Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1880-01-13
Immense Assembly-7rying Scenes-No
Rioting-Bri6ery Charges, etc.


Last Wednesday, in compliance with
the provisions of our State Constitution,
those citizens who had received certlti-
Gates, assembled to organize the 5eth
Legislature Of Maine. There also met
with these. in the city, all those Repub-
hcaps who were elected to seats, but who
had been refused certificates, large
number of military men. public dignlta-
taries past and acting, and great mass
of citizens in general, interested In the
result. 1t is probable that such meet
ing of interested and excited citizens was
never before witnessed in this State. II
was notable gathering in many respects,
not the least remarkable Of which was
the predominance in numbers of Repub-
licans. There were very few prominent
Democrats in attendance. The fusion
lists were represented by the State House
ring, newspaper men and an occasional
representative Of the Members "body
guard" When the number of strangers
present is considered, and the cause OF
their assembling is carried in mind. one
can not fail to be surprised on learning
that only one arrest was made in Angus
ia during the entire day Wednesday. l,
proves that our people are law-abiding
class. capable of great self control.
Before nine o'clock many citizens OF
Maine had gathered at the State House
to witness the proceedings. After con-
siderable delay. the galleries were opened
and Immediately filled by excited specta-
tors. Many also received admission to
the floor of the House. At twenty min
utes TO eleven. assistant Clerk Gibbs call
ed the members TO order, and proceeded
TO call the names of certified members.
As each name was called, the member
drew his seat and stationery. When the
drawing of seats was concluded, the
Clerk proceeded to organize the House.
He made the usual proclamations, and
then called the certified roll. When the
roll cal was ended, Mr.. Dickey of Fort
Ken. moved that a committee be appoint
ed 10 await on the Governor and inform
him that quorum Of the House was
prescn,. and desired 10 take the oath.
Mr.. Hale called the attention of the
Clerk TO the fact that he had failed &c
give the number of those who had re
spondsd 70 the roll call. or to declare Of
fcially that there was a quorum present
After being pressed for some time, by Mr..
Hale, the Clerk said that one hundred
and ,hirty-ive had responded to the roll.
Mr.. Hale said this showed there were slx-
teen members absent, or that there were
vacancies TO be filed. He quoted from
the laws which declare that If there arr
any vacancies, they shall be recorded on
the certified roll and announced by the
Clerk as the House assemblies. This had
not been done, and therefore the roll and
the call were both defective. The roll he
declared had passed from the hands OF
the Clerk, and was with the members fol
action and revision. He then spoke o!
the vacancies occasioned by the disfran-
chisement of Portland and other cities,
and contended that the members pres
ent should proceed to correct the roll by
giving these cities representation In the
House.
While he was speaking, Mr.. Perry OF
Camden raised the point OF order that
this was no time for debate. Mr.. Hale
said that he had been recognized by the
Clerk and should not yield. The Clerk
declared that Mr.. Hale was out OF order
and proceeded TO put Mr.. Dickey's mo-
ton. amid great confusion. The Clerk
in an insulting manner. refused to heal
Mr.. Hale, and ordered him TO take HI:
seat.
Finding he could get no hearing, on
any question, Mr.. Hale moved that the
members DO adjourn. The Clerk ruled
this motion on, of order amid great laugh
ter. The Clerk then called the yeas and
NAYS on Dickey's motion for committee
70 wait on the Governor. No Republi-
cans voted, but when he had completed
the call. Gibbs declared the motion car
RED. Mr.. Hale said the number of men,
bers voting had not been declared, mol
had the Clerk declared a quorum present
therefore no business could be done
Gibbs refused TO give any attention to
Mr.. Hale. and proceeded to announce the
committee. Mr.. Hale said. THE Clerk
does not dare to give the number OF
votes" Several members and reporter:
had kept accurate record Of the response:
and found that only 73 had voted. Mr.
Hale declared this fact, and said there
was no quorum present, therefore he NOV
ed an adjournment. The Clerk paid nc
attention, and Mr. Hale asked if the
Clerk declined to put his motion. The
Clerk declined. Mr.. Hale then mounted
his desk and put the motion himself, while
the vast audience cheered and applauded
waved handkerchiefs and tossed hats. II
was q dramatic scene.
This was the signal for Republicans tC
retire. They left their seats in body
and many of the spectators also retired
fearing a disturbance. But the Repub'
licans had determined to exhaust ever,
legal, technical and parliamentary re-
source in defense of their rights, and NJ
collision Of any character was planned O.
provided for.
When quiet was restored, the Gibbs
committee notified Governor Garcelon
and he soon entered the House. accom-
panied by his Council. We regret Il
record that the Governor was Kissed, In I