New-York tribune., 1880-01-14

REFUSING TO RECOGNIZE Mr. LAMsoN AS
GOVERNOR.
AUGUSTA. Me-, Jan. 13.-The following communi-
cations have just been made public;
STATE OF MAINE,
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT.
AUGUSTA, Jan. II, 1SSO)
JOSHUA L. CHAMBERIAIN, Major General Command
DEAR SIR: Having entered on the duties of Coy
ernor of Maine under critical ciIcuistcIs @ & ~ rs rs
nrenared to recognize my authority sucb Re-
speeliDni sspeeifDiiy. - i JAMES D. LAMs0N, Governor
STATE OF MAINE,
AUGUSTA, Jan. 13, 1880 )
To fle Hon Jcmes d. LdmsOR.
S,w. Ihave the honor to acknowledge the receipt
of your communication informing me that you
have entered upon the duties OF Governor. and de-
sirng to know if am prepared 10 recognize your
authority as such. The gravity OF the situation
and the importance of my answer to your question
demand that | should give to 1t the most earnest
attention | am acting under the authority de-
voyed on me bv virtue OF the following order:
STATE OF MAINE, AUGUSTA, jan 0, 1880.
gManrG J. l. Chamberlain Is hereby authorized
and directed 10 protect the public lropsry anu astu
tons OF the State until successor Is duly quaed
ALoNZo GARCELoN, Governor.
D. LEAvITT, Adutant-Genera.
In the attitude which things have now taken, the
responsibility resting on me under TINS order III
wolves the liberties of the people, their most sacred
property, and the stability OF consttuonal goVeIn
iaent, their highest institution. am thankful tnaJ
you feel and understand this, and realize equally
with myself the importance of our proceeding Win
caution. Your inquiry virtually calls upon me TO
decide question of constitutional law, which IS a
matter falling not at all within the province OF my
dena,tment I'm my military capacity have not
the privilege of submitting such questions to the
only tribunal competent to decide them. Inc Con
stitution declares that justices OF the Supreme judi
unon important questions of law. and upon solemn
occasions when required by the civil branches of the
Government; but that prlVlegels not accoIueu W
-" Supported by decision Of the Court, should
obey without moments hesitation but solemnIy
believing that if at this juncture ABANDON my
trus there will be no barrier against anarchy and
boodshed, i cannot under the present crcuinr
stances recognize your authority as Governor OF
Maine There are only two ways to settle me
questions now at issue and agitatlng the puDlic
nnd-by following strictly the CONSTITUTION ana
the laws, or by revolution and bloodshed. IN tnis
alternative. and standing where must be judged
by my God and man, can only hold faSt ia my
place. and implore those who have power TO decide
these questions by appeal to the peaceiul course
Of law.
Believing that this answer must commend itself
to your urjudgnent the Only one possible 1or me tG
give, and with the highest respect and esteem,
baye the honor to be, your obedient servant.
j. l.. CnAMBERLAIN, MaJor-General
A sensational rumor is current that A. p. Gould
of Tbomaston, this evening telegraphed to General
Chamberlain that unless he recognizes Mt. Lamsor
as Governor, he is guilty of treason.
The published statement that Mr.. Lamson objected
to the Republicans entering the State House wa:
ntendent Of Public Buildings who offered the oh
lection. General Chamberlain regrets that such &
report was circulated. When the arms were re
moved to Bangor Mr.. Lawson gave his full con
sent.
Oryille ID. Baker, counsel for the Republican Ad
visory Committee, has made report IN which h'
takes the ground that the State has now no lega
or Acting Governor. because Mr. Lamson was moi
legally elected as the President Of constitutions
seaate. The Fusion Senate he argues, was not 8
legal body. OF legally organized because it has NJ
qaorum without the vote Of the members who wert
hot' In fact. elected, and did not ever
appear to be elected the face of tbt
,e'urns. The certificates these non-elec.ed mem
oen held are unconstitutional and void and
'ne uoyernor and Council exceeded their power IL
',su'ne them. since they are compelled by the Con
s'''u'ion TO issue certificates TO those who appea
,he ~ 'he returns to be elected. Such certificates Mr.
fAcf urges. are void as IL issued TO persons
tn IN, whom no votes at all were cast re
Ranasu. or the same reason the Fusion House o
eans anps.ssptatiyes has no legal status, aud also be
an " .nai House has never had O quorGm vOtinl
ecv "us ny, motion or measure. on the election Of
0''eer' even counting all the members with