The Portland daily press., 1880-01-14
TO SUSTAIN BY FORCE THEIR
REVOLUTIONARY PRO
Joe Smith to be Eelected Governor
To-Day.
Especial Dispatch to the Press

two legislatures in the State House and their
occupation of the same chambers the legality
of one and the illegality of the other is now
the dominant topic of conversation; and al
though opinion may be pronounced either one
way or the other, it will only be through the
Intervention of the highest judicial power that
the matter will be decided. Whatever that
decision may be the Republicans will respect
and abide by it. Most of the Republicans
have gone home. The Fusionists do not be-
lieve in having the Court settle the matter.
They ignore the courtan characterize it as
partisan body. They prefer to interpret the
laws for themselves. In their present position
they say they will not yield one inch, and if
the court should decide against them, they
will fight it out on the line of action they have
determined upon. Some of the leaders think,
however, that the court will not stultify itself
again by renderding partisan opinion. One
OF the judges they say has already stated in
open conversation that SO far as his opinion of
body.
The Fusionists Disintegrating.
But while the Fusion leaders contend that
their position is inpregnable, there are signs of
disintegration among the rank and file. There
are several of the country members who have
become disguised in going up day after day to
the House and doing nothing. They say it is
not what they came here for. They came to
frame laws and not to fool away their time day
after day in trotting up to the State House, oc-
cupying their seats for an hour or so and then
trat i'm hao1r To boncpC
Then there is the money question. Some of
them want few dollars for various purposes,
and they find that they cant't get one cent of
their pay and mileage at the Treasury.
And more than that, the prospect of getting
no pay whatever, they are now beginning to
get through their heads, is exceedingly dubi-
Gus. There are other complaints which they
ke VIII &c al
tending to Generalization, but the leaders are
doing their utmost in stiffening them up. 1t
is reported that if a break should take place
it will be accomplished under the direction of
Scion Chase.
Roughs at the State House.
This morning number Of city roughs came
to the State House and their presence was re-
garded as meaning trouble. But they were
vigilantly watched, and shortly afterward all
left the building with the exception of few,
and they were retained, it is reported by DIR.
Lancaster, and make his room their resort.
The Alleged Governors Views.
Your correspondent called ON the Fusion oc-
cupant of the chair of Chief Magistrate this
evening and met with cordial reception. At
ter few unimportant remarks your correspon-
Ar, nd l,r u of
Governor and proceeded to interview him as
follows:
PRESS Reporter-There are reports in circu-
lation that you have asked the opinion of the
Supreme Court whether you were legal Gov
ernor. Is that true?
Gov. Lamson-I have not.
Rep.-Have you any intention of asking for
such an opinion?
Gov. Ii have not fully settled my mind
whether 1 shall or not, but shall not as at
present advised.
Rep.-Do you find much executive business
to transact at the present time?
Gov. There is some business every day.
Rep.-Of what character?
Gov. L.-Mostly orders, but no money or
ders.
Rep.-Does Gov Garcelon's Council hold
over and serve as yours?
Gov. L.-They do.
Rep.-How are your relations with Gen.
CnamDerla1nI
Gov. Livery pleasant as yet.
Rep.-Do you regard him as under you?
Gov. Ii do.
Rep.-There are stories that you intend re-
moving him. Is that true?
Gov. Ii have made no declaration to that
effect.
Rep.-Is Gen. Chamberlain doing his duty
in a manner satisfactory to you?
Gov. L.-Yes, very nearly so.
Rep And you have no reason to COM
plain?
Gov. L.-No, not as yet.
Rep.-How do you regard the present stua-
ton?
Gov. L.--Well, l regard it as legally Or
ganized Legislature which, at present, is I'M
able to perform legal business in one of its
branches
Rep.-For what reason?
Gov. LIN consequence of not having an
acting quorum.
Rep.-Do you see any way out of the diem
ma?
Gov. Las at present advised see but TWO
ways.
Rep.-What is that?
Gov. L.-Either that those holding certifi-
Gates qualify and act, or that the House pro-
coed to an investigation of contested seats and
maybe seat quorum that will attend to bust
ness
Rep.-Will the House proceed to do bust
ness without an acting quorum?
Gov. my Judgment is that it cannot
safely. believe that House may legally or
ganize and examine the claims in contested
seats without quorum
Rep.-Will that be attempted?
Gcv. Ii think not.
Rep. What is your opinion of the Republi-
cans in organizing legislature of their own?
was il wise?
Gov. LII see no possible way under the
provisions of the constitution that they can
legally organize.
Rep-In organizing another legislature as
they have done, was it, in your judgment, a
more indicious way of reaching the Supreme
Court than by reyerting to some other means?
Gov LII don't recognize it as legislative
organization | think the same result might
have been reached as to the opinion of the
Court through the Executive department if it
mad been solicited.
Rep.-Am I to understand by this that you
would have asked the opinion of the Court had
tabeen requested of you?
Gov. L.-If the request had been made be-
lore the attempted organization l should have
oeen willing to have submitted it to the Court
Rep.-What will be the result sof this i'm
oroglio?
Gov L.-WelI, that's impossible for me to
ell. 1t requires more wisdom than | claim to
possess to foresee the end.
Rep.-Do you apprehend any bloodshed be-
lore it is over?
Gov. Ii have fear of it.
Rep.-Have you taken precautionary meas
Tres to avert such a danger?
Gov. L.-No, nothing more than a protec-
ion through the force at the command Of Gen.
Chamberlain.
Rep.-In the event Of any disturbance of the
peace which would call for troops, I presume
you and Gen. Chamberlain would act in ac-
,ord?