The Portland daily press., 1880-01-26

tNem tnaJ the SUBJECT OF oUate ValuaIlOn Is DE-
fore the Legislature, and that joint commit
tee on the subject has been appointed:
STATE oE MAINE,
OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE,
AUGUSTA, Jan. %, 1880
To the assessors of the seyeral Cities, Toacns
and Plantations in the State:
Gentlemen: Your attention is respectfully
called to the accompanying copy of orders of
the Legislature of the State of Maine relating
to the subject of State valuation.
Yours truly,
SUMNER J. CHADBoURNE,
Secretary of State.
A Quiet Sunday.
AUGUSTA, JAN 25.-This has been quiet
Sabbath. There has been notable absence of
rumors which have been SO rife during the
conspiracy, unless we may except the reports
of trouble in Bangor and Biddeford occasioned
by the fusionists, which made some talk. The
troops at the State House have been employed
in routine duties. There has been an inspec-
ton and dress parade. This afternoon they
attended divine services in the Representa-
tives' Hall, conducted by Rev. Mr. Tilden of
the Baptist church in this city, himself one of
our bold soldier boys in the war of the rebellion
There were present quite number of men,
soldiers are deporting themselves with credit
Tonight, after taps we're sounded, they were
soon wrapped in slumber, and the stiffness was
only broken by the change of guard and the
tread of the few police on duty.
Interview with Gov Davis.
Your correspondent had an interview with
Gov. Davis this afternoon. He vas led to seek
this interview on account of the sensational
and fusion reporters who are favored with the
same privilege, either misunderstanding the
Governors utterances or else wilfully garbling,
distorting and disappearing them in their
reports. In regard to the legal status of the
present Legislature and State government
Gov. Davis said to your correspondent, have
not shadow of doubt of the legality of the
present organization Of the Legislature and
State government, and that it is recognized by
other State governments all over the Union
l am receiving constantly, from every part of
the country, communications from clubs, State
governments individuals high in office and per-
sonseverywhere interested in good government
letters congratulating the people of this State
commencing the course of the Supreme Court
of Maine, with personal congratulations with
out number. Referring still further to the Or
ganization of the Legislature Gov. Davis said
to your correspondent: Even the judgment of
justice of the peace is respected and ob<Ved by
those in high and low life alike, and TIN opin-
ion of our highest court upon twenty-seven
distinct propositions, where every one of the
seven judges agreed, and where three of them
are known to be conservative and one is known
%oh o ,taf;x e,
parallel in our judicial decisions, and must
and will be obeyed, and there is no getting be-
hind it. The judges have recognized the
legality of this State government and this Leg
islature, and it is folly to suppose that they
can recognize the legality of another legisla-
ture in this State existing at the same time
The people of all classes all over the State,
irrespective of party, are just settling down to
this conclusion, and the so-called fusion legis-
lature must inevitably come to the same con-
clusion. The great majority of the members
in their so-caled House and Senate are just as
honest as the members of the legal Legis.at ure,
and if once clear of the strong influence of
their party leaders they would do what is right
and take their seats in the legal Legislature
and go about the work of their constituents
who, from every part of the State, are demand
ing that their interests on the great question of
valuation and other important matters shall
be attended to. 1 haven't doubt of the final
peaceful solution Of the whole matter
Your correspondent spoke of the presence of
the militia at the Capitol, to which Governor
Davis replied by saying: The policemen here
tofore in charge were unorganiZed only as po-
licemen, and until within few days were
armed only with the usual weapons of police
men. In case of a bold and sudden attack
they could have made but small show of re-
sistance. After the crowds Of people who had
assembled here from different parts of the
State had returned to their homes matters be-
gan to assume a different aspect. The fusion
leaders seemed bound not to submit to the
opinion of the court. They managed by hold
ing two sessions day to keep their members
together, but became convinced that without
treasury and without State House they could
not much longer hold them together. Evil
dence kept accommodating at the Adjutant Gen.
erals office showing that they intended to
make sudden dash upon the State House,
which, if successful, would have gathered
around them great crowd of their followers.
Mayor Nash became convinced from the evil
dence he had in his possession that such was
the design of the fusionists. The Mayor is
very cool, level headed man, and one full of
pluck. He sent me the communication which
you have seen printed Jan. 20, 1880, giving his
opinion of the situation, and stating that he
felt unable with the police force at his COM
mand to hold the State House. This COM
munication was handed me about 10 o'clock
last Friday night. At the same time this COM
munication, which has never before been made
public, was handed me. And as he spoke
Gov Davis opened drawer and taking there
from paper read the following to your cor
respondent:
STATE OF MAINE,
ADJUTANT-GENERAL's OFFICE,
Augusta, Jan. %, 1880.
TO His Ercellency Daniel r. Darts. Governor
and Conmldnder-in:Ch Chief:
The undersigned members of the staff of
Maior-General Joshua l.. Chamberlain, COM
manding Maine militia, believing that the
present force at the State House is insufficient
for the protection of the public property, said
force being unorganized, most respectfully
reouest to be relieved from duty and
protest against being held responsible for any
thing that may occur:
FRANK E. NYE, A. A. q.
E. E. SMALL, Capt. & A. ID. G.
H. NJ. SPRAGUE, Capt. & A. A. G.
JOHN W. BERRY, Capt & A. ID. q.
After reading this communication Governor
Davis continued as follows:
found that Adjutant General Beal most
thoroughly concurred in the views OF
Mayor Nash and Gen. Chamberlain's staff,
and after learning some facts which had not
before come to my knowledge concurred with
them and gave the order for the militia to be
brought to the capital. The views of Gen.
Beal and the others mentioned, who knewsall
about the situation, were correct The course
taken was the right one and will have a good
effect. 1t will probably stop all attempts to
take the State House: will probably break up
the organization in this city and other places,
and was the thing to do.
Your correspondent referred to arresting
the members Of the so-caled legislature,
whereupon Gov. Davis said: We shall take
no hasty steps, commit no arbitrary acts, but
move straight forward with the business of
the session.
Gen. Beals Opinion.