The New York herald., 1879-12-26
NAMES STRUGGLE BEGUN
The Removal Of Arms Pre-
vented by a Mob.
BANGOR TERRIBLY EXCITED
Governor GarcelOn's Adjutant Intimi-
dated in the Streets.
BL00DSHED BARELY AVERTED.
Measures for Maintaining the Dig
nifty Of the Government
REPUBLICANS ORGANIZING FOR BATTLE
Rumored Plot to Seize. the
State Arsenal.
OPINIONS OF BOTH SIDES.
BL00DSHED BARELY AVERTED.
Measures for Maintaining the Dig
nifty Of the Government
REPUBLICANS ORGANIZING FOR BATTLE.
Rumored Plot to Seize. the
State Arsenal.
OPINIONS OF BOTH SIDES.

OPINIONS OF BOTH SIDES.
tBY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.1
BANGOR, Me-. Dec. IS. 1879.
There was critical moment to-day in the
political drama now being played in this State.
when the peace Of the Commonwealth was very
nearly violated by mob inspired with bitter
resentment against the democratic Governor and
Council. So great the excitement and SO far
had gone the desperate resolves of some of the
rngieaders of the agitation that had there not been
timely yielding the part OF the constituted
thorities bloodshed would probably have followed.
inauguratng the first act Of deplorable civil war.
As it was. no man among the thousands who were
present can say exactly how the danger be-
fore 1t was prudently averted so delicate are the
hinges that important historical crises often turn
upon.
ATTEMPTED REMOVAL OF ARMS.
The cause Of the lawless demonstration was the
threatened removal from the arsenal in this city Of
100 stand Of arms. by order Of His Excelency Gov
ernor Garcelon. These arms belong to the State.
and the arsenal here is the only place at which they
be stored. In the event of the militia being called
upon to sustain the Governor and the Council in
their Interpretation of the constitution and the
election laws tho aring of posse of civilians for
the same purpose. this warlike supply would be of
the greatest Importance The republicans as well
kln
since the general feeling throughout the State
began to assume belligerent character. It is not
surprising. then. that the moment the Executive
betrayed an intention OF placing the arms in de-
pository OF greater safety the republicans should
congregate ana exhibit their displeasure. first by
threats and then. If they failed Of effect. by Deeds
ARRIVAL OF THE ORDERS.
1t is believed that tidings reached Bangor before
to-day that the Governor had issued orders for the
removal of the arms to Augusta. The arrival of
messenger from the capital did not seem to sur
prise many persons. Major E. W. French. q clerk
in the Office OF the Attorney General. came
quietly this morning and proceeded to the
State Arsenal. where he delivered his oficid
credentials to the oficcr in charge. He could not
escape. however. the eager curiosity and vigilance
which were displayed all sides Immediately on his
appearance. Groups gathered in the principal
streets and were quickly sweled to the
to one grand focus. the vicinity OF the
arsenal. They were composed Of men whose coun-
tenances betokened solemn determination. and they
moved as by spontaneous and deliberate impulse,
those who were Of opposite opinions and were un-
prepared to resist their aggression.
CONFRONTED BY A MOB.
Major French perfected his arrangements for the
shipment Of the arms to Augusta by the Maine Gen.
trail Railroad and were secured tor conveying
them to the freight depot. Tho drays had been
loaded at the arsenal and were on their way through
the streets. when the drivers and the officers
having charge Of them were suddenly
confronted by stalwart crowd. which barred
tho passage. At the sight of the laden
wagons the mob burst into roar Of excitement
Mayor Brown demanded of tho teamster the or
ders under which he was acting. No satisfactory
answer was given at hrst. tho saying that
had sent word for the teams to take the arms. A
young man named French was then ushered through
the throng. who said no clerk in the Adjutant
Generals ofice and he was moving tho arms to
Augusta under orders from the Governor
The scene was Immediately in front Of the Office of
the Wag. of which MIR. Boutelc the most violent of
the republican counsellors, is the editor. The
rclns OF the foremost horses were seized
and the drivers were commanded to halt
The shouting and scuHiing which occurred
drew fresh accessions Of numbers. until
the streets for rods around wore black with surg
ing mass of men, The excitement. which had hith-
srto been of subdued nature disciplined like the
ardor Of military host. now threatened to pass
all bounds of civic decorum. Never thore coin
cidonce OF conditions which together seemed more
likely To- bring forth riot and DEATH The party of
tho Governor wcro palpably at disadvantage as to
force. and they therefore prudently rofrained from
attempting to mako their way to the dcpot. They
vainly however. called upon tho rioters to respect
the representatives and the orders Of the Executive
who desired to do nothing contrary to the laws,
Tho excitement greatly increased by tho report
that J. L. Smith. tho groenback candidate for Gov
ernor, s. w. Haskins. fusion Indian agent, and
Major IA. M. Folsom. of Old Town. were
closeted st the Penobscot Exchange during the
day; that Major Folsom had appeared ON
tho ground after the team had turned
back. told Clerk French that no msde mistake in
not pushing through to the depot. and had urged
Mr French to change his orders for ther return to