Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1880-01-14
The Situation in Maine.


tions of the State, in trust for the peo
pie, until the Governors successor has
been legally elected and duly qualified,
Bv this order General Chamberlain
assumes temporarily the office OF Gov
ernor and Commander-in-Ch;ef The
entire police force at the State House
was changed this morning, those indi-
Gated by Mr.. Chamberlain taking the
places of those drilling there for several
weeks. The change was quietly made.
At the opening of the Senate but
one Republican appeared and took his
seat. Senator Locke, Of Cumberland.
The vote on the bribery order was re-
considered and the order laid on the ta-
ble
Thomas b. Swan, of Minot. rose
and read statement that 81 900 had
been paid him not to appear at the or
ganization of the Legislature. He
stated that the money had been paid him
bv Wallace r. White, of Winthrop,
and that he (Swan) should not claim
it. Mr.. Hartman, of Kennebunk,
testified that the same offer had been
made to him by White.
THE MILITARY.
A special to the Boston Herald
saws: TIE feeling Of doubt and dis
trust which prevails has increased
rather than diminished, within the
past "a hours. The military power,
though no troops have been called out,
is becoming unusually CONSPICUOUS for
Maine. General Chamberlain is Ill
constant consultation with the civil au-
thorities, and is gradually becoming
anilnportant figure. General John Mar
shall Brown, of his staff, arrived from
Portland this morning, and other old
army officers are expected tomorrow.
The conference at Blaine's house
lasted until late hour this morning.
| Teams were coming and going to and
| from the house as late as one O'Clock.
In the State House, just beyond. all
was quiet, the principal offices being
brilliantly lighted. No men were visi-
bIe, but many were there. At the Au-
gusta house every person who entered
or went out up to two O'Clock at least
was an object Of suspicion and was
closely watched until his business was
known.
This morning politicians were some
what nervous, and Fusionists little
panicky. Some of them are antlcipa-
ting q struggle for the possession OF the
House, while all are eager for the
nrom;sed bribery revelations. This
morning, when the House. met, no Re-
publican was in the hall, and Mr.
Locke was the only one in the Senate.
This at once gave a clue to the Re-
publican policy.
FUsIoNIsTS WEAKENING.
Just before the adjournment OF the
House grave apprehensions were ex-
pressed by the Fusionists that the Re
publicans were about to swoop down
upon them and capture the Govern
mcnt. A committee was appointed to
wait on Major General Chamberlain
in regard to the condition Of affairs.
They inquired if he would use his
power to protect the House. The Gen
eral would make no promises, but that
he will do his duty as Acting Governor
and COMMANDMENTS Chief no one doubts.
The House was evidently anxious to
pct quorum. The Fusionists again
sent for Mr.. Voter, Of Farmlngton,
who has frequently refused to take his
certificate. 1t was reported the session
was prolonged in waiting fr Voter,
but he failed to come, and at quarter
to six the House adjourned without
transacting the least item of business
during the afternoon. While the Flu
sionist leaders are doing their best to
rally their forces by constant caucuses
and personal appeals, it is the general
opinion that their forces are weaken
ing, and if It shall prove TO be tie plan
Of the Republicans to tire their oppo-
nents out and make them give up from
sheer exhaustion, the early develop
ments seem to argue success.
COMPROMISE TALK.
There is talk tonight Of compro-
mise, suggested by the Fusionists, bnt
1t meets with no favor from the Re,
publicans, who are more compactIy
united than ever. Their conference
meeting this afternoon showed them 10
be a unit with the determination to
stand together and not suffer the least
break in their lines. The policy they
have adopted is a perfectly peaceful
one, although the more impulslve are
in favor Of taking possession OF the
State House at once by force of arms.
This does not meet with any favor
from the leaders, who counsel patience
and GOODNESS. Sproul, Representative
from Veazie, will begin a libel suit
against the Maine Standard for defa-
nation of character, damages being
placed at $4,000. The following are
Lamson's answers to Representatives
elect who presented themselves Thurs
day to be qualified
LAMsoN's ANSWERS.
State OF Maine, In Senate, Jan. s.
The President Of the Senate informs
in the Council Chamber for the pur-
pose Of having the necessary oath adj
ministercd to them To qualify them for
the discharge Of their duties, agreeably
to the vote Of the House this day, that
he will consider the matter, and asks
their presence in the Council Chamber
at 10 O'Clock tomorrow morning TO
await answer j. ID. LAMsoN.
Senate Chamber, Jan 9-Ilon. Geo.
f. Weeks: In reply to your request to
me as President Of the Senate to adj
minister the oath of Office to members Of
the House as Representatives holding
certificates from the Governor and
Council, ! have the honor to say that
while ! feel it my duty to perform all
official acts devolving upon me as de-
fined by the Constitution and laws, |
find that certain specific things are re-
quircd in order to allow the oath al
4. l., r. L.