from the State Arsenal
there and ship them to this city. Major French.
after his attempt at moving the stores.
left Immediately for Augusta. where he arrived at
late hour last night. The HERALD representative
called upon the Major at his office in the State
House this morning and obtained from him the fol-
lowing description of his trip and the adventure
connected therewth:-
II was ordered by the Governor ON wednes-
day to 60 to Bangor at and chip from
the arsenal there sufficient number of arms
and equipments to guard the State House in
the threats of evil disposed men carried into
execution. I left Augusta the Pullman train
Thursday morning and arrived at Bangor about six
o'clock. The excitement then was intense. men ev-
erywhere talking about tho indignation meetings
that had been held, and the probable result of the
situation. The arsenal, is situated some two
miles from the city. ana the arsenal keeper.
Mr.. Horace 8. Smith. resides some distance
from the arms depot. After breakfast at Penobscot
Exchange went up to Smiths house. but he
was not at home. left word with his wife for him
to be at the arsenal at two o'clock. At that hour
took hack for the arsenal. where found MIR.
Smith, My errand quickly made known. and
the arms. &C.. packed in boxes. loaded upon two
truck teams and on the way to the depot ct four
O'Clock,
TURNING THE ARMS BACK.
'1 had no idea that any trouble would be made.
for It is common occurrence for the Adjutant Gem
eral his clerks order ct any time the shipment
of stores from the Bangor Arsenal Therefore no
apprehension of danger occurred to me. rode back
to the Exchange. whore arrived about hapsst four
O'Clock. Shortly after word brought in that the
teams bearing the arms had been surrounded by an
immense crowd Of men. the horses of the head team
having been stopped by republican named Boyd
on Hammond street, in front Of the Wing
and Courier office. where Boutelle was making
an infammatory speech. saying that those arms
should not 60 another stop further. When arrived
upon the scene found Q crowd Of more than thou
sand men, who had congregated almost in an instant.
and, it would seem. by preconcerted arrangement.
and amid loud and angry cries demanded the return
of the stores upon the trucks to the arsenals was
telle. who demanded OF me by what authority was
moving those arms. Ireplied. by the authority of
the Governor was then informed by some
one that the Mayor wished to see me and
that he was In the centre Of the crowd. managed.
with some difficulty. to elbow my way to the
Mayors side. He informed me that it would be i'm
possible him to control the crowd Of infuriated
men II persisted in moving the stores; that in
such an event blood would be spilled and he could
not be responsible for the result He saidI could
do as pleased about the matter. but said the
trouble would be severe I had mill
tary under me. The police were power
less 10 aid me in any way. and to
avoid conflict in the streets Of Bangor. with the
possibility Of the destruction of much valuable
property, ordered the truckmen to turn about and
return the stores to the arsenal the Mayor sending
a squad Of police to guard them from possible
attack.
POLICE PROTECTION NOT NEEDED.
MANY angry threats were made against me by
great many republicans. and the Mayor offered me
the protection of the police. but did not have
to any assistance. at teleRraphed
Governor Garcelon the fact that the stores had
been stopped by crowd upon the streets and
that had sent them back to the arsenal and that
would be in Augusta on the Pullman train. My
friends in Bangor informed me that secret military
company had been formed among the republicans
and my steps had been watched. In fact after left
the arsenal o hack containing Boutelle and some
other republicans drove out there. for the purpose
watching my movements. no doubt. I am satisfied
that the feelings engendered by the writings and
speeches Of the staIwsrt editors Maine occasoned
the whole trouble"
Major French is given credit for the forethought
and presence Of mind which prompted him to order
the arms back to the arsenal and thus avoided the
spilling Of blood and the destruction of property
A special meeting Of the Board of Aldermen Of
Augusta held this afternoon. and appointed 200
special policemen to look out for property and the
lives of the citizens Mayor Nash is personally
tive in completing all necessary arrangements.
aARcxLoN's REPLY MORRILL,.
Governor Garceion has repi1ed to the letter of
Mr.. Morrell as follows:-
Hon. LOT NJ. MoRRErL, Chairman, &c. - etlt
Sm-Your communication OF the oath reached
take this early opportunity to reply. The excite
ment In the public mind is. in my judgment.
result result Of syssemised attack Of vituperstion and
sander upon the Executive Department, not only
without parallel but without cause Be that as 1t
may. 1t is the duty of every good citizen
to use his best endesvors to allay public
excitement. however created. 30 far IS he
crime and Strife and at the Same time secure the
ends Of justice. You intimate that it is in
pS.y % "nd good sesns to the sso
and all its inhabitants, by asking the
opinion ofsthe Supreme Judges each law point
involved in tho variations Of the count from
the returns. Nothing would give me greater
pleasure than an authoritative opinion upon
points involved in the present condition of
affairs and also upon such might be
likely to arise. Please to indicate the points that
occur to you which have not already been adiudi-
Gated upon, and doubt not that may be able to
secure satisfactory solution of doubtful
complications; or. not satisfactory. ut least
such may be deemed authoritative. The
fact to which you allude that 80 large number OF
republican members elect fail to receive certificates.
is due to the fact that many municipal officers
failed to comply with constitutional requirements.
and which, by Judicial decisions the Governor and
Council have authority to overlook. This condi-
ton Of affairs fault of the Governor and Coun
Gil. Respectfully yours, ALONnO GARCELON.
Mr.. Morrill, will send communication to Cover
nor Garcelon tonight in answer to tho foregoing
proposing questions to be submitted % the su
prone Judicial Court.