Morning journal and courier., 1880-01-10
News by Telegraph
 FROM ALL QUARTERS. NAMES TROUBLE. THE STATE OF AFFAIRS
 AT AUGUSTA. IA FEELING OF UNEASlNESS Yesterdays Proceedings in the
 Legislature. Only One Republican Present. Refusal 50 Qualify Repubyi-
 can Members
NEW ENGLAND.
Maine.

The Sttuation-COntfnu Excitement l A General Feeling of Uneasiness-
 Proceedings i'm the eAssembly-Repub- l licans Absent ThemseIves-Genera
 Chamberlain Temporarily at the Head of Affairs-A Refusal to Qualify | Republican Me em Re-
 ports Of Republican Policy.
 AUGUSTA, Jan. 9.-The excitement here is still intense. There is widespread feeling of doubt and distrust among all parties. The military power, though no troops have been called out, is becoming unusually conspicuous for Maine. General Chamberlain is in con- stant consultation with the civil authorities | and is gradually becoming an important figure. General John Marshall Brown, of his staff, arrived from Portland this morning, and oth- CT old army officers are expected to-day. The conference at MT. Blaine's house lasted until a late hour this morning, and teams were com ing and going to and from his house as late as 1 o'clock. In the State House just beyond all was quiet, the principal offices being brilliant ly lighted. No men were visible, but men were there. At the Augusta House every person who entered or went out up to o'clock, at least, was an object of suspicion, and was closely watched until his business
 
 was known.
 When the Senate met to-day but one of the Republican Senators, MT. Locke of Oumber- land, was present. Only 8 short session of the Senate was held, but the House continued ready for business until nearly 6 o'clock. About twenty-five petitions were presented from parties claiming the seats of members now holding certificates. The Republican members of the Senate committee on peti- tions were present this afternoon and acted with the rest of the committee.
 When the House met no Republicans were present. As soon as the reading of the jour nal was finished Mir. Swan of Mechanic Falls rose to question of privilege and gave the story of the alleged attempt to bribe him. The name of the accused man is Wallace R. White, of Winthrop, a Republican lawyer, who de- nies the charge in the strongest terms. The House appointed the following committee to act with the committee appointed yesterday by the Senate to investigate charges of bribery, with authority to summon witnesses and have all necessary powers: Ingalls, of Wiscasset, Plaisted of Lincoln, Young of Brunswick, Robinson of Thomaston and Hill of Exeter.
 The Senate committee appointed on the Gu bernatorial votes is composed of Messrs. At well, Linn, Thompson of Knox, Barrett, Locke, Fingley and Flint. The Committee on Senatorial Votes will proceed at once with it's duty. It is composed of Messrs. Strickland, Patten, Thompson of Knox, Rankin, Coombs and Sampson.
 General Chamberlain has issued general order stating that in view of the extraordinary situation presented at the sent of government he would assume command and protect the public property and institutions of the State in trust for the people until the Governors successor is legally elected and duly appoint ed The police force at the State House was changed this morning, those indicated by Governor Chamberlain taking the place of those who have been there the past few weeks.
 President Lamson has sent the following answer to the demand from the Republican members yesterday to be qualified
 ''State of Maine, Senate Chamber, Augusta, Jan. 9. To Hon. Geo. B. Weeks-Dear Sir !: In reply to your official request to me, as Pres ident of the Senate, to administer the oath of office to members of the House of Represent atives holding certificates of election from the Governor and Council, have the honor to say that while feel it to be my duty to perform all official acts devolving on me as de- fined by the Constitution, I find by an examination of the same Constitution and law that certain specific things are required in | order to allow the oath alluded to first, the | aforesaid oath shall be administered in the | presence of the Governor and Council l second, before the President of the Senate | can act as Governor, there must be vacancy | in the office of Governor such as the Consti- l tuition contemplates. I find there is serious |
  legal gentlemen as to whether there be | now any Council in the State. I find also | that serious doubts exist as to whether there | be now such vacancy in the office of the | Governor es the law and Constitution contem- l plate when the President of the Senate can | lawfully exercise the functions of the Execu- tive. I therefore conclude that not being sat- | isfed that have legal authority to administer | the oath as requested, and being unwilling to | exercise any functions of doubtful authority, 1 must respectfully decline to comply with | your request. Respectfully your obedient l servant, (SignedD JAMES D. HANSON,
 President of the Senate.
 It is reported that the Republicans assert if | James l.. Smith is elected Governor, the Re- | publicans claiming the House to be an illegal | body, they will be supported by General | Chamberlain, who will refuse to give up the | delegated to him by Governor Gar | celon until the question of the validity of | Smiths title is decided in court.
 It is said that the Republicans absent from | the House this morning were holding private | consultation, preparatory to organizing anoth- | CT legislative body. It is rumored that they | will elect State officers and attempt to seat l them in less than twenty-four hours. Nothing | definite is known. The excitement is intense | to learn the result of the Republican delibera- l tions.